The All-Star break is over. Games start on Friday with the Dodgers taking on the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. The Red Sox have been playing a lot better of late. They have pulled to within 4.5 games of division leading Baltimore and are just 3.5 back of the Yankees. Boston looks to be a buyer at the deadline at this point, and like almost all of the contending teams, they are going to be looking for pitching.
One would have to surmise that there are going to be a lot of bidders for the available arms. And as such, the price of those arms are going to rise accordingly. There has been a lot of debate on this site and many other related to Dodger baseball, as to who the Dodgers should target.
The deadline is 9 days away. As we all know, the Dodgers have an All-Star team full of pitchers on the IL. They are expecting, and hoping, that more than a few of them can return. But can they afford to pass up a trade that brings a quality arm to the team based on the hope that Kershaw, Buehler, Miller and Yamamoto are going to be healthy enough come playoff time?
The Dodger farm system is deep in talent, but some of those kids are still a couple years away. They are thin in MLB ready position players. I would believe, and Jeff pointed out in his recent post, that very few if any of those guys are going to be highly sought after by any trade partners the Dodgers might line up with.
For that reason, I have to believe they are not going to try to get the biggest name on the block right now, Crochet, and instead aim a little lower, someone like Flaherty or Elfin. Of course, in 9 days we will see what the plan is. I do know this; AF has made some large deals at the deadline, and he has also made some which are below the radar. Such was his trade for Yarbrough last year. No one saw that coming. I also think that was one of his few trades that was done out of desperation. He missed on Rodriguez, and then felt he had to do something to add to the pitching staff.
As fans, we are for the most part, extremely impatient. We want things done now, not next week or the week after. I also get the feeling with this generation of Dodger fans that they won’t be satisfied this time with simply making it to the playoffs. It is championship or else time. If Dave Roberts does not lead this team with all this talent to the title, fans are going to be calling for his head more than they ever have before. And no excuse, no matter how valid, is going to matter.
Some of the blame will fall on Freidman too. After all, he assembled this roster, he has brought in guys like Biggio, Ramirez, Feyereisen and others who have not helped much. He has kept players who are underperforming on the roster instead of just getting rid of them ASAP. Of course, some of these guys are not that easy to just get rid of, like Chris Taylor.
Fans are impatient for more than just division titles. They want the big one, and they want it for a full season. Two of the Dodgers last three Champs have come in shortened seasons. 1981 and 2020. Fans want a full season Championship so they can feel their bragging rights are earned.
Affiliate’s Scores:
OKC lost in 10 innings, 2-1. The game had been scoreless through 9 innings. Bobby Miller went 5 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits with 4 walks and 4 K’s. Little, Flynn Vanasco and Hahn all followed with scoreless innings. With 1 out in the 10th, Owings drove in Trejo for the first run. In the bottom of the 10th, Hahn recorded one out then gave up a game winning 2 run homer to Matt Whatley. OKC and Round Rock have split the first two games of their three-game series with OKC winning on Friday when Kershaw started the game, 10-6. Ward hit his 25th homer and Sweeney his 13th.
Tulsa shut out NW Arkansas 2-0. Alleyne drove in the second run with a double in the top of the second inning. Drillers only had 4 hits. Duran, 3.1, Harris, 0,2, Romero, 3, Wepf, 2 combined for the shutout. Rovero got his 2nd win, and Wepf his 3rd save. NW won Friday’s game, 7-2.
Great Lakes beat Lansing, 6-2 in 12 innings. Great Lakes had tied the game in the top of the 9th when Mongelli tripled and then scored on a fielder’s choice by Jake Gelof. The game remained tied until the top of the 12th. Mongelli got aboard on an error, Gelof was hit by a pitch. Thompson walked loading the bases. Nelson Quiroz singled to center scoring Mongelli and Gelof, Thompson went to second. DePaula singled on a ball deflected to the SS with Thompson scoring on a throwing error by the SS Angeles. Liranzo then singled to end the scoring. Neeck who threw 2 scoreless innings got the win, his 2nd. Jackson Ferris started and went 6 innings giving up 2 hits, one run, walking 3 and striking out 5. Third win in a row for the Loons who beat Lansing 4-2 on Friday.
Rancho with a 4-3 win over Lake Elsinore. Quakes trailed 3-0 in the bottom of the 5th and rallied to score 3 to tie the game. Rojas tripled to start the inning. With one out, he scored on a sac-fly by Jose Meza. Alonso singled than Osorio walked. George singled to center, Alonso scored, and Osorio went to third. McLain singled to right and Osorio scored. Then in the bottom of the 6th, three straight walks loaded the bases with 2 outs. Osorio then walked to force in a run. Quakes made it stand up as Emmett, Tiburcio, Yean and Ruebeck finished the game off. This despite Yean walking the bases loaded with 1 out in the 9th. Wallace got his second win and Ruebeck his third save. Lake Elsinore won Fridays game 15-5.
The Dodgers showed a lot of grit and fight winning the game, 7-6 over Boston in a see-saw battle that went 11 innings. Wrobleski started and went 4,1 innings with the Dodgers ahead on Gavin Lux’s third homer of the year. Ramirez came in and immediately coughed up the lead. Ramirez gave up 3 hits, a walk and 2 runs. In the bottom of the 6th, Ohtani doubled, Smith struck out. Freeman then walked. Teo singled to right scoring Shohei, and he went to second and Freeman to 3rd on a throwing error by Abreu. Pages then hit a sac-fly scoring Freeman. Banda in to relieve. After retiring the first hitter, he walked Duran and then Tyler O’Neill hit a 2-run homer to put the Sox back on top. The Dodgers loaded the bases in the bottom of the 8th with 1 out but Rojas hit into an inning ending DP. In the bottom of the 9th, Kike, who had replaced Lux in the 7th, slugged his 6th homer into the left-center field seats to tie the game. Taylor doubled on what was ruled fan interference. Kenley Jansen, who had not given up a homer all year until Kike’s blast, then walked Shohei intentionally. Smith and then Freeman flied out to end the 9th. Phillips came in for the 10th. Duran was placed on second, and O’Neill then hit his second 2-run homer of the game putting Boston ahead 6-4. In the bottom of the 10th, Freeman started the inning at second. Teo Struck out then Pages doubled to left scoring Freeman. After Rojas Kd for the second out, Kike singled up the middle and Pages scored tying the game at 6-6. Kike was called out trying to stretch the single to a double. Treinen came in for the top of the 11th and did not allow a run. In the bottom of the 11th. Kike started the inning as the ghost runner on second. Biggio PH for Vargas and sacrificed Kike to third. Taylor then walked. Shohei was walked intentionally loading the bases with 1 out. Will Smith then singled to left scoring Kike and winning the game. Treinen got the win. Lux was 2-2 with a double and a homer. Kike was 2-3 with a homer and 2 driven in. Teo and Freeman also had 2 hits. The team had 12. Teo also recorded an outfield assist with a great throw to third for a double play in the 3rd inning.
Born June 14th, 1948, in Los Angeles California. AKA The Bear
Shout out to Brent Honeywell
Another under the radar pick-up by AF.
One has to wonder if Gavin Lux is finally hitting his stride. He hit both of his hits with authority. He has always been a good hitter. Maybe he is finally feeling it. D-Backs GM, Hazen, said they will be buyers at the deadline. Some teams are beginning to sign their draft choices. The Dodgers have not signed any of theirs yet. Rizzo confirmed that Lane Thomas and Kyle Finnegan are both available in trade. Angels signed Johnny Cueto to a minor league deal. The Royals placed P Jordan Lyles on release waivers. Twins placed Correa and Paddack on the IL. Phillies got JT Realmuto back off of the IL.
Great win but is it time to get a little worried about Phillips ? Another huge HR given up by him.
Lux and Kike with excellent games , bottom of the order did get on base often, setting up the big guns well. What a catch by Outman!
Wrobleski pitched a very good 4.1 innings, would have liked Doc to let him finish the inning .
Something wrong with Joendry Vargas ? Not played in a while.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One heck of a gutsy performance by the team last night. Bullpen was shaky. Phillips recent struggles are cause for some concern.
I believe that AF should concentrate on beefing up the bullpen at the deadline. One or two high leverage relievers. I would make that a priority over a top of the rotation starting pitcher. Won’t cost as much in prospects either. A middle of the rotation inning eating starter would be a good acquisition. Flaherty??
Rojas seems to have hit a wall. When Mookie comes back, they could start him at SS and Lux at 2B against RHP. Start Rojas at SS and Mookie at 2B against LHP.
I would still look for an upgrade for the outfield. Pham would not cost a lot. Perhaps we could use his kind of edge come playoff time.
So, what do you all think?
Kershaw gave up 3 runs in 4 innings with an 87 mph fastball in the 4th inning. Is he actually going to pitch for the Dodgers soon?
“Too late. The situation is that shaky. The Dodgers are that desperate.” Plaschke
He’s not wrong.
Still 9 days left.
Yesterday in my last post I had “Hernández looks done” already typed when he went deep. Then he got other hit. The bench sure looks different when he does that. Will he do it some more? Rojas, last 46 PA’s, an OPS of .501. Taylor, last 55 PA’s, an OPS of .559. Lux, yesterday, first multiple hit game since March.
Still 9 days left. Bichette, Robert Jr, Flaherty/Eflin, Paredes. I know we can’t get them all, but…. 3 out 5?
I do not expect much from Clayton when he returns (apparently slated for Thursday game vs Giants). Bobby Miller pitched 5 scorless innings yesterday at OKC, 3h, 4bb , 5ks. 4 seamer sat 96-98 mph but he had command problems. Was effectively wild and made the pitches when he had to, eg. couple ground ball DPs.
But it was progress. I have more confidence that he will help than Clayton. Getting away with 87-88 mph on his fastball at MLB level is doubtful.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!
Location location location
Wasn´t all that good either on Friday at OKC.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
Wasn’t that bad either. It was extremely hot in Texas that evening. A couple of those hits were bleeders.
Maybe Yarbs could give Clayton some pointers.
Bichette went back on the IL yesterday with calf problems again. Doubtful AF would waste prospects on another walking wounded player who is having his worst year.
“The Dodger farm system is deep in talent…”
Do we have anyone decent who can play the OF? The last two years we brought up Outman and Pages. The former can’t hit but is good with the glove….the latter is an okay hitter but stinks with the glove. Anyone who can do both close to being called up? -TM
disclaimer: I did not include Vargas because he is not an OF, but if I did include him, I would say can’t hit, can’t field.
Maybe Ward
I don’t think Pages “stinks with the glove”.
He’s ok in center, but much better in RF.
He didn’t exactly look much better yesterday. But, the sun got his eyes and he lost the ball in the crowd and …. whatever. Outman is ok defensively, Hernandez is a’ight, but overall our outfield kinda stinks. In fact, the entire defense looks sub average to me, though I’ve been told DRS says otherwise. Rojas is good. I can’t say that about anyone else. Even Outman, who’s made some good catches out there has only played 45 games and has a negative dWAR.
We slug. That’s what we do and with the pitching the way it is we better continue to slug.
Not Ward either. Ward is in the long line of good hit but where to play defensively players in the LAD organization. This year Ward has 19 GS at 1B, 15 GS in LF, 23 GS in RF, and 13 GS at DH. He has a career fielding percentage of .976 in LF and .960 in RF. Those are not good defensive numbers for an outfielder.
Perhaps the two best complete OF prospects in the LAD organization are Eduardo Quintero and Zyhir Hope both Rookie League OF. From the scouting reports I have read, Josue De Paula is no longer considered a liability in the OF, but he is certainly not a plus defender. Don’t DH him. Keep him playing the OF. He does not need to DH.
We are adding Glasnow, Kershaw, Ryan & Miller. How’s that for an influx of talent?
Kershaw is on the 60-day IL and will need a 40-man roster spot to be opened prior to taking the ball.
So, who gets DFA’d?
biggio, Ramirez, Feyereisen, Kike . Take your pick.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I believe Feyereisen has already been removed from the 40-man and Kike won’t be going anywhere this week after his heroics yesterday.
I’m guessing it’s going to be someone named Ramirez.
Nick Ramirez is still on the 40-man but in the minors.
Yohan is on the 26-man.
Last night was a very entertaining game. Exchanging punches down the stretch was great baseball. Good on Will Smith, coming up big.
I loved his interview as well. He’s such a calm and focused presence. I see him, if he’s interested, as having a successful future as a Manager. He’s not someone who throw a chair but his level head, professionalism and knowledge would be a major asset, especially in the Minor Leagues.
What a catch by Outman in center.
Tough day for Rojas. A check swing, for a tapper back to the pitcher and a double play, is the worst. You could see the anguish on his face.
The quiet hero to me was Gavin Biggio. His successful sac bunt getting Kike to 3rd, set up the whole inning. He apparently hadn’t bunted in 2 years but his fundamentals were excellent. Got the bat out front, at the top of the zone and used his legs to adjust to the height of the pitch, let the ball travel to the bat and don’t “poke-at-it”. Well done.
One thing a hitter can count on when he shows bunt is to get busted up and in, with a knuckle-busting fastball, like Biggio got on the first pitch.
One of the most misunderstood rules at any level of baseball is on bunts. Most everyone (certainly not folks here) players, announcers and fans don’t understand that a hitter does NOT have to pull the bat back to avoid a strike call. He just has to NOT offer at the pitch or basically attempt to bunt the ball. It is absolutely within the rules to put the bat out front, not move it, and take a ball, and keep the bat in the zone. Fans would scream to high heaven but no attempt, is the key. Not where the bat is.
I think Phillips needs to relinquish the highest leverage guy in the pen for a while.
Bear, I agree with your statement that for many fans it’s World Series or Bust.
But I disagree with your statement “As fans, we are for the most part, extremely impatient. We want things done now, not next week or the week after”.
I don’t think it’s impatience, after 99 games, 60% of the entire season, to unhappy with a roster of position players that includes .217/.581, .198/.584, .193/.596, .156/.525, .153/.508?
We’ll see what moves are made.
Why is Chris Taylor “NOT Easy to get rid of?” Because he’s popular? Because he’s been productive in the past? Because he is slightly improve lately but is a strikeout waiting to happen?
No, it’s because AF gave him a stupid contract and owes him 20 million. With all the money spent, AF has his panties in a wad over $22 million. Do we get to watch this next year over $15 million? It’s a production business.
Everyone is aware that are pitching was devastated with injuries and help arrears on the way. But the position players outside of about 7 guys, is not a World Series caliber group. I’m not asking for an all-star team at every position. Just better production throughout the order.
I was amazed when AF signed Taylor for 4 years/$60M. I thought that was double what he was worth. They cut Crawford loose, so why not Taylor?
Crawford was one dimensional and constantly injured at that point. Taylor is versatile and adds defense if nothing else.
Totally understand that Phil. But dumping that much money would have to come from above. Not sure ownership would be pleased and just say, yeah, let’s waste 22 million and drop the guy. That is why he is hard to just release. The impatient comes from they want trades made now, not at the deadline.
Biggie bunts a runner to 3rd to set up out #2 via strike out (Taylor).
Didn’t happen but odds were high that it would
I watched when they brought back Buehler and as they did so I said “too soon”.
I watched when they brought back Miller and as they did so I said “too soon”.
Now I’m about to see Clayton return this Thursday and again I’m saying “too soon”.
He had serious surgery last fall and no spring training this year. He’s thrown a few bullpens, and had his first rehab assignment curtailed by soreness. He then came back and threw a couple of games at RC and OKC and has apparently convinced the higher ups that he’s ready. The numbers in his last start tell me he isn’t.
We currently have a starting rotation of Glasnow, Stone, Knack, Wrobleski, Paxton and probably, as of Monday, River Ryan. All of the first five guys are pitching decently. What’s the big hurry with Clayton? Our starters, even the supposedly healthy ones, are having a hard time going 5 innings and that is ultimately going to destroy the bullpen come playoff time, or possibly much sooner.
Now we add CK who had a hard time going 4 innings against AAA competition.
Someone please explain this to me.
3rd time is the charm?
I will give it a try. The Dodgers have no idea how CK will pitch against MLB batters, and the last time they can evaluate this before the deadline is Thursday against SFG. If he pitches again at OKC, that will not give any clearer image as to whether he is ready for MLB. He has one more opportunity to show if he is capable of being an option down the stretch, and the Dodgers are siding with seeing what he has against actual MLB hitters (even if they are SFG). If he proves to not be ready, he rejoins Buehler on the IL.
Jeff, great point on the Dodgers getting a look at CK before the deadline.
I’m not optimistic about CK, but if he shows any effectiveness, how about him being a one inning bullpen piece? He may not love that but then again, he may be effective in that role, given the right circumstances.
How was his stuff and velo the first inning?
I guess my point Jeff was that if he isn’t really ready at AAA, he is hardly ready for prime time, but I guess his performance this Thursday may have a direct effect on AF’s strategy for the deadline.
We’re in for a fascinating 10 days.
Agree 100% that Kershaw may not be ready for prime time. But your second half of the statement is what is driving Kersh to pitch Thursday (IMO).
I don’t see Kershaw accepting a one-inning bullpen role. Pride is one reason he is Kershaw.
He’s succeeded with lower velocity before. Can he keep it up?
I did not agree CK would accept being a 1 inning pitcher. I agreed that he does not appear ready for MLB hitters.
STB, not to be knit-picky, but often the starters are not “having a hard time going 5 innings” as much as they aren’t allowed to go past 5 innings. There is a lot of paranoia and pitch and innings management going on a justifiably so with our recent histories of injury. I don’t think Glasnow was injured at all. He got time off to control his innings.
It’s really frustrating to me as a computer to see a starter pulled at 80 pitchers when he’s dealing. Especially in the middle of an inning. I believed that hitters told the Skipper when his starter was done.
But the injuries to hard throwing, pitchers has changed everything. Is it now being overcautious? I don’t know, I don’t love it, but I get it.
Yeah, I wasn’t thrilled to see Wrobo pulled yesterday, but I do understand their worries about keeping the starters available for the post season when most everyone has already exceeded their previous high in innings pitched.
Oh, and I forgive you Phil for being knit-picky since you make a very valid point.
And to go you one up in that regard, I believe it’s spelled nitpicky. 😂
STB, truly priceless, correcting a guy for nit-picking a misspelling nitpicky. ❤️
I think Adam Wainwright made that exact point after Wrobleski got pulled. Paraphrasing – “This is one the data beat the eyes on. I would have left him in. My eyes say he was doing fine, and deserved to continue.” Understanding that Adam does not know the conversations the Dodgers had before the game or through the game. It was reported that Wrobleski was going to face 17 or 18 hitters. He faced 17. But his point is valid. If you do not let your starters push it a little, how are they going to build on going deeper and pitching to the lineup a 3rd time, if they can’t do it while pitching a shutout?
Was Wrobo starting through the lineup for a third time? His pitch count was up for the number of innings pitched.
Yes, Banda got Refsnyder out on that great catch by Outman, then Duran got on and O’Neill homered.
He just retired Dom Smith. Smith was his 17th AB. He was pulled before he faced the #9 hitter, Ceddanne Rafaela. Roberts was appararntly happy stopping Wrobo after 17 and brought in a RHP to face the RH hitting Rafaela. He was not going to let Wrobo pitch to Refsnyder, Durran, or O’Neill a third time. Guys were getting closer as he could not get that third strike by hitters. A lot of 2 strike fouls.
Oh no it’s that time of year again. Kershaw watch!
Please don’t let him be a distraction again.
Please let us learn from our previous mistakes.
And please let’s not waste any more money that could be better spent elsewhere over the off season.
Kershaw is not a distraction, never has been. He is only making 2 million, so I do not think they are wasting money. He has stayed loyal to the organization and done everything they have asked. If he blows this one start, then he most likely won’t get another since the deadline is five days after he starts. At least they will have some idea what he is capable, or not capable of.
Dodgers signed reliever Nick Anderson to a minor league contract. Anderson was recently DFAd by the Royals.
Jason Heyward has been activated from the IL and James Outman has been optioned to OKC. Could this signify the end of the Outman era with the Dodgers? There is no reason to carry a 27 year old OF you do not believe can benefit the MLB team.
Preview of bullpen pieces to come?
Anderson had some good times with the Braves but injuries have hit him hard over the last couple of years.
Those opt outs come pretty quickly so we shall see.
Outman is a streaky hitter but also clearly the best CF on the team–and he’s just one season removed from a .790 OPS and 3rd place finish for ROY. If the Dodgers don’t want him, they should deal him.
Vargas is a project in LF and, despite the hype, hasn’t really proven himself as a ML hitter. He’d have more value on a team than could play him at 1B or DH.
Lux was supposed to be a starting SS but he’s now in a platoon at 2B–a position that seems earmarked for Mookie.
Which of these players could fit in the long-term plans of the Dodgers?
I think they both are trade bait. Rumor is that both the Dodgers and the Orioles are having preliminary talks with the Tigers about Skubal. Detroit is listening. Why wouldn’t they. But in all reality, they are only going to trade him if they are literally blown away by the trade package. Baltimore can give them much better prospects than the Dodgers can.
Lux, Vargas and Outman aren’t prospects.
No, but why would Detroit want more than one of them?
Maybe they wouldn’t. But they might want two plus a prospect.
I think they would want more than that. Baltimore can give them Holliday, who would be their SS for years.
Pat Listach, Bob Hamelin, Butch Metzger, Chris Coughlin, Joe Charboneau, and Angel Berroa are all former ROY that became negative WAR players for the remainder of their careers, starting with their sophomore year. Outman is 27 years old. That is not a young prospect. It isn’t that uncommon for a player to have a good rookie season, and then cannot find it the year(s) after. Outman is back at OKC. I do not think he will be back this year, and I am an Outman fan. The Dodgers have chosen J-Hey over James. Do you really think the best use of Outman is to play CF at OKC or perhaps package him for a pitcher or CF. Is he anything more than a platoon OF for a contending team? Defensive replacement? Would he do better for Detroit, CWS, or Miami while bringing the Dodgers a better player for the Dodgers?
I agree Vargas is a 1B/DH player and have said so for the last 2-3 years. IMO, he is not going to fulfill his expectations with LAD.
Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado, Ha-Seong Kim…were all supposed to be starting SS and found another starting position. Jake Cronenworth can also be added to that list. Because Lux did not break camp as the SS does not mean he cannot be a successful 2B. What I have a problem with Lux is his lack of hustle. If you are asking would the Dodgers do better with a SS and Mookie at 2B, I would say yes if one was available.
Vargas has been slowly doing his disappearing act for the last month. I thought there might be hope for him but I don’t think this is the case. Trade him along with Outman and Lux. No need to keep worrying about players who are not really producing at key positions. It’s a waste of energy for all.
Just watched a video of Ron Washington on Facebook. I guess he has reached his breaking point. He really went off on the team. Said the team has no cojones.
Isn’t anybody going to mention the Bob Nightingale rumor from this morning, about the Dodgers talking to the CWS about not only Crochet, but Roberts, and Kopech?
I hate to bring up Nightingale rumors because he doesn’t seem to be as connected as he once was, but it would be a heck of a trade. It wouldn’t fix the middle of the infield, but it would address CF offense, SP, and shore up the bullpen a little
He has been wrong a lot more than he has been right.
Maybe he’s due to be right again.
Idea makes sense, I just do not see the Dodgers meeting what is bound to be a huge price. Crochet is past his highest ever innings count already. Limiting his innings does not really help the starting rotation. They would be better off trading for Flaherty.
Yes. And with Phillips struggling they need to get some reliable high leverage bullpen arms.
Help on the way?
In OKC:
Grove: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K; 22 pitches/16 strikes
Graterol: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K; 20 pitches/16 strikes
I would still feel more optimistic if AF got us another top drawer reliever. Especially for the playoffs. I don’t think you can ever have enough high leverage relievers.
Flaherty. Yeah, good choice. But Crochet, 25, looks like a beast. Would like to see him well rested pitching for us in October. And as far as “highest ever” innings count, he’s only been in the Majors for 4 seasons, and one of them, his first, he only pitched 6 innings. Who knows what his limit might be but it sure isn’t 107 innings. I’d get him and Robert Jr if it all possible.
I honestly do not think AF is going to be willing to pay the price for what the Sox will want for those two guys. And at this point, Arozarena would be a much cheaper and better option than Robert Jr.
Dodgers got trouble if Rojas’ injury keeps him out for an extended period.
Supposedly not serious. Will be out a few days.
Lux finally rounding into form?
OPS steadily rising.
The advantages of not having to worry about the division for an extended period of time.
Per Morosi:
The Reds, swept by the Nats this weekend, are indicating to teams that they are willing to move players on expiring contracts.
The Orioles are among the clubs with interest in their pitching, including Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez.
Per Kiley M:
The Braves are calling up IF Nacho Alvarez Jr., per source. Ozzie Albies broke his wrist so the Braves top infield prospect gets the call from Triple-A. It isn’t a public update yet, but Alvarez Jr. recently moved into the back end of my Top 100 prospects list.
Sure, looks like Lux has finally found it. 2 doubles, 2 homers in his last 5 hits.
Crochet had been a reliever up until this year, so he could be flipped back to the bull pen at playoff time, or just to manage his innings once the starting staff members start coming back from the IL. I think Roberts is a more impactful bat, over Arozarena, if I remember right he had 38 HRs last season. I think Roberts has an option after this season, so it wouldn’t necessarily be a rental. Crochet isn’t a FA until after the 2026 season.
I’m surprised the FO has been as patient as it has with Lux, it looks like it may work out after all, personally I was ready to give up on him when they had to move him to second in ST due to his throwing issues.