Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”

Adbert Alzolay was removed from his start on Tuesday with AAA-Iowa with a lat strain. This is particularly important as rumors where that he would likely make his MLB debut with the Cubs later this week. That is most likely not happening now as the prospect will likely hit the DL in AAA.

I don't know what is going on in the Mets clubhouse, but both Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard are both struggling with finger injuries. Syndergaard’s forced him to go to the hospital and being placed on the DL. Matz was forced out of his start on Tuesday because of it. Thor is supposedly only going to have a minimum stay on the DL and Matz is considered day-to-day at this time.

That Happened?!?

Ronald Guzman went 4-for-4 with three RBIs on Tuesday in the Rangers win over the Mariners. Guzman is hitting .298/.389/.638 with four home runs and a stolen base over the last two weeks. Guzman has played very regularly since being called up to play first base, but lacks the power of a traditional first baseman in spite of the fact he is 6-foot-5. He will likely grow into more power as his frame matures and he puts on more weight, but for now you can ride the hot streak and be ready to drop him once he slows down.

Evan Longoria hit two solo home runs on Tuesday in the Giants loss to the Rockies in Colorado. After a slow start to his Giants career after being traded from the Rays in the offseason, Longo is hitting .282/.312/.476 with four home runs over the last four weeks. Unfortunately, all of his home runs over this span have happened on the road, highlighting some of the problems with the situation Giants hitters face playing in AT&T Park.

Brandon Nimmo had a nice night at the plate in Atlanta on Tuesday. He went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases. He is now hitting .292/.404/.667 over the last two weeks with four homers and four stolen bases. Nimmo is really amazing versus right-handed pitching, but has crushed it in general this year in spite of having no stand out fantasy tool or consistent playing time. With a lack of depth in the Mets outfield right now, Nimmo is worth riding in any size league right now, especially if you use OBP.

Evan Gattis hit his sixth homer of the season on Tuesday versus the Yankees. Gattis has heated up as of late, going .326/.400/.744 with five bombs in the last three weeks after struggling to start the season. Brian McCann has also hit the DL with knee soreness, so Gattis should get plenty of opportunity to build on this hot streak.

What We’ll Be Watching Today

Anthony Rizzo was not hit by a pitch on Tuesday in retaliation for his dirty slide on Monday:

 

He did hit a home run though, so I would expect him to get his just deserts today.

Joe Musgrove . Aside from the drama stated above, Musgrove makes his second start of the season after a strong debut. Can he stop the potent Cubs lineup and will the drama affect him?

Jon Gray versus the Giants. Gray has really struggled in Colorado this year, but has top 20 starting pitcher stuff. Can he get it together against a poor Giants squad?

Nathan Eovaldi  versus Sean Manaea … Eovaldi makes his season debut after getting hurt in spring training. Manaea has struggled since throwing a no hitter earlier this year.

Can Rougned Odor keep it going? Odor is hitting .303/.324/.485 since hitting his first home run of the season on May 21st. He gets James Paxton and the Mariners today, so it’s a tough matchup, but this is very encouraging for Odor.

What is Patrick Corbin ’s velocity? He has struggled with his velo over the last month and it has drastically affected his results and stuff. He gets the Reds at home today.

Baseball. Lots of baseball.