Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets are considering demoting outfielder Michael Conforto . Conforto has struggled this season since returning from offseason surgery and with a roster crunch coming with the impending return of Yoenis Céspedes , they will have to make a decision on their outfield construction.
Brad Miller , who was recently designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays, has been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Ji-Man Choi . Miller has been decent offensively, but struggled immensely defensively. The Rays were in need of opening up a spot with the recent promotion of Jake Bauers and the rumors circulating that they will recall Willy Adames . Miller could be an interesting NL Only add with how his power could play in Miller Park if given the opportunity.
That Happened?!?
Vlad Guerrero Jr was placed on the 7-day DL in AA with a patellar tendon injury. The injury is not considered serious, but the Blue Jays will be careful with their top prospect and he will not resume baseball activities for about four weeks.
Seth Lugo threw six shutout innings in the win over the Yankees on Sunday. He tallied eight strikeouts and did not issue any walks in the outing. Lugo is filling in for Noah Syndergaard as he works his way back from a finger injury, but could get a longer look in the rotation if he continues to impress. The Mets have also recently been rumored to be shopping Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom and if they moved one or both of them, Lugo would likely step back into the regular rotation.
Clayton Richard was fantastic on Sunday versus the Marlins. He had a no hitter for the majority of the game before finally giving up a hit to Miguel Rojas . He struck out five in the outing and walked three, but it was more than enough for the win. The lefty has been much better at home than on the road, however and gets the
Braves, who crush lefties, in Atlanta later this week.
Max Muncy crushed another home run yesterday for the Dodgers. This makes the third in as many games and 12 on the season. Muncy underwent a swing change in the offseason and that and the overwhelming number of injuries that the Dodgers have sustained has given Muncy close to everyday at bats with the team. He should be grabbed in virtually all formats at this time.
Reynaldo López was very good over the Red Sox on Sunday. He allowed two runs (one earned) in 6.1 innings. Lopez has been hit or miss this season, but has shown flashes of the talent that made him one of the centerpieces of the Adam Eaton trade. He still struggles going through a lineup a second or third time, which may ultimately lead to him heading into the bullpen, but right now the White Sox have no reason not to see if Lopez can make it as a starter.
What We’ll Be Watching Today
Zach Britton will be activated from the DL. He is returning from rupturing his achilles tendon and has pitched well in the minor on his rehab assignment. He will start off in middle relief before eventually returning to the closer’s role. He will likely be shopped at the trade deadline as he is in the final year of his deal with the Orioles.
Steven Wright makes his second start of the season after a great first turn in the rotation. The knuckleballer was very sharp and gets an Orioles that strikes out at the fourth highest rate in baseball versus right-handed pitching.
Eric Thames may be reactivated from the DL by the Brewers. With the emergence of Jesus Aguilar , where and how much will Thames play?
When will Josh Donaldson be back? He was supposed to return this weekend, but is still not ready.
Can Andrew Heaney continue to dominate? He has been fantastic so far this year, but gets the great Mariners in Seattle.
Baseball. Lots of baseball.