All Star Voting may be over, but there is still a bunch to discuss.
Weather Issues
Not much to worry about weather-wise today.
What’s Happening
Ken Giles was optioned to AAA by the Houston Astros. This is a shocking development, but Giles was seen swearing and yelling at manager A.J. Hinch after being pulled out of last night’s game. Giles has been hit or miss this season, but obviously dealt with some anger issues. While the rest of the bullpen has been great this year, it will be interesting to see if the Astros acquire another relief pitcher at the deadline.
Mike Moustakas went 3-for-5 with two home runs versus the Twins this afternoon. Moustakas is now hitting .256/.310/.480 with 19 home runs and will likely be moved to a contender at the trade deadline considering his power potential and cheap expiring contract. He could end up being the consolation prize for a team that misses out on Manny Machado . The Yankees and Braves make a ton of sense as landing spots.
Shane Greene will return from the DL on Friday. The closer should return to his spot at the back of the Tigers bullpen, but is likely to be moved before the deadline as he is in the last year of his deal. Fantasy owners who grabbed Joe Jimenez should continue to hold on to him because he should get that job back by the end of the month.
C.J. Cron went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI versus the Tigers today. Cron is now hitting .253/.326/.475 with 18 home runs and 46 RBI on the season. Cron had been scuffling since his hot start, but now hitting over .300 in the last three weeks and has two homer in his last four games.
Starling Marte went 1-for-3 with a home run versus the Nationals on Wednesday. Marte is quietly having a monster season with 11 home runs and 23 stolen bases with a .279/.331/.465 slash in 329 plate appearances. Marte has shown all the skills to be a fantasy superstar a year off of being suspended by the league for PEDs.
Quick hits
Andrew Cashner hit the 10-Day DL with a neck strain.
Vince Velásquez will return from the DL tonight to face the Mets. He appears to be recovered from the comebacker that hit him on the elbow. Velasquez is always a high risk proposition, but versus the Mets is rarely a bad time to start anyone.
Asdrubal Cabrera is not in tonight’s lineup with a hyperextended elbow. Apparently, he injured the elbow in last night’s game, but it appears to not be very serious.
Tommy Pham returns to the lineup tonight after missing last night’s game with an ankle injury that forced him out of Sunday’s contest.
Carlos Correa will resume swinging a bat today. Correa will not likely be back until after the All-Star Break.
Former top closer prospects Bruce Rondon and Mauricio Cabrera have been released by their respective organizations. This is why you don’t roster reliever prospects in dynasty baseball.