Trade Rumors

Jeff Passan of Yahoo, reported that the Kansas City Royals have inquired about Ryon Healy . Healy may be on the block once Robinson Canó returns from suspension. The Mariners have stated that Cano could see a fair amount of time at first base since they do not want to move Dee Gordon off of second base. This would hurt Healy’s playing time dramatically.

According to Jon Morosi, the Brewers are toying with acquiring Mike Moustakas and moving third baseman Travis Shaw to second base. This would be a cheap option for the Brewers who need to bolster the middle of their infield/ Moustakas signed a cheap one year deal with Kansas City after not finding a long term deal this offseason. He would be a great fit in Miller Park and is almost guaranteed to be traded by the deadline.

According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Rockies are scouting Orioles starters Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy . There have not been any indications on what the Orioles would be looking for in return or whether or not they would even have interest in trading either starter, but they are obviously beginning what would appear to be a long rebuild and with both Bundy and Gausman having multiple years of control, they should be able to get a decent return if they do decide to part ways with either of them.

According to Jon Heyman, teams that have inquired with the Marlins about J.T. Realmuto believe that he will not be traded. Realmuto is having a great season and was a hot name in rumors before the start of the season, but it appears the Marlins do not want to trade their last big name asset at the moment.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, that multiple teams have inquired with the Rays about Chris Archer . Archer has been a constant name in trade rumors over the last couple of years, but Tampa Bay has yet to pull the trigger. Archer has been inconsistent this season, but had his best start of the season this week versus the Marlins. With an affordable contract, the Rays could get back a nice haul for Archer, but they don’t need to blow things up if they don’t want to.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, while the Dodgers are interested in acquiring Baltimore closer Zach Britton , they are close to going over the luxury tax threshold and would need to figure out salary relief in order to get a deal done. Olney stated that one of the possibilities being discussed would be a swap for outfielder Yasiel Puig . The Dodgers have depth in the outfield and could afford to part with the controversial outfielder. Puig’s bat would play very nicely in Camden Yards, so this would be a very interesting swap if it did occur.

 

That Happened?!?

José Abreu hit his 14th home run of the season on Monday versus the Angels. Prior to the game, it was reported the White Sox would likely not trade the veteran first baseman in spite of their rebuilding efforts. Abreu is hitting just .253/.315/.441 this year, but has gotten a bit unlucky in the BABIP department, so he should rebound some even though his flyball percentage and hard hit rates are down slightly.

Luis Severino was crushed for seven runs versus the Rays on Monday. He gave up home ruins to Jake Bauers and Daniel Robertson , but still struck out eight in just five innings of work. This is his second bad outing in a row, but there isn’t much to worry about for the MLB leader in pitcher wins. Severino has developed into a bonafide ace in fantasy and with the Yankees offense behind him, he is usually going to be in line for a win no matter how he pitches. He should be able to get back on track in his next start since he is facing the putrid Royals at home.

Daniel Poncedeleon threw seven no-hit innings on Monday versus the Reds. He walked three and struck out three in the outing before being replaced by Jordan Hicks (who would surrender the first hit of the game) for the eighth inning. This was Poncedeleon’s first Major League start. He was a decent prospect of note before getting hit in the head with a line drive in May of last season. He sported three pitches yester day with a fastball that sat 92-93 mph with a cutter and a decent change. He may not be in the rotation long for the Cardinals, but this outing should ensure at least another start.

 

What We’ll Be Watching Today

A day after being pushed back for Joey Lucchesi , Eric Lauer will face off against the Mets. While Lauer has been pretty good this season and is facing a Mets offense that is truly atrocious versus left-handed pitching. Lauer is a nice sneaky DFS play. He faces off against Zack Wheeler , who has been rumored as another Mets that could be traded soon.

Drew Pomeranz returns to the mound for the Red Sox versus the Orioles. The Orioles are a nice matchup and reports from Pomeranz’s minor league rehab assignment were encouraging, but he is a huge risk in Camden.

Clay Bucholz also returns from the DL versus the Cubs in Wrigley. Buchholz was great in his first go around with the Diamondbacks, posting a 2.56 ER an impressive 15.7% K-BB rate.

Justin Turner was placed on the 10-Day DL with a groin injury. With Turner hitting the DL, Manny Machado will reportedly slide over from shortstop to third base in his absence. Machado has only played one game at third this year, but if Turner misses enough time, he could regain eligibility there for next season.

According to manager Davey Martinez, Nationals shortstop Trea Turner will be benched due to lack of hustle. Turner did not run out a bunt during Monday’s contest and it apparently pissed off his manager. This seems like an overreaction, but Turner appears to be taking it in stride and saying the right things to get back in his manager’s good graces. Wilmer Difo should be in the starting lineup today with Turner riding the pine.

Baseball. Lots of baseball.