Tim Anderson has appeared in 47 games with five homers, four steals and 26 runs scored. All of that is really strong stuff from the rookie. However, his .275 OBP is terrible and his 59:2 K/BB ratio is p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c. Love the talent, but his success ain’t going to continue with that approach.

Charlie Blackmon had 28 steals in 2014 and then a career best 43 last season. This year he has a mere 14 as foot woes have slowed his pace on the bases. Good news though as he’s stolen four bases his last 13 games. That would be a massive boost to his owners if he does indeed start running again.

Matt Carpenter returns today from the DL after missing a month with an oblique issue. His injury is one that can pop back up, and I’m always nervous with a guy coming off the DL, but he’s so talented, and consistent, that’s it’s pretty tough to doubt him.

Matt Duffy is nearing a promotion to the big leagues with the thought being he will play some second base and shortstop, and back up Evan Longoria at third base. The Rays, trying to fit everyone in the lineup, are now trying Brad Miller at first base in practice. He might get out there at some point in game action. Miller is on pace for 29 homers.

Can we admit that Freddie Freeman is just good? He’s hitting .278 with a .362 OBP and .504 SLG. The following first baseman cannot match those three numbers: Brandon Belt, Mark Trumbo, Edwin Encarnacion, Albert Pujols, Mike Napoli, Joey Votto and Paul Goldschmidt.

Jesse Hahn has been placed on the DL with a strained shoulder. Total dumpster fire this season is he.

Bryce Harper is on 30/20 pace, but the guy is flailing right now with a .105 average the last two weeks. Still wouldn’t put past him a strong finish, but this is about as ugly as it will ever get with this immense talent.

Buster Olney wrote about the Padres who might be in trouble for dealing potentially injured players.

Paulo Orlando has hit .400 the last two weeks. He only has 273 at-bats this season, but does anyone realize that the second year outfielder is batting .326? I know he has three homers, 22 RBI and 23 runs scored, but his 162 game pace would lead to a .326 batting average and 14 steals. Who can’t use that in their fifth outfielder?

Ben Revere, the last three seasons, hit .305, .306 and .306. Amazingly consistent and uber productive. This season, in 268 at-bats, he’s hit .213. That’s nearly .100 points off his established norm. Just shocking. Same thing is reflected in his BABIP. The last three years the mark has been .344, .330 and .338. This season we’re looking at a .227 mark. Obviously he’s just not right physically. It’s the only thing that makes any sense.

Joe Ross has been pulled off his rehab assignment with renewed soreness in his shoulder. He won’t be back with the Nationals this week or next (duh). Can we just admit that the Ross brother’s simply aren’t capable of consistently taking the ball without breaking? Might be too early to definitively say that, but the evidence is starting to mount. Lucas Giolito or Reynaldo Lopez will have another shot to step up.

What are the Blue Jays doing with their pitching staff and, specifically, Aaron Sanchez? My Daily Trends piece discusses the muddled situation.

Anthony Rizzo has 24 homers. Barring something crazy, he will reach 30 for a third straight year. The last time he hit a homer though was July 20th, 14 games ago.

Devin Travis has appeared in 116 big league games batting .296 with 15 homers, 62 RBI, 70 runs scored and six steals. He’s basically Jason Kipnis. That’s pretty damn good.

Mike Trout hasn’t hit a homer in two weeks. He also hasn’t stolen a base. Same time, he’s posted a .463 OBP and has scored 10 runs in 13 games. Even when he slows, he doesn’t.

Pedro Alvarez is rolling at the moment. Hyun-soo Kim has had great success against right handed pitching. Andrelton Simmons needs your attention as he has been fantastic since the All-Star break. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO.

DODGERS ROTATION

A continual mess…

Here’s what we know.

Clayton Kershaw isn’t eligible to return from his back woes until August 27th. It’s not clear if he will be able to at this point.

Rich Hill (finger) thinks he should be able to start Sunday. We’ve heard plenty of stories about him being ready to go, so I’ll believe it when it happens.

Bud Norris had an MRI on his back and was diagnosed with a back strain. He seems “destined” to hit the disabled list.

Sounds like Jose De Leon might be called upon to help stem the tide of injury at some point soon. JDL is an elite talent who I’ve previously written about. In 11 starts at Triple-A he has a 3.83 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 66 punchouts in 51.2 innings. As of this writing, JDL is still listed as the starter for Oklahoma on Saturday. Sounds like Ross Stripling will instead make the start Saturday for the Dodgers.

If Hill and JDL finally start for the Dodgers, they will become the 13th and 14th men to make a start for the Dodgers a year after they used 16.

A mess.

Speaking of pitching… check out this Daily Dive Video that talks about Vincent Velasquez, Drew Smyly and Jose Quintana.

 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Friday, 8 PM EDT, on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 11 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).