Weather Issues
The Astros/Rockies game may have thunderstorms, so it is a pretty risky play tonight. The Red Sox/Orioles game is not quite as risky, but still could face a postponement or delays because of rain.
What’s Happening
Nathan Eovaldi was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Boston Red Sox for Jalen Beeks . Eovaldi has been pretty good except for a couple bad outings this year in his first season back from Tommy John Surgery. He should slot right into the Red Sox rotation. Beeks is a nice acquisition for the Rays as a Major League ready pitcher. He has limited upside, but could be a mid-rotation arm at some point in his career.
Yoenis Céspedes will have season ending surgery on his ailing heel. Cespedes was never able to really get going in 2018, hitting .262/.325/.496 with nine home runs and three stolen bases in just 38 games. He is signed through 2020 with the Mets, so he should be back in an everyday role once 2019 begins.
Freddy Peralta was recalled from Low-A. He pitched six innings and struck out seven, but also allowed seven earned runs on four hits and four walks. This is the kind of pitcher Peralta will likely be. He has the ability to dominate with the deception of his funky delivery, but when his mechanics get out of whack, he will give up too many walks and can be hit around. Unless the Brewers acquire a number of starters down the stretch, he should have a role in the rotation, though his long term future is likely as a reliever.
According to a number of sources, the Toronto Blue Jays are close to trading J.A. Happ . Happ has struggled as of late, posting a 5.20 ERA over his last seven starts for the Jays. He had a 3.71 ERA through his first 13 starts this season. Happ is in the last year of his deal, so likely won’t break the bank for the team that acquires him. The Cubs and Yankees have been the most talked about teams interested in Happ.
Walker Buehler was recalled by the Dodgers for today’s game versus the Phillies. He threw just 4.2 innings, allowing five runs on five hits and a walk, though two of his earned runs came in after he was pulled in the fifth. Buehler has shown the stuff to be a frontline starter at some point, but it likely won’t happen this year as he is likely to face an innings cap or move to the bullpen somewhere down the line.
Matt Andriese has been traded to the Diamondbacks from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher Michael Perez and RHP Brian Shaffer. Andriese has turned into a valuable middle reliever for the Rays this season after going back and forth from the rotation to the pen in recent seasons. He will likely just be a middle man for Arizona.
Brad Hand got his first save for the Indians since being traded to Cleveland a few days ago. Hand entered the game in the eighth, but after the Indians blew the game open in the next half inning, he stayed on to close it out. Hand will likely split time with incumbent closer Cody Allen , who has struggled this season.
According to Jon Heyman, the Phillies have expressed interest in Adam Jones . Jones has full no-trade power, but may be willing to waive that to go to a contender as he is in the last year of his deal. The Orioles have been parting with pieces left and right, so it won’t be surprising to see them jettison the former face of their franchise.
Danny Duffy was crushed for seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks in 5.2 innings versus the Tigers. Duffy has been hit or miss this season and recently mentioned in numerous trade rumors, so this doesn’t help the Royals case to move him. Duffy could be a nice piece for any competing team looking for a lefty starter.
Quick hits
Gary Sánchez is likely going to miss a month with his groin injury that he suffered on Monday night.
Domingo Santana was pulled from his game in AAA today. There was no apparent injury issue, so this may be trade related.
Byron Buxton is expected to be activated from the DL in AAA tomorrow. Buxton has been injured since being sent down by the Twins. If he can get on a hot streak, he could be back up soon for the Twins.
Jesse Winker will miss his second straight game with a shoulder injury. Reports are coming out that this may end him up on the 10-Day DL.
According to manager Joe Maddon, Kris Bryant may need another DL stint for his ailing shoulder. This is concerning news especially since Bryant has underperformed expectations this season.