Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”
Garrett Richards has been diagnosed with damage to his UCL. Richards was experiencing some “forearm irritation” during his outing on Tuesday, but was pulled after experiencing the symptoms and a sudden big velocity drop. This is likely to end his 2018 campaign and threaten his 2019 season if he needs Tommy John Surgery.
According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees have made a very strong offer to the Orioles for Manny Machado . The Yankees are reportedly willing to discuss a big name from their farm system, most likely Justus Sheffield or Clint Frazier . The Yankees reportedly were interested in acquiring Machado before the start of the season, but that was nixed by Baltimore ownership, so there is no guarantee that won’t happen again.
According to manager Dave Roberts, Julio Urías will face hitters for the first time since shoulder surgery. Urias is slowly working his way back from this devastating injury and likely won’t pitch in the Majors until next year, but he is a former top-10 prospect and dynasty and keeper league owners should take note.
That Happened?!?
Carlos Rodon threw 7.1 innings of scoreless baseball on Wednesday while striking out seven. He only allowed two walks in the outing which is also encouraging. Rodon has been hit or miss since returning from off-season surgery, but has shown decent command and the velocity seems fine. Rodon will likely not be a star this year, but there is still a ton of talent in the left-hander’s arm and he could be an interesting buy-low or sleeper next year.
Elvis Andrus stole his first base of the season on Wednesday versus Chris Sale and the Red Sox. It was only Andrus’ second attempt of the year after missing about two months with a fractured elbow. Andrus has stolen at least 24 bases in each of his first nine seasons and while it may be difficult for him to repeat that this year after the injury, there is no reason to think he still can’t get to double digits before the end of this season.
Sonny Gray threw six scoreless innings and struck out eight versus the Orioles. Gray has struggled quite a bit as of late, but there is nothing like the Orioles swing happy offense to help fix what ails you. Gray has stopped throwing his fastball as much this year because of issues with his feel of it. However, it looked better in this start. Hopefully there are Sonny days ahead for Gray.
What We’ll Be Watching Today
Will Tyler Skaggs be good in his return? Skaggs appears to be set to return from the 10-Day DL after missing his last start in the rotation with an right abductor strain. With Garrett Richards on the shelf and Shohei Ohtani only able to hit, the Angels need Skaggs to be healthy to continue their playoff push.
Starling Marte versus Wade Miley . 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 triple slash so far. Wade Miley is still Wade Miley .
Ross versus Ross. Ross Stripling continues to thrive and help carry the Dodgers. Tyson Ross appears to have lost his early season mojo.
Blake Snell versus Kyle Gibson . Two of my favorite pitchers this year face off against each other. Snell has been a top 10 starter this year. Gibson continues to pitch well against everyone except the White Sox for some reason.
Luis Severino versus Corey Kluber . (Swoon)
Nick Pivetta versus Kevin Gausman . Both are pitchers with a ton of talent and upside, but have yet to put up consistency. Both teams they are facing can strike out a lot and hit the long ball. This could be a great pitcher’s duel or preview of the home run derby.
Baseball. Lots of baseball.