Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain left last night’s game with a hamstring injury suffered when attempting to beat out an infield single and will be further evaluated by doctors in Kansas City today, writes Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star. Manager Ned Yost said after the game that the early diagnosis is a hamstring strain, but there’s not yet an indication as to whether Cain will require a trip to the disabled list. Cain becomes the latest core player for the Royals to sustain an injury this season, as Mike Moustakas is out for the season with a torn ACL, while Alex Gordon missed more than a month due to a broken wrist (suffered in a collision that resulted in Moustakas’ ACL tear). The Royals’ loss to the Cardinals last night dropped them to six games out of the lead for the AL Central.
More from the game’s Central divisions…
- Billy Hamilton was removed from the Reds game against today after he was struck in the face by a ball off the bat of Anthony Rizzo that deflected off the glove of left fielder Adam Duvall (video link). Hamilton was down for several minutes but ultimately walked to the Reds’ bullpen with the team’s training staff but under his own power. Tyler Holt replaced Hamilton in center field, and there’s been no update from the team at this time, but one would imagine that Hamilton will undergo testing for concussion symptoms following an injury of that nature.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review opines that the Pirates should make closer Mark Melancon available in trades this summer, as the club looks increasingly unlikely to fight its way back into contention. The Bucs have dropped 18 of their 26 contests in June and are currently sitting 14 back in the NL Central and 4.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot in the National League, and Melancon is a free agent at season’s end.
- I’d take Rossi’s argument a step further, though, as I feel that the Bucs should shop Melancon even if they turn things around with a strong showing in July and position themselves for a Wild Card berth. There very little chance that Pirates will take the financial risk of making Melancon a qualifying offer following the season, meaning that they presently stand to lose him for nothing if he signs elsewhere. The Pirates could turn to either Tony Watson or a resurgent Neftali Feliz to handle ninth-inning duties, and Melancon could help fetch a piece that could address another roster need in 2016 (and possibly beyond). The back of the rotation, in particular, could use some help. While moving him unquestionably thins out the bullpen, Pittsburgh will eventually need to limit Jameson Taillon’s innings in 2016, and placing him in the bullpen for the balance of the season following a Melancon trade would accomplish just that.
- Tigers right-hander Bruce Rondon is embracing a new role in the Detroit bullpen, writes MLB.com’s Jason Beck. Rondon has been entering games mid-inning and often working more than one inning and is thriving without the label of “future closer” being associated with him for the time being. Rondon was sent home early last season due to his “effort level” and questions surrounding his maturity, but manager Brad Ausmus sees a completely different person in 2016. “He’s definitely matured since the end of last year, no question,” said Ausmus. “He seems to have a better focus. At this point, really, when he’s asked to pitch, he takes the ball, doesn’t complain. He’s been a model citizen so far.” It’s a small sample, but Rondon is averaging 98.5 mph on his fastball and has allowed just one run with a 7-to-2 K/BB ratio in seven innings since being recalled from Triple-A. Even if his stellar results don’t continue, the gains he’s made in terms of maturity seem to bode well for his future with the club.
I agree that the Bucs should trade Melancon. I am sure Pirates fans will hate to see him go, but I doubt they will retain him. The days of team loyalty/player loyalty seem to be long gone. You don’t see it much anymore.
I have no qualms about shopping Melancon. Many fans of a different (in my view, unrealistic) opinion want the Pirates to go all-in, especially those who have no clue about MLB economics. To me, this year should always have been pegged as a reload in which current building blocks focus most on health and improvement; meanwhile, future building blocks (Taillon, Glasnow, Bell, etc.) ease into MLB action without the pressure of a playoff race, at least from inside the organization. Then 2017 potentially looks like what the Mets were able to line up for 2015.
As for loyalty, the system dictates players will (for the most part) go to whoever the highest bidder is, as they should. Most of the time, there is a higher bidder out there than the current team. The Angels certainly will be able to afford keeping Trout as long as they’d like, but most teams find themselves like the Pirates, who will be unable to afford McCutchen regardless of whether they want to.
I’ve also seen a lot of Pirates fans calling for an all-in this season, and it makes no sense to me. They are not catching the Cubs, so why make a big move to fight for a one game series? The team is still young, trade a guy like Melancon and add to the future, not subtract to make an all in run at a Wild Card where you would probably have a Syndergaard, Jose Fernandez, or Max Scherzer waiting for you.
The Pirates are a good young team. Until you guys acquire some stud pitching, you’re not getting past the Cubs or Cardinals. You might as well double down and trade Cutch and Melancon. Make assembling a killer rotation within 2 years your #1 priority.
ChiSoxCity, I actually just made an account on here for the sole purpose of responding to the most uneducated, moronic, and just overall the stupidest idea I have ever heard of. This has nothing to do with Melancon, even though I agree they should shop him around, but only IF they are totally out of the wild card by the deadline and trade him to an American League team. The Pirates have plenty of pitching depth as far as starters, and this was the only year that the 2 projects they signed, in Neise and Nicasio have not worked out as they hoped for. Especially Neise, when they traded Walker for him. But Walker had his worst season last year and was not worth paying him, when they had numerous other options for 2nd base. Josh Harrison, Sean Rodriguez, who like Harrison can play just about any position. Did you know the only position Rodriguez has never started a game at is pitcher? And for some reason Hurdle decided to let bum ass Kratz pitch the 9th when the game was outta hand last week against SF. I think Sean earned it this year more than that Bum Kratz who will be back home on his couch within 2 weeks tops, when Cervelli comes back. The pirates, coming into this season and up until the end of May, had the most wins of any team in MLB period since the start of the 2013 season. They were fotunate to win the first wild card game at home, and have now had 3 in a row at home. And were very close to winning the division last year and the year before. .so much last year that if not for one bad luck loss in the series leading up the weekend series against the cards, they could have tied them for the division , by sweeping them , and the series was in Pittsburgh. They have the best offense, and the best they have had yet out of the past 3 wild card home game years by far.
If you actually knew what you were talking about, then you would know this, and would know that they had the lead in the wild card and were 3 and a half games ahead of the Cards and as close as 6. and a half back of the Cubs when they won both games of the double header against the Mets , in which game one Taillon made his debut. But then Cole and Cervelli got hurt the same game, and have not been the same since. When the offense puts up runs, they have had to score 6 or 7 to win, like when they took 3 in a row from the Dodgers last weekend and then tough luck loss for the 4 game sweep, because of Neise being a bum and in a slump. And Liriano has had the least run support of any of the starters , so his record and ERA are NOT as bad as they seem. They made the correct moves so far by bringing back Nicasio from his leave to put him in the bullpen for long relief, where he has been most of his career anyways. Then have made to awesome moves by bringing up Taillon to stay no matter how he does the rest of the year, but is yet to be seen if Kuhl sticks around all year. He had just been promoted to AAA recently at the start of the year or end of last year at best, Glasnow was major league ready last year, but they didn’t need him. Still had Volquez and Burnett. ..Soon as Cole comes back, then they need to decide on what to do,. I would sat Liriano can turn things around and will not be worth trading him even though is last year of his deal. He will turn it around and stay healthy and may come in handy down the line. But they should try to trade Neise, for a back end rotation starter and another long reliever. Melancon I would ONLY trade if getting a solid top 3 starter in return. Because maybe Neise turns it around and you really cannot give up on him yet since you gave Walker away for him. So the rotation, when Cole comes back should be after him, Locke, Tallion, Liriano, and Neise. And bring Glasnow up asap to see what he can do soon as you send Kuhl back down for more time in AAA. Then may need him later in the year or can replace Liriano in next year’s rotation.
Another good move they made was to bring up Frazier, who was leading the International League in B.A. at 333 and can play SS,2nd, RF, or LF, since he has already played all four in just a handful of games, All the Pirates need is to get healthy and to get these young arms going, and then they would be winning again. The ONLY gripe I have with the offense is why can they not find a power hitting middle infielder. But the main reason I commented is because Cutch’s contract was an 8 year extension for just around 8 .5 mil a year. And they signed him right before the season started in 2013 when he won MVP and he has not complained one bit and is still the best all around player on the team and best all around outfielder in the national league, until someone else shows they can win an MVP and consistently put up the same kinds of numbers for at least 3 or 4 years in a row. And Polanco is signed for another 6 year extension as of 2 months ago and Marte signed a 6 year extension before him. And Cutch has 4 years left or at least 3 if you count this season and that is the most friendly and best value contract in all of baseball right now for any player past their rookie deals. And Pirates have proven they are signing player to STAY! Cervelli just got a 3 year 32 million extension. And he does not hit for much power but had been crucial to the offense with clutch hits and a high average and hitting a decent amount of doubles, plus his defense is what makes him so valuable. But the dumb move is why sign Kratz to be Stewart’s backup, when he has one hit so far and AAA starter Stallings came up for a few games l;ast week and had more hits in 3 games than Kratz has had in 20 or more. There is nothing wrong with this team once Cole and Cervelli are back soon and is a long way to go in the season, They were leading all of MLB in team batting average before the slump started, and Polanco and Marte are breaking out of their shells, and Kung was an awesome sign for power and Freese was a hell of a snag. But WTF is Hurdle thinking giving Jaso so much playing time at 1st base? He is a bum and slow as hell, Well maybe not a bum, but not a starter. And the bigest baffle is him hitting leadoff, when he is one of the slowest players on the team? Scrappy Harrison or now Frazier, or whomever starts at 2nd or SS should be hitting leadoff, someone with speed to steal bases. But trade Cutch when he makes less than Melancon? LMAO that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life and I am almost 38.
Although they should trade Cutch at some point, I’m not sure now is the proper time, especially given his poor season to date.
I think another stud pitcher would just about complete the set. Cole, Kingham, Glasnow, Taillon–all expected to be front-end pitchers. Glasnow and Taillon very well could be better than Cole.
First off. Welcome to the MLBTR comment boards!! Glad you decided to make an account. We definitely need more Pirates fans here. Please refrain from the name calling and insults though. Most of us here try to keep things civil even when we strongly disagree with another poster. Ok, with that out of the way. Most of us believe Melencon needs to be traded because he is coming up on free agency and with other solid relief arms (Jansen and Chapman mainly) available, plus the fact he isn’t a typical flamethrowing closer suggest he would probably accept a QO if the Pirates offered him one. $16m for a reliever on a small market team is a budget breaker. So, chances are high that they will not take the risk of offering him one. That would mean he will walk in FA. Would you rather get a good prospect or two or lose him for nothing? Second, trading Cutch is not entirely a bad idea. Because of his contract and production he is very very valuable. He will fetch the Pirates a massive haul. Their farm would be stocked for years off of that one trade. Think of what a team like the Dodgers or Red Sox would give up to have him. Moncada would definitely be in play for him (the power hitting middle infielder you requested?). Plus, the Pirates have Meadows about ready to go. He could take Cutch’s spot and would free up money for a FA or resigning Melencon. Isn’t Kang a power hitting middle infielder? Not sure exactly what his stats were last year but I remember him hitting 50ish bombs when he was in Korea. Imo Liriano should be traded as well. Yes he is having a down year but he still has value and when the Bucs get Cole back he will be expendable. They have some lights out pitching prospects who should be handed the torch sooner rather than later. Although, I do agree with your argument about keeping him as well. Also, we all know the Pirates are going to climb right back into the thick of it. I would expect them to have problems when they lose their starting catcher and staff ace for an extended period of time. Losing Cervelli was a big hit and when he comes back I expect them to get back to winning in short order. The reason they signed Kratz is because he is a backup catcher. He plays 1-2 times a week. You don’t take your starter from AAA and bring him up just for him to ride the bench. The young pitchers in AAA need consistency behind the plate way more than the Bucs need a high quality backup catcher who might get 30-40 at bats while Cervelli is on the DL. I look forward to reading your posts in the future. It’s not often I get to read comments from diehard passionate fans of small market teams.
@ChiSoxCity The Bucs have stud pitching. 2 just arrived from the minors. The have Glasnow coming next. about 5 more to choose from by years end or beginning of next. That is why they did not spend big bucks on some of the available starters as they have them coming The Mets did not trade for their studs. They drafted them. The reason for the Cubs success is primarily the bats, which they drafted most of them or got them in a trade when they were still in the minors. The Pirates have a stocked minor league system and it does not need rebuilt at the moment. I do not think anyone last winter thought Cole would have injury problems this year or that Liriano would have fallen flat.after the last several good seasons. Niese has been somewhat of a disappointment. Taillon is up as was expected and Nicasio is in the bullpen as expected.. The studs are hitting the staff as we speak. and Niese and Liriano will not have to be counted on in 2017
@ KanghoPolonco — Kuhl is in the mix as well….. just sayin…Also, Cutch will be traded only because of the emergence of Meadows. I have no problem with such a move when Meadows is ready. Cutch has served the Pirate very well and respect what he has done. The only problem is now his age is creeping up on him and when he is due for a new contract prob will not be worth the multi millions someone will pay him at that point. Good teams will trade an aging star when they have a youngster ready to go in their place. .
Why would the Pirates not offer a qualifying offer? Why would Melancon accept?
Considering they’re paying him almost 10 million this season I doubt the front office would have too much issue with offering him a QO. However I can see a scenario where he takes the offer if a lot of contenders trade for back end bullpens arms with years of control at the trade deadline (Arodys Vizcaino, Andrew Miller, etc.) and Chapman would certainly be a higher priority for most teams so there might not be a huge demand for his services on the open market and he could possibly settle for the one year QO.
The jump between 10 and 16 million per year is considerable for smaller market teams, especially the Pirates who refuse to allocate over a certain percentage of payroll to a single player. While it would be beneficial to the Pirates to extend a QO, the fear of Melancon accepting it will likely prevent it.
Jansen is also a FA this year and he is arguably superior to Chapman. Chapman’s value is in that 100+mph fastball. How long do you think he is going to be able to keep that velocity? He is 28 already and expects a 4-5 year deal. If he gets 5/$75-$80m (which he should) the last year or two might be tough to watch. He needs to get a dominant secondary pitch like Miller/Jansen/Betances.
Moving Taillon to the bullpen where he’s never been is the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this site.
Would you prefer they let him throw 200 innings, or bower close he can get before he blows out his arm? I didn’t realize Dusty Baker was posting in the MLBTR comments section.
Starting pitching prospects work from the pen early in their career with some frequency. It may or may not make sense in his case, but it’s not like it’s some wacky concept.
Melancon is likely to be moved if the PBC is out of the race but you don’t move the closer on a playoff team, sorry. At minimum you would go thru August as a waiver trade possibility
Agree with you there.
It was bound to happen. If Rossi spewed enough opinions, I’d eventually agree with him. Law of averages an’at.
Amen. Such a hack