Here’s the latest from the NL Central…
- Some Rangers officials watched Brewers righty Wily Peralta start this weekend as Texas continues to look for rotation depth, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. It’s been a rough pair of seasons for Peralta, who was limited to 108 2/3 IP in 2015 due to an oblique injury and then posted a 6.68 ERA through his first 13 starts last season. After a demotion to the minors, however, Peralta returned in good form, posting a 2.92 ERA over his final 61 2/3 innings. Peralta will earn $4.275MM this season and isn’t eligible for free agency until after 2019, so Grant notes that he would fit the Rangers’ preference for a controllable pitcher. Milwaukee and Texas have already linked up on two trades since David Stearns took over as the Brewers’ GM, most notably last summer’s five-player swap that saw Jonathan Lucroy join the Rangers.
- Barring anything unforeseen in the next week, it looks like Bronson Arroyo will make the Reds’ starting rotation, MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon writes. Arroyo is still scheduled for a minor league start on April 2 so he won’t officially break camp with the Reds, but the 40-year-old righty is on pace to return to the big leagues for the first time since June 15, 2014. Arroyo has pitched in just two minor league games since that date due to Tommy John surgery and a torn tendon his rotator cuff.
- Daniel Bard hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2013 due to injuries and a loss of control, though as Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com writes, the former Red Sox setup man is refusing to give up hope of a career revival. Bard signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals last summer, and Gammons notes that the contract was actually a two-year pact, as Bard was in need of a significant mechanics overhaul. Now throwing from a lower arm slot, Bard has seen his command improve. Gary LaRocque, the Cardinals’ director of player development, thinks Bard may start the season at the Double-A level.
Good for Bard. I hope he turns it around… that kid used to throw 97 98 effortlessly.
Glad to see Arroyo make the team. It’s a nice story and he will provide some leadership for this young pitching staff.
The only downside is this limits the opportunity for the team’s young starters. I just hope that he doesn’t continue to take innings from the young starters the whole season. Ideally, when DeSclafani is ready, the Reds should send Arroyo to the bullpen, assuming the other 4 in the rotation aren’t struggling. Worst case, when both Bailey and Disco are back, Arroyo should probably go to the ‘pen.
Unfortunately with Disco and Homer, who knows if they will be able to stay healthy. Obviously Homer has durability issues dating back over the past few years so I kind of have given up hope for him. It sure was nice to see him develop into a quality pitcher in 2012 and 2013. I’m very worried about Disco and his elbow. Those usually don’t end too well! Let’s hope our team can stay healthy and the prospects will eventually pan out. Go Reds!
As a Reds beat writer pointed out, a sprained UCL is the same injury Michael Lorenzen had last spring, and he was fine. The only reason he missed as much time as he did was because he also got mono when he was rehabbing his elbow. I don’t think Disco’s elbow is a huge concern, but there’s always a bit of concern any time a pitcher has an elbow issue
Who else can the Reds start? Here’s a rotation: Scott Feldman, Finnegan, Cody Reed, Bronson, then who Rookie Davis or Amir Garrett? Stephenson hasn’t proven he’s ready. Adleman looks lost. Homer and Disco maybe by June?
I am personally pulling for Rookie Davis and Amir Garrett. Hopefully Reed turns it around!
Reed has been the best young pitcher this spring. I think his spot is all but locked up in the rotation, and the last spot comes down to Garrett or Sal Romano.
trade him for lucroy
Lol
If the Brewers can get anything for Peralta then they better take it…
Peralta is the 3rd best starter the Brewers have right now. He was very good after returning from the minors, and had been extremely sharp this spring. Stearns can’t just give him away. Garza yes, Peralta no.
What’s the other Stearns/Rangers deal??
The Sam Freeman blockbuster for cash early last season
Nice billyj! It was the Lucroy, Jeffress for Brinson, Ortiz, Cordell.
Right, the article mentioned the Lucroy trade already and said there were 2 Stearns/Rangers deals. bharri asked what the other was, which was the Sam Freeman deal.
Apparently mustangpat didn’t catch your hyperbole with the word blockbuster lmao..