With the trade deadline just around the corner, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Suarez to return:
The Padres have been without right-hander Robert Suarez since Spring Training due to elbow inflammation. That’s expected to change today, as manager Bob Melvin confirmed to reporters (including Dennis Lin of The Athletic) that Suarez set to be activated from the 60-day injured list prior to this afternoon’s game against the Blue Jays in Toronto. A corresponding move will be necessary to clear space for Suarez on the 40-man and active rosters.
After a lengthy career overseas, Suarez made his MLB debut last year at the age of 31 and threw 47 2/3 excellent relief innings of San Diego, with a 2.27 ERA (168 ERA+) and a 3.22 FIP. That stellar performance led the Padres to re-sign Suarez on a five-year, $46MM deal during the offseason. While that contract hasn’t worked out to this point due to Suarez’s injury issues, he has the potential to provide closer Josh Hader with an elite set-up option as the Padres attempt to work their way back into contention. Alternatively, if the Padres decided to trade Hader, a pending free agent, Suarez seems like a top candidate to slide into the closer’s role in San Diego.
2. Bader to undergo testing:
Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader exited yesterday’s game against the Angels after getting hit in the back with a 95 mph sinker from young right-hander Jose Soriano. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Bader had a welt on his back and a posterior rib contusion following the incident. Bader’s expected to undergo more tests before the Yankees make a decision regarding a potential trip to the injured list. A stint on the shelf for Bader would be disastrous for the Yankees, as the center fielder has been a key player both offensively and defensively while Aaron Judge has been on the IL with a toe injury. Should Bader miss time, the club figures to rely on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Billy McKinney in center field in his absence.
3. Quintana to make season debut:
Veteran lefty Jose Quintana has yet to throw a pitch in the majors this season after undergoing rib surgery back in March. He was reinstated from the 60-day IL last week, but still has yet to take the mound for the Mets since landing with the club on a two-year deal this past offseason. That’s set to change today, as Quintana is slated to take the ball opposite White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech this afternoon at Citi Field.
When healthy, Quintana has been a solid mid-rotation starter throughout his career with a 3.75 ERA (115 ERA+) and 3.62 FIP in 1055 1/3 career innings. He had a particularly impressive campaign last year with the Pirates and Cardinals, posting a 2.93 ERA that was 39% above league average and backed by a 2.99 FIP. With both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer not living up to their ace-caliber standards this season and Carlos Carrasco struggling to a 5.35 ERA in 13 starts, a strong performance from Quintana down the stretch could help steady the Mets’ rotation as they attempt to stay relevant in the playoff picture ahead of the trade deadline on August 1.
Speaking of the Yankees, there was this from MLB.com:
[After Carlos Rodon blew a sarcastic kiss to fans after giving up 4 runs]
“… a later outburst from reliever Tommy Kahnle, who fired his glove and stomped on an oscillating fan in the dugout after surrendering an eighth-inning run.
1) fans shouldn’t be allowed in the dugout, whether Yankee fans or not.
2) I would oscillate too, if a mad reliever was stomping on me.
I was watching the game yesterday, did not know about this incident. The Yankees should really just stay put this deadline. They need a roster retooling that’s best left for the offseason.
“They need a roster retooling that’s best left[field] for the offseason.”
Agreed. Any trade isn’t going to move the offensive needle and further depletes the farm. There’s too much dead weight now which they can’t shed.
Forget retooling, they need to blow the entire thing up. (I say this as a fan..) Their approach to building rosters was proven ineffective decades ago. At what point are they going to realize that throwing money at aging former stars just doesn’t work? The definition of insanity is to continuing doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So we can only conclude at this point that Cashman and Steinbrenner are flipping nuts.
They can’t rebuild with almost $100MM locked in between Judge, Cole, and Rodon. DJL and Stanton are expensive pumpkins so might as well see if they have any life left.
They definitely shouldn’t be in the market for expensive rentals like Bellinger. Dylan Carlson is a guy that definitely intrigues me as a potential post hype breakout candidate
I’d like to see Carlson on the mix. Even if they could manage Bellinger and Flaherty they’re probably still behind TB, BAL, TEX and HOU. I’d rather acquire someone who has value beyond ’23 and just let the cards fall where they may this year. Any positive regression fron the putrid offense and/or contributions from the IL still make this team a solid wildcard.
ISWYDT, well played.
Ya know, Bader is a good example of the type of player the Yankees need to stay far away from……his fault or not getting hurt…..Stanton is another good example…..and/or any of the Cardinals outfielders we are constantly reading rumors of acquisition of…….95 in the back hurts….a lot….but trip to the IL because of it when the ship is sinking….todays modern day ballplayers are very different than prior generations……
They must of caught Jacob Ellsbury..club house dug out may need disinfected?
Wow great analysis “just sign players who don’t get hurt”
Well, you couldn’t have missed the point any further brainiac…….ever watch baseball?
How about Don’t sign players with a history of constant injuries?
Note also that Bader has embraced the Robinson Cano/Anthony Rendon model: jog to first on all infield grounders.
Yes that’s kind of ridiculous although I understand Bader is trying to preserve his legs. As a 90th percentile runner, any fielder bobble and he’ll easy beat out a throw to first.
Most players today make millions each year.
You want to hit 3 to 4 times a game?
You run fast on the bases 3 to 4 times.
***Most guys K 2-3 times per game so you only need to run on average maybe 2x a game.
Excuses? Go sit on the bench.
The game is way too dynamic now for players to play through injuries. Not to mention, way too much money is invested.
It’s time the Yankees call up Pereira or Dunham for the Outfield. Start looking for the future. I would like to see Wells called up too and replace Trevino. The Yankees want to reduce payroll it’s time to see what some young players can do. If the young players fail then do what I have been saying for years fire the player development staff completely. The Yankees should never have problems with drafting and player development with the amount of resources the Yankees have
Agreed though I think Rortvedt gets the call over Wells and I’m good with Florial getting called up. They can’t suck any worse than what’s on the field now.
Cordero bought himself another two weeks after last night’s ‘breakout’.
probably – and during those 2 weeks we’ll probably see a few more base running bloopers and a few outfield catastrophes, but he hits the occasion HR so what the hell.
The Yankees don’t have any problems with drafting and signing players; the problems arise when Cashman puts them in a blender and trades several of them for pedigree-less players like Frankie Montas. JP Sears would look pretty decent in the back of the rotation right about now…
Sell, Yankees, sell. Don’t overspend for over-aged, over-hurt players.. There’s nothing here for you this season–look to the future. Take advantage of whatever opportunities there are out there, but pay attention to history. Guys that are prone to injuries suddenly don’t become un-prone. B players don’t become stars. And your overpaid, unhealthy roster isn’t going to wake up and be a machine.
This could be Florial chance
I read a comment in a NYC paper recently that one of the most well known baseball writers in the city has hinted – or come right out and said multiple times over the past few years – that the Yankees ownership, FO head, and manager are considered by other MLB FO personnel as being totally lost and in a way comical in their actions of lunging from one direction to another constantly.
Anyone know if there’s any truth to a nationally known writer stating that? Are the Mets any different?
–
Think your cities teams aren’t cranking out pro sports championships? Think the large NYC market is dominant? Last
NYC Championships by team:
Yankees – 2009 (14 years ago)
Mets – 1986 (37 years ago)
Giants – 2011 (12 years ago)
Jets – 1968 (55 years ago)
Knicks – 1973 (50 years ago)
Nets – None in New York (47 seasons)
Islanders – 1983 (40 years ago)
Rangers – 1994 (29 years ago)
Nothing wrong with living in the past even if one did not exist during those times. Just watched the Yogi Berra movie again and it was great.
Living in the past is how Dumb Sports Fans operate.
It certainly feels like they lack direction, and are reacting instead of pre-acting. I’m still not sure what the Montas/Monty was all about. Montas’ H/A splits were awful, strongly suggesting that e was a beneficiary of pitching in Oakland. Monty’s away ERA is a half-point lower than Montas, and was used to pitching in NY. Meanwhile, Montas had already spent some time on the IL in 2022, while Baden was still on the IL.
Suarez likely Pads closer 2024
Brew – and even makes trading Hader – if the return is worth the sacrifice – a viable option. Remember I’m against any trades of the pending FA due to the 23 push but he is the closer in waiting so maybe let it start in August.
The return has to be something exciting or just pass and let him go with a QO/ draft pick.
I’m sure FO has some inkling of chances / desired to offer a FA contract and I suspect Hader won’t be a Padre in 2024.
Live arm, but one career save at age 32.
And six months on the sidelines due to “Elbow Inflammation”. Calling this guy the “Closer in waiting” is a stretch to say the least.
Suarez will go down as another horrible signing by Preller, that is all. Pomeranz deal version 2.0
he had almost 70 Saves and like a 1.50 ERA across his last two seasons in Japan. Sure, he’s untested at the MLB level in the CL role, but saying he has one career save is misleading.
Last year he pitched in very high stress 8th innings as best set up man in the league, he’s got better closer stuff than most MLB closers, he was the best closer in Japan for 2 years, I doubt the team tries to extend Hader, and there isn’t likely to be another closer on the FA market better (other than Hader). So that’s the basis of my thinking that Suarez closes next year
Hader might get moved sooner rather than later, necessitating a new CL by default. Suarez seems like the logical protégé for the vacated role. Or the team gets semi-hot now, Hader stays for ’23 and either re-signs here or takes the QO for 1 year (theoretically speaking, I know) and Suarez can stick as the aforementioned “best set-up guy” around. No bad problems here.
All pre- Sean Casey.
Give his enlightened wisdom a little more time to marinate through the benighted Bronx batsmen.
You’ll see.
Agreed….hopefully one of the first things Casey gets them to get back to is taking pitches and working the count….the cornerstone of the Yankee glory days of the late 90’s was the fact that by the 6th or 7th inning, the Yankees were into the opposition bullpens….of course bullpens today are much deeper around the league, but working the count is something very few current players actually do…..they tend to swing, and its a swing to put the ball in the air, on the first pitch……if you watch Moneyball, its a great example of what this is all about…….
Now might be a good time to rewatch that video of Casey getting thrown out at first from left field.
Good thing he isn’t the baserunning coach
The weight of expectations on teams like Yankees Mets and Padres has got to make those clubhouses miserable
just in time for Greg Allen to come back from injury… will be sure to turn the Yankees season around!
That pitch that hit Bader was unfortunate. It obviously hurt and is in a bad spot. He’ll feel that every time he moves, takes a deep breath, or coughs.
“Bader had a welt on his back and a posterior rib contusion following the incident.”
No wonder he gets hurt, having his ribs on his posterior, instead of inside his body.
Those are his spare ribs. Keeps ’em I’m his back pocket.
Sliding pad, check. Batting gloves, check. Opponent’s scouting card, check. Spare ribs? What are these doing in my back pocket?!??
No wish to see Bader or any other player injured, but with his .275 OBP and 91 OPS+ Harrison Bader has not been anything like a key offensive contributor.
I can’t believe the Yankees have kept Volpe in the majors all year. This kid might be a future star but the major leagues isn’t the place to continue development, especially the tough AL East. Not a good “baseball” decision.
Yanks would love to have Soto… no? Gotta give to get, let’s hear your best offers NYY!
Soto and the entire roster sans Tatis, Jr., Machado, Snell, Musgrove, and Hader for cash considerations or PTBNL?
@Gywnning cmon now let’s not act like the Yanks have the prospect capital to acquire soto. Maybe teams like the dodgers, Os, Marlins. Padres don’t need pereira, Cabrera, Dominguez or any other yankee junk.
Only way AJ deals soto is for Ohtani which is very unlikely.
Hard pass on that offer, YBC! Homer by Ha-Seong, no doubt about it! It was a rhetorical question; I doubt Soto gets moved because ’24 might be our only focus in a week or two. The returns would have to be tremendous and that further complicates why I don’t think he’ll be moved. On the other hand Snell, Hader and Lugo might be on short time in SD… move them for goods or just slap QOs on ’em and keep keepin’ on. Nice to chat w/ you two guys
@gywnning
Spot on. I’d prefer Hader be the only piece they consider dealing, assuming they aren’t more than 6 back of that last WC spot on the 31st. And that is contingent on Suarez coming back right. Tough for the Padres to sell, even if it’s the right thing to do. Fun being an armchair GM.
You’re 2-for-2 with 2 dongs, Ha-Seong! =D
Lol. Wasn’t sure if you’re ready to punt the season like I am.
Staying positive here, YBC. Or trying to while I shed tears in my beers… not quite to the “there’s always next year” standard-Padre-fan-feeling that I get every year, but it might not be too many innings down the road. Didn’t sweep the Jays just now, but we can “stay hot” by continually winning series. Aloha brah!
I may lose a small bit of the excessive hope I’m holding onto after our next series L. Need to play close to .667 ball here the rest of the way.
Over a seven year period, Ron Hunt was hit 192 times and still managed to average 131 games per season. Plus, he played second base, which is about the best way to have short career based on the old school baseball approach to annihilating players at every opportunity at that position.
Don Baylor was hit 97 times over a seven year period, stole 215 bases, and averaged 147 games per season. I’m guessing that if their careers had overlapped (they did, but in different leagues), they would have “met” at second base quite a few times.
Getting hit was kind of an art, you took your medicine, then head down jogged to first, probably grumbling under your breath. But you might not want to be the second baseman in that scenario, or the pitcher if you were coming up to bat soon.
But players now are superhuman athletes, way faster and stronger than ever before. Um, ok.
But the players now are not just players, they are investments that need protecting. It used to be that most players were disposable assets. If you sat, you might lose your job (Wally Pipp). Just look at Donaldson. No matter how bad he performs, or how long or often he goes on the IL, he immediately gets his job back, because he’s an investment.
this is true, but it’s safe to assume the pitches that hit hunt and baylor had a lower average velocity
Hunt can reel off his 15 surgeries, 12 of them from baseball: one on the left shoulder, four on the right, both knees, a steel rod in his back, you name it. And none of that counts the injuries he’d shake off to play the next day. Don Drysdale once threw a fastball so hard, it left a baseball-shaped imprint on Hunt’s shoulder blade for weeks.
Baylor was hit twice in the same game 15 times in his career. He was hit by eight different Hall of Famers (Nolan Ryan, Goose Gossage, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley, Steve Carlton, Gaylord Perry, Phil Niekro, and Bert Blyleven.)
Craig Biggio? 205 times overa 9 year period, 149 games a season.
The Yankees needed to move on from Cashman when they moved on from Girardi. It seems that Hank and Hal are not as concerned with winning actual championships that they have allowed this to continue.
Rodon better get used to the New York boo birds and just wait til the media starts dumping on him. I guess the positive for him is that he’ll probably miss more time than he actually plays during the life of the contract
at this point even hal must look at the team and wonder how a 285M payroll leads to below average production at 7 of 9 positions
In hindsight, they should’ve moved on from Cashman when Joe Torre clashed with him and was let go. Retired Yankees still talk about Joe. Not Girardi.
Jose Soriano should immediately be suspended and remain so for the length of time that Bader is unable to play up to his customary ability. The Yankees lose Bader’s ability to play.
MEANWHILE
What is the cost to Soriano for hitting and injuring an opposing batter? NOTHING !!
What is the cost to the Angels for their pitcher hitting and injuring a batter? NOTHING !!
THE TRADITIONAL, REPETITIVE, TIRED, LAME, UNFEELING, EMPTY EXCUSE OF:
“OOPS, S-O-R-R-Y, WELL IT”S JUST PART OF THE GAME”
Just does not make it any longer.
The stakes of missing out on a player’s contribution to a team’s success due to having been injured and losing time do to an injury sustained from an errant pitched ball
AND
What about the financial side of having a player out due to injury sustained from a pitch?
The team that player plays for still has to pay that player while that player is out recovering from an injury. In addition a replacement has to be elevated from the 40 man roster to take the place of the injured player.. As a result of the elevation from the minors to the major league roster:
The promoted player gets a raise in pay and an increase in their per diem payments for their living expenses.
That player’s Major League Service Time “Clock” either begins accumulating time on a MLB Roster or adds to the MLB time that player has already accumulated.
If the promoted player had not been on an MLB roster in that year, an option for that player is “burned”.
Should it be necessary for a team to clear a spot on their 40 man roster to enable them to elevate a player to their MLB roster who had not previously been on the team’s 40 man roster, a player on the team’s 40 man roster must be removed. That player is Designated For Assignment (DFA).. Within 7 days of being DFA’d the player can be either be traded or placed on irrevocable outright waivers If the player is not claimed by another team, (clears waivers) he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. Players with more than three years of Major League service time or who have been previously outrighted may reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency.. To sum that up, just because a team’s player is injured by a pitch thrown by the opposing team’ pitcher, has the potential of another member of the team’s 40 man roster ending up on another team as a result of being claimed on waivers, being traded. Or that player could be released by the team and be out of a job in professional baseball., Should the transaction result in the DFA’d player changing teams, his original team loses the signing bonus paid to that player as well as all the wages paid to him up to that point in time as well as the investment in the time and effort of the various organizational coaches that were devoted to this individual before his DFA. From the player’s side, his life and that of his family is in a state of upheaval. Pack up your possessions, sell your house, terminate your lease, find and pay for a mover, take your kids out of school and find a new school, find a new place to live in a strange city, your wife has to quit her job and find another in a strange city……
ALL BECAUSE A PITCHER COULDN’T CONTROL A PITCHED BALL.
Still think that:
OOPS, S-O-R-R-Y, WELL IT”S JUST PART OF THE GAME”
Is an adequate penalty for the pitcher and his team??????