The Yankees are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in years, but that hasn’t stopped them from looking to get some of their injured players on the mound one last time before the offseason. Right-hander Keynan Middleton has been on the injured list the end of August due to a bout of shoulder inflammation, though MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch notes that Middleton latest bullpen session went well and the 30-year-old figures to return for the club’s final series against the Royals.
Likewise, it remains possible that the Yankees will welcome right-hander Frankie Montas back into the fold before the end of the season as he’s close to being ready to return from offseason shoulder surgery. Hoch has more details on Montas’s long-awaited return, indicating that the plan, if Montas is able to return, is for the righty to act as a piggyback starter behind one of the club’s regular starters in Kansas City, throwing 2-3 innings in relief of the day’s scheduled starter.
With both Middleton and Montas likely headed to free agency this November, it makes sense that both righties are hoping to establish themselves as healthy and effective ahead of their offseason negotiations with interested clubs. Middleton was in the midst of a solid (if unspectacular) season with the White Sox but found another gear following his move to New York at the trade deadline on August 1, after which point he posted a 0.68 ERA with 17 strikeouts in just 13 1/3 innings of work. Overall, he sports a 3.08 ERA and 3.90 FIP in 50 appearances this season. Montas, on the other hand, has not pitched in 2023 but posted a 3.67 ERA and 3.55 FIP across 59 starts the previous two seasons.
More from around the AL East…
- Red Sox manager Alex Cora ended any speculation regarding his future in conversation with reporters today. As relayed by Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, Cora twice told reporters this afternoon that he would be returning to the dugout for Boston in 2024. While not especially surprising, the confirmation is nonetheless noteworthy on the heels of the club firing chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom earlier this month. While speculation mounted that Cora could potentially be considered to replace Bloom in the front office, Cora recently indicated that he intends to stay in the dugout, at least for the time being. Cora took over the Red Sox as manager in 2018 and oversaw the club’s World Series championship that fall. In five seasons at the helm of Boston’s dugout, Cora sports a 438-367 record.
- The Rays have been without first baseman Yandy Diaz in recent days due to a hamstring issue. Fortunately, Diaz appears to be nearing a return, as Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times relays that Diaz is feeling better and figures to return to the field in Toronto this weekend. That’s excellent news for the Rays, as Diaz has been the club’s best hitter this year with an incredible .324/.408/.515 slash line in 596 trips to the plate this year.
- The Orioles announced earlier today that they have activated first baseman Ryan Mountcastle from the injured list, with outfielder Ryan McKenna optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding move. Mountcastle’s return is great news for the AL East-leading Orioles, as the first baseman has slashed .269/.327/.453 in 459 trips to the plate this season. He figures to join a deep 1B/DH mix that already includes Ryan O’Hearn and Anthony Santander ahead of Baltimore’s impending postseason run.
Did they fire Cashman yet?
unfortunately, not yet !
Cashman can point to the smallest of victories – the Yankees have avoided a losing season, even if they did miss the playoffs.
That, coupled with the severe injury bug this season, are probably the two things that keep him in his seat next year. That said, they better not miss a berth in ’24, for his sake.
GASox – Great post! And I might add, the Yankees also avoided last place.
Since 2012 the Sox have finished last 6 times, more than any other team in MLB.
The Yankees haven’t finished last since 1991.
Yeah but fans can point to Carlos Rodon and the millions Cashman handed him. The entire baseball world laughed at him after that signing. Just another in a very long list of very expensive mistakes. Getting suckered into that second ARod contract should have gotten him fired 15 years ago. Then giving Ellsbury $150+ million while offering pretty much the same player who was home grown and rarely injured (Brett Gardner) less than $50m. Cashman is lost on how to build a modern roster. He still believes high priced over 30 veterans are the best way to fill holes. Plus he prospect hugs the wrong prospects far too often. We all suspected he was giving Greg Bird pre game handies because he gushed about him so much. The list of of his successes is far far outsurpassed by his failures. It’s time for him to go. Yankee fans don’t pay the crazy prices they do just for winning seasons. They want to be in the championship hunt at least every few years. Been over a decade since they have been to the World Series and that is just unacceptable. But he puts a ton of money into Hals pocket so he is not going anywhere. We all know that…
Yankees are doing both Montas and Middleton a solid by letting them both pitch. I wouldn’t mind the Yankees offering Montas a one-year pillow deal with a vesting option year.
Any GM hired by Boston should be able to bring in their choice as Manager…. and if they don’t have a choice then the job is not worth taking.
@ Cooper. I agree.
This isn’t the 2002-2007 front office which was a brilliant group. The culture of the FO the past 4 years or so seem to be in chaos. I am not saying it is full of bad people, because I don’t know. But it has seemed disfunctional with in-fighting.
It would be very hard to lure a quality POBO under those conditions. Add on the new boss not really being the boss and nothing changes.
The fact that people like Tek and Pedro keep the organization at arm’s length says a lot for me.
It is clear to me that FSG now views the Red Sox as an ATM machine.
Welcome back to the Yawkee years.
Coop – No, the GM should not have final say on manager. The POBO should have final say.
DIisagree, FPG. completely Disagree!!!
Maybe it’s the Marine in me, one issue I believe the Sox FO has is that they have stepped away from having a clear chain of command.
POBO should chose GM and Minor league executives, GM should choose his own assistants and Manager. manager chooses coaching.
DBH – We need an Org Chart from the Sox! Who does the manager report to? Used to be the GM, might not be anymore. Either way, remember the Golden Rule. When Cherington was GM he didn’t want to hire Valentine. I think these days it’s the POBO’s call unless the owner overrules.
Dbh… agree with you on this one… whoever the owners chose for GM I feel THEY have to let him/ her pick their manager.. the old it’s your decision till we feel we need to make the decision is BS… I also wouldn’t take job.. unless you’re a real young one trying to cut your teeth your starting job with one arm tied behind back and a string on the other…. The TUNA said it best… you want me to make the dinner then I need to shop for the groceries!!!
fever, if you want to see the current org chart, go kick over an ant hill lol!
@FPG. You are right. 2011-2012 is when the FO disfunction and confusion became apparent. Tito tossed out in a bad manner, Valentine, Pedroia on the TV saying how things run, not the manager. Youk going up the back stairs to drop dimes.
I really thought the team had moved on from those days. Guess it just went under ground
DBH – Love it! Hahaha!
DBH – I vaguely remember that about Pedey, but Youk?? Never heard anything about Tom Brady’s brother in law, where did you see that?
Yesterday Pedro nailed it when he said the reason the Sox finished last was because of the team culture. He’s 100% right, losing has become acceptable and Cora/Bloom’s lack of desire to win has trickled down to the players.
If Cora returns and they hire an inexperienced POBO, I’m afraid that culture won’t change. Even if Henry starts spending big again.
@ FPG. That is why Youk was ran out of town. He was going to Henry, telling on people. He was the one who outted Chiken gate to Henry. Google why was youklis ran out of boston.
DBH – I didn’t know that or I forgot … interesting.
Well he sure seems to still be chummy with other players on that team, I love this pic!
twitter.com/BOSSportsGordo/status/1716628874530840…
Fever Pitch…. that’s what I meant.
Coop – All good my friend.
Well said…and if they’re not inclined to bring Brais back then we don’t want them(I)
The Cora quote is concerning for two reasons. Not only will it be harder to win games next season with him still managing, it also signals the new POBO will likely be someone inexperienced because what veteran POBO would want to be forced to keep ANY manager?
Of course, just because Cora days he will be back doesn’t mean another PBO will agree to take the spot with him there.
Lots of things happen between Sept and Mar, and, if you look at what kind of effort Cora has been able to get out of the players…
GASox – This isn’t a situation where Cora is just being confident. The day Bloom was fired, Kennedy said it’s a certainty Cora would be back. I hope he was lying, but it sure seems like ownership wants him back.
Fever: Exactly. There might have been a power struggle between Cora and Bloom and Cora won. Red Sox ownership apparently thinks very highly of Cora to guarantee his job before a POBO is hired. This is not ideal because I don’t think Cora is that smart. I don’t think he is a horrible manager like you (I think he is average), but I don’t think he is POBO material.
Bingo!! You guys need to run the damn ship!!
@olmtiant, oh good.. from chicken and beer gate to fist fights and pizza in the war room! Great idea!
no, seriously. Good idea! Let’s do it. The grou9 of us can NOT be worse than Bloom/Cora!
Dbh… oh man …I’ll make sure the coffees hot the beers cold and the cigars stay lit but other than that I’ll let you/ fpg/ suit/ Joe/ Gas/ troll and the others run us to another championship!!! Now if you guys can find in your hearts to bring back a certain reliever….. I wouldn’t even take a salary!!!
@Olm. I fell ya, man. My childhood hero was Yaz, but I played catcher, so Fisk was my favorite player after yaz. I was 11 when the Sox let him go because he was ‘washed up’. I cried, and he wentbon to hit another 214 homers.
So I feel ya.
Cheer up my friend… he came to Chicago and as God as my witness lived ( not sure if he still does) in Lockport .. I’m at gas station with my 01 Lincoln town car( approximately 6-7 years ago) he is kiddie corner at pump… sees my plate Redsoxx 1 .probably had on B baseball cap looks at me grins and got into his car.. never met him but people I know say he can be a little surly… when asked where did you meet him they said his daughter and ours play volleyball together.. at one of their games… I said well did you ever think he might have just wanted to see his kids play a sport without anyone bothering him??? … Big Jim Ed was my guy followed by Bob Stanley… the Brasier thing begins to make sense…( ok really it was EL Tiante….
DBH – I feel your pain on Fisk. I lived in Chicago so I got to watch what they gave up every day!! For me, Yaz, Lonborg, Tony C and Dewey were right there with Fisk as all time favorites from that era.
DBH – If there are peppers on that pizza, then the fists will be flying!!
olmtiant – That all sounds good except you wanting to bring back that “certain reliever” …. I do NOT want Robles back!! He’s where he belongs right now, in retirement!
DBH – I met Pudge at Winter Weekend a few years ago, got his autograph too.
He absolutely killed Red Sox pitching with a .967 OPS which is 110 points higher than his 2nd-highest OPS (against Oakland).
olmtiant – I’m glad your favorite player isn’t Salty, because there’s no way I’d type out “olmsaltalamacchia” for every reply!
From that era my fave hitter was Jim Ed and my fave pitcher was Eck.
I”m too young to remember Lonborg and Tony, and I caught just the end of Yaz’s career back when 400 homers meant something.
Keeping Cora? He’s part of the problem, not the solution.
Fat – Hopefully John Henry will soon realize that, but I doubt he watches many of their games.
Fever—I think John Henry is too interested in Liverpool soccer.
Fat – Agreed, among other things.
Yeah but he was a scrappy utility player so by default he’s a good manager
Yanks – You must never have watched him play or should I say come off the bench when the games were out of hand. He sucked at playing just like he does at managing. It pays to be well connected and he’s a perfect example of a guy with connections getting a job he’s not qualified for. He sucks. It’s just that simple.
Check with his old team mates I believe the words they use are lazy, loved to take short cuts (I guess the cheating fits that description!!) and a complete suck up to get playing time. He sucked, literally. Now he’s doing it at a higher level.
I still firmly believe he has something on Henry and the others that prevents him from being tossed on the scrap heap where he belongs.
Cora hasn’t won a title since he was caught cheating. Just because Cora says he’ll be back doesn’t mean the new POBO has to keep him. I think they’ll dump him and hire Don Kelly so they can get back to integrity inspired baseball.
We don’t know why Cora is so sure he will be back. If John Henry told Cora he will be back, he probably will be back. John Henry may think very highly of Cora.
Cora was also re-hired after his one-year suspension for the Astros fiasco.
YBC…. Yes it’s been a tough year for us both but if it’s any consolation a few games back… Red Sox lead.. and 99 hits a granny ….the frustration of this year finally got to me as I ranted a tirade of vulgarity at the TV for the time it took him to round the bases… wife looks at me.. well aware of were we are both at in the standings… I said loudly ITS THE YANKEES!!! Here’s to sunny days ahead for both of us…
Man I know the rivalry is still there between the Sox and Yanks but it just lacks the juice these days. Hopefully some other fans from different parts of the country experience what we did through the 90’s – 2000’s. Yanks and Sox fans got to see some legendary stuff, sometimes fulfilling and sometimes heartbreaking.
Yanks – I don’t view it as a rivalry anymore. The past couple seasons, if the Sox aren’t playing the Yankees then I don’t care if the Yankees win or lose. It’s just not the same.
Yesterday I was watching the Jeter Dive Game, it reminded me of how great the rivalry was back then. So many stars on each team, it was must-watch TV. And it was fun too, the fans for both teams were very creative. They showed fans holding huge signs with Grady Little’s face on it, have to give credit where it’s due.
I had forgotten that game went 13 innings, in fact many of the “Greatest Games” rebroadcast on MLB Network went to extra innings. Reminds me how much I hate the Ghost Runner.
Look at the Sox’ record in September. That’s their future. The team is awful. They have zero motivation and Cora is still fixated on guys like Valdez, Llovera and Reyes. He needs to go. He is their biggest issue right now.
They need to see if guys like Valdez and Llovera are worth keeping for next year.
Suit – Agreed. At this point winning is not important, player evaluation is.
Red Sox = Dumpster Fire
Yankees = Grease Fire
3 way battle for AL East until Baltimore ownership decides they can’t afford young talent and have to start another rebuild. Toronto steps in poop
And continues to shine
The Orioles tried to keep their last window open by paying their young talent. They were merely crippled when Chris Davis fell off the planet because his Adderall use and ADHD diagnosis were called into question.
Unfortunately it’s probably time to move on from Cora. However, as we’ve seen with other teams it may make sense to keep Cora for another season while they get the front office in order. That being said, his seat should be very hot going into next season
IF and I say IF until it gets confirmed by a reliable source, Cora is back then Sale must go to preserve what’s left of his career and the damage that will be done to these young pitchers is scary. Cora is a complete fool when it comes to pitching and he’s ruined at least two careers as a manager so far. He belongs in baseball jail for the rest of his life. He lacks integrity, baseball knowledge and continues to take the easiest way to getting things done just like he did as a player. The words “work ethic” have never meant anything to this worthless excuse for a human being and baseball player..
FIRE CORA should be printed on shirts and worn to all Red Sox events until it happens.
I am really in between on Sale. I’d trade him for fair value, but I wouldn’t just dump him. Salary is not an issue anymore, because it’s the last guaranteed year and the Sox have reset the LT threshold. If they are serious about competing next year, I’d lean toward keeping him.
The guy I’m really concerned about is Bello. Sox have announced they are working on an extension. Looking at his 5.49 ERA over his past 14 starts, that’s some major regression right there. Hopefully a new coaching staff is on the way, that would undoubtedly help. Pedro was the reason for the success that he did have early this year.
Cora strikes me as an ineffectual parent who plays one child off another in an effort to get them to do what he wants as opposed to a leader who teaches and reads the room.
Frankly, if it weren’t for him, I could see Otani signing with the club. Seriously.
Only if they move the city of Boston to the west coast.
Please do a little research before repeating that claim.
I was under the impression that the manager doesn’t get to decide if he will return. That its up to the POBO or GM. Cora may be surprised to see a pink slip if they hire an experienced POBO.
Life – What happened to Kapler has given me a glimmer of hope, as it reminded me that management often lies when they insist an employee is safe.
Cora’s being there or not being there will have little or no impact on who takes the job. These are professionals and grownups.
hayzee – Department heads are judged based on their people’s performance as a whole. If the new POBO is forced to keep an awful manager, and that manager causes the team to fail, the POBO could end up losing his job.
That’s why no top candidate would accept a POBO position if they weren’t allowed to make decisions on the personnel below them.
FACT: Dave Dombrowski ended up leaving the Red Sox because Cora torpedoed the 2019 season.
Cora is under contract for 2024 to manage the team and he probably realizes hes not in the running for PBO..so..based on his current situation and contract what exactly should he have said? Lol ..you all are reading too much into this the man answered the question based what he has contract to do.he cant predict the future nor should anyone expect him to.
Cora’s answer sounded pretty confident and commital. Aaron Boone was recently asked the same and gave a very different answer – something, something it’s beyond my control.
YBC – Boone doesn’t have the certainty since he doesn’t have the evidence to hang over the owner’s head to keep his job. Cora should be in the same boat but he isn’t and that’s a travesty.
Until you have an actual source of proof, this silly narrative of yours is just that. Everything else you have to say will be equally incredulous.
Pool – You aren’t reading between the lines. This is a KNOWN cheater and in all likelihood he did it twice yet he got rehired by Henry. Ask yourself how that happens because he’s a crap manager, a crap ex-ball player and a crap human being who lies constantly. How does a guy like that get hired?
1 – Connections in the industry
2 – Leverage on the decision maker
You pick. If he knows he’s back tell me which one would you say is most likely?
There is ABSOLUTELY no explanation for why this man has a job!!!!
He must have leverage!!!
Hopefully one of the reporters from the Athletic can write an expose exposing him for using leverage to stay in baseball. It won’t be their star reporter because she eats dinner with Cora but maybe a truly investigative reporter will find out what he has on Henry. My guess is they have had a discreet relationship since DD and when they cheated using the Video room he told Henry in one of his closed door sessions which makes Henry vulnerable to his knowledge. But that’s just one theory that seem highly likely!! There are many other beliefs about how this worthless individual can perform so poorly and keep his job. A convicted cheater. That’s all you need to know about him. Fans need to show the same bias that writers do for guys that took steroids. Fans need to have a greater hate for a man who actually did violate the rules of the game!!! FIRE CORA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is this @Bloom and Gloom since Bloom is gone now?
AKA KD17
Ooohh… I’ll act accordingly 😉
How about Stanton?
Yankees want to dump that contract?
How backed up against the wall is Cashman?
Will.he trade prospects? Prospect who will be in the MLB, after he gets fired if he doesn’t win?
I think the Tigers would.be great trade partners.
Lol ! Why would the Tigers want Stanton? Are they sad saps for fat has beens like future hall-of-famer Miguel Cabrera? No team would want Stanton unless the Yankees pay 100% of his remaining contract and throw in a prospect.
Include prospects that will be MLB ready after Brian gets fired, for one. Give up.the prospects, build a winner or get fired.
The Tiger will give up Javy Baez or not, if you need a ss, NY needs a catcher, pitchers, relief, 1st base……
Nevermind…..the Yankees need too much….and don’t have good enough prospects…..
You literally listed the positions the NYY DON’T need. A Stanton for Baez trade helps neither team.
The Saber – Cashman has no problems. The vault in NY is over-flowing and eating Stanton’s contract is like tipping 20% rather than 18% to the NY Yankees. If their retained payroll jumps up by Stanton’s entire salary the Yankees still make a ton of money throughout those years.
A smart small market team should ask for all expenses paid and give the Yankees a free agent picked up from the Boston Red Sox revolving door (yes a Bloom cast off) so there is fair compensation for Stanton’s real value.
Stanton would look good in KC blue. Heck I bet COL could justify his 81 games played each year if he’s giving home town fans a chance at seeing HRs in any game he plays in.
As long as Cashman eats the money, he has lots of places to unload Stanton. .
The problem with that is Stanton has a full NTC. The Yankees also don’t have other viable DH options nor high upside offensive players besides Judge. Sadly, he holds more value to the team than simply eating his salary in a dump to clear a roster spot… even if they sign Cody Bellinger.
Lol
It worked with Tito… they weren’t exactly building statues of him in Philly… I get it not a bench coach but I couldn’t have been the only one who thought Theo was crazy….
I have to say, “thoughts and prayers for Tim and Stacy Wakefield”
I hope they both win their battles.
DBH – Thanks for mentioning this because I had not heard. What disturbing news!! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I know, right? And the kids still just in their teens. Terrible.
Eff Curt Shilling for doing this!!!
I had posted about it earlier in a thread before this one, definitely sad.
Glioblastoma is far more common than people realize.
Here’s some of the players who have died from it:
Tug McGraw
Darren Daulton
John Vukovich
John Oates
Ken Brett
David West
Gary Carter
Bobby Murcer
Dan Quisenberry
Dick Howser
Also Mike Hazen’s wife.
Amanda – Their Devers contract proves your belief wrong. They are that worthless. But with Bloom gone, maybe the worthless can transition to smart with the right choice at GM.
Excellent post! I hope you’re right.
Amanda – We already have a bad bench coach, ex bad player, cheater – twice accused once convicted, lazy fly by the seat of his pants manager. We don’t want another.
Best post of the year DBH !!!!!Amen to that
OK, I’ll bite. What’s your beef with Verdugo?
Exactly! Say what you will about Boone, at least he motivated his team by going 19-10 to avoid a losing record and last place finish.
Cora lost the clubhouse long ago and it shows in his team’s 7-22 record over the past month including getting shutout 3 times over the past 5 games.
How the hell can John Henry bring back a manager like that?
Fever – Cora lost the clubhouse in May of 2022 when it was clear that all of DD’s guys were not going to be renewed. Then, when Cora’s little buddy Devers did get a ridiculous contract there was no way for the coddling manager to build back respect. He’s a cheater, he plays favorites, he didn’t bond with the non Latin players, he kept killing the pitching staff by playing Devers and by choosing the wrong guy nearly every time he went to the pen. He used an illogical batting order since 2018 and he is supposed to be the great communicator who helped the 2018 hitting improve but in fact he was just a guy who patted hitters on the rear end and made daily line-up mistakes. He’s been worthless since day 1.
Tito got fired for far less than Cora has done wrong, just like DD got fired for winning while Bloom stayed while losing. This ownership group has behaved illogically since they fired DD so keeping Cora fits their bizarre approach to owning the team.
I am very concerned that they will continue to make huge mistakes from a personnel standpoint because nothing seems to have changed since they fired DD except the team loses now instead of winning.
They have moved a worthless chess piece into the top front office position, why should we expect a change in their bad direction with their selection of another GM? I want to be optimistic but until Cora is fired I can’t trust ownership to do the right thing.
Great post, I completely agree!
Tito got fired because of a historic collapse in a year that he had off-the-field issues. He wasn’t perfect, but I don’t think anybody would disagree he’s a great guy the players respected. Can’t say the same for Cora.
As for Henry, I really wish he would sell the team. He’s not the same person he was from 2002-2018. I’d like to have an owner who is focused on the Red Sox and no other sports team, one who wants to win. Maybe the disastrous 2022-2023 season will change him, time will tell.
Didn’t see the article. Rest in Paradise Tim Wakefield