NL Notes: Cubs, Happ, Story, Newcomb, Cervelli
It’s been a while since the last update on the Cubs‘ Ian Happ, who has yet to appear in a Major League game this season after he was optioned to Triple-A out of spring training. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma, though, offers some insight into Happ’s mindset and process as he works towards rejoining the Cubs. Happ, 24, was a productive big-leaguer in his first two seasons with the Cubs, but was plagued by strikeouts and inconsistency, neither of which is an uncommon issue for a young player. During his time in Triple-A, Happ has focused on refining his approach and retooling his swing with an eye on contributing to a contending Cubs team in the second half. After striking out in 33.8% of his first 875 plate appearances, Happ has that number down to 27.3% in the minors this year, while increasing his ground ball rate as a result of a flattened swing designed to better cover elevated pitches. With Daniel Descalso and Addison Russell getting the majority of the second base reps and Albert Almora Jr. in center field, there looks to be an avenue for Happ to help to the Cubs in the near future, but it appears that the Cubs are content with a patient approach to Happ’s situation.
Here’s the latest on a handful of National League clubs…
- Good news for Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, who recently landed on the IL with a thumb injury that was said to keep Story out for “multiple weeks.” Per the Denver Post’s Patrick Saunders, however, Story is progressing faster than anticipated and could indeed return to the Rockies after the allotted 10 days on the injured list. That would put Story on track to rejoin his team on June 29, which is certainly a welcome turn of events in Colorado. Surely, that’s no guarantee and the Rockies won’t rush their star back, but it’s sure to inspire more optimism than the original timeline.
- The Braves’ bullpen will get a boost this week, with left-hander Sean Newcomb expected to return from the injured list ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Cubs, according to Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He showed promising signs in his most recent rehab outing and should be ready to pitch for the first time since taking a J.T. Realmuto liner to the neck last weekend. Though Mike Foltynewicz was demoted, thus leaving a void in the Braves’ starting rotation, that won’t be filled by Newcomb, who will remain in a relief role for the foreseeable future.
- Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli could rejoin the team as early as next weekend, tweets Adam Berry of MLB.com. The 33-year-old catcher, who has been on the injured list since May 25 after suffering a concussion, could start a rehab assignment in the next few days and return to action for the Bucs shortly thereafter. Certainly, the Pirates have kept their heads above water with a catching tandem of Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings, both of whom have thus far outperformed Cervelli, who struggled in the season’s opening months.
Mets Consider Moving Amed Rosario To Center Field
The Mets are at least toying with the idea of moving Amed Rosario to center field, writes Tim Healey of Newsday. Rosario’s 2019 struggles at shortstop have been well-documented and the club has a noticeable opening in center field, with Brandon Nimmo sidelined indefinitely and Juan Lagares struggling mightily as his replacement.
Whether you prefer traditional or advanced metrics, the message on Rosario has been clear: this year, he has been a negative at shortstop. His 11 errors are tied for the most in the National League, and he has accumulated -13 DRS, the worst mark among qualified shortstops.
For his part, Rosario has said that he is open to such a move, per Healey. Though he hasn’t played the position in his professional career, it’s not uncommon for middle infielders to transition to center field. The Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte, a former shortstop, is one such example, with Dee Gordon of the Mariners setting a less promising precedent.
As a prospect, Rosario was touted for his quickness, hands, and footwork at short, all of which were indicators that he had the ingredients to stay at the position in the long-term. Of course, no one is saying that Rosario is a lost cause yet—he’s still just 23 years old and there’s no reason to believe the tools that made him a top prospect have suddenly vanished. Quality shortstops are hard to find, so there’s no doubt that the Mets would like Rosario to prove himself worthy of the starting job.
At the same time, though, if the organization is intent on contending in the near future, it may be in its best interests to give the youngster a chance in center field, another premium, up-the-middle position. The new position would allow Rosario to provide value to his club without putting too much pressure on his bat—with a career .685 OPS, Rosario hasn’t shown that his offense is enough to carry his profile.
The Mets have already experimented with several infielders getting outfield reps: Jeff McNeil, J.D. Davis, and Dominic Smith have all received extended looks in corner outfield spots, providing versatility that manager Mickey Callaway asserts has “made us a better team.” Indeed, the aforementioned trio have all provided valuable offensive production, with Davis and Smith receiving regular playing time despite not starting everyday, which can be attributed in part to their ability to play a couple of spots in the event of injuries or resting starters.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that the Mets will follow through with such a move, and playing center field likely wouldn’t preclude Rosario from seeing time at shortstop moving forward. However, the current circumstances make it seem that now is as good a time as ever to challenge a talented young player in hopes that a position change could unlock a defensive breakthrough for a former top prospect.
To be sure, in the event that Rosario makes the switch, the Mets will need someone to take over for him as the everyday shortstop, which is no small task. Adeiny Hechavarria is perhaps the most likely replacement, with Luis Guillorme bearing mention as well, though neither has played well enough to force Callaway’s hand. Notably, the Mets’ farm system features a promising shortstop, Andres Gimenez, ranked as its number one prospect. However, he is still just 20 years old and has posted mediocre numbers at Double-A Binghamton. Certainly, it’s a situation worth monitoring as the Mets’ frustrating season continues.
Rockies Recall Garrett Hampson, Option Jeff Hoffman
The Rockies have optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A Albuquerque, tweets Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Infielder Garrett Hampson has been recalled and will replace Hoffman on the active roster.
After showing promise last season in a second-half call-up to the Major League team, Hampson struggled mightily out of the gates in 2019, posting a dismal .489 OPS in 105 plate appearances, including an ugly 6:27 ratio of walks to strikeouts. He was optioned to Triple-A and performed capably in 26 games, and now reclaims his spot on the active roster with Trevor Story on the injured list.
Hoffman, meanwhile, has made seven starts for the Rockies, working to a 6.75 ERA. The former first-round selection has managed to strike out 36 batters in 33 1/3 innings, but has been susceptible to the long ball, surrendering seven home runs in total. Hoffman, now 26, will look to iron things out in the minor leagues, but the organization’s patience may be running thin with the once-promising right-hander. With Hoffman’s spot in the rotation set to come up on Tuesday, the Rockies will need to find a replacement for him. Kyle Freeland, last year’s staff ace, has been in the minors since May 31 and is an obvious candidate to return to the Majors. However, as The Athletic’s Nick Groke notes, Freeland is starting today in Triple-A, so he won’t be ready to pitch in place of Hoffman on Tuesday.
Dodgers Place David Freese On Injured List
As expected, the Dodgers have placed infielder David Freese on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain, as reported by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Catcher Will Smith has been recalled to take Freese’s spot on the active roster.
Freese, 36, has emerged as a key part of the Dodgers’ offense, posting a career-best .308/.407/.592 slash line. The veteran infielder earned himself a one-year contract to return to Los Angeles after an impressive showing late last season, when he was acquired from the Pirates in August. This season, he has doubled down on that production and shown himself a steady contributor at the corner infield.
Though Freese made a name for himself as a third baseman, he has suited up primarily at first for the first-place Dodgers, often spelling Max Muncy against left-handed pitchers. Surely, Freese will be missed, but Muncy has shown himself more than capable of handling southpaws when called upon, and the versatile Dodgers have a number of options who can pick up slack in Freese’s absence: Cody Bellinger, Enrique Hernandez, and Matt Beaty have experience at first, and the Dodgers would like Joc Pederson to get more reps there.
Smith rejoins the Dodgers after getting his first taste of the Majors in May. Smith, regarded as an above-average offensive performer at the catcher position, flashed that potential in his first big-league stint, but hasn’t gotten enough experience to draw many conclusions. His numbers in Triple-A this season are impressive, slashing a tidy .291/.397/.609 in 49 games.
Dayton Moore Discusses Alex Gordon
Although the out-of-contention Royals are reportedly willing to trade almost all of their players, it’s clear general manager Dayton Moore has his limits. Moore wants a bounty in return if he’s going to deal utilityman Whit Merrifield, while he seems wholly uninterested in moving left fielder Alex Gordon, per Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com.
“I couldn’t imagine Alex Gordon in another uniform,” Moore said.
To this point, the 35-year-old Gordon never has played anywhere else, having been a Royal dating back to the 2005 draft. Fourteen years ago, the Royals used the second overall pick on Gordon, who now stands as one of the most accomplished and beloved players in franchise history.
The defensively adept Gordon’s offensive numbers have fallen off since the Royals signed him to a four-year, $72MM contract entering 2016, however. With a .260/.341/.446 line, 10 home runs and a 107 wRC+ through 309 plate appearances this year, Gordon’s enjoying his first above-average campaign since 2015. Although, an unproductive June has somewhat undone an impressive first two months of the season.
In theory, had Gordon kept up the torrid pace he was on earlier this season, it would’ve boosted his trade value. But even if Moore wants to deal Gordon, the player could veto a move. Gordon, who has 10-and-5 rights, already indicated in May that he’d shoot down any potential trade.
With Gordon having said he doesn’t want to play anywhere else, Moore’s comments aren’t all that noteworthy with respect to this season. Gordon could become a free agent in the offseason, however, and Moore’s words may imply the Royals are interested in retaining him past 2019. Gordon said last month he’s leaning toward playing next year. If so, he’s sure to exercise his half of a $23MM mutual option. The Royals will decline the option in favor of a $4MM buyout, though the sides may be able to work out a new deal that’s more palatable for the team if Gordon continues his career.
Mariners Designate Jesse Biddle, Select Matt Carasiti and Mike Wright
The Mariners announced a slew of roster moves Sunday. The club has designated left-handed reliever Jesse Biddle for assignment and selected the contracts of righties Matt Carasiti and Mike Wright from Triple-A Tacoma. Seattle also moved righty Chasen Bradford to the 60-day injured list and optioned RHP Gerson Bautista to Tacoma.
Biddle didn’t last long on the Mariners’ roster, having just joined the team in a trade with the Braves on May 20. That came a few days after the Braves designated Biddle. Between the two teams this season, the 27-year-old Biddle has limped to a 7.54 ERA/5.60 FIP with 7.54 K/9 and 6.75 BB/9 in 22 2/3 innings. Lefties have managed a whopping .404 weighted on-base average against Biddle, who’s only a year removed from a highly productive debut season in Atlanta.
Carasiti, also 27, signed a minors pact with the Mariners earlier this month after the Cubs released him. His lone major league experience came in 2016 with the Rockies, with whom he threw 15 2/3 innings of 9.19 ERA/4.49 FIP ball. Carasiti has put up a far better 2.76 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 32 2/3 Triple-A frames this season.
The 29-year-old Wright’s back in Seattle a little over a month after the team designated him. Wright didn’t pitch well in 11 innings with the Mariners before that, continuing a difficult run in the majors. With the Orioles and M’s, Wright has combined for a 6.08 ERA/5.26 FIP over 253 innings.
Athletics Select Brian Schlitter
The Athletics have selected the contract of right-hander Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Las Vegas, the team announced. He’ll take the 25-man spot of closer Blake Treinen, whom the A’s placed on the injured list Saturday, and give the club a full 40-man roster.
This will be Schlitter’s first time in the majors since 2015, when he threw 7 1/3 innings with the Cubs. Schlitter saw action with the Cubs in two other seasons (2010 and ’14), and combined for a 5.40 ERA/4.26 FIP with 5.27 K/9, 3.27 BB/9 and an excellent 56.5 percent groundball rate in 71 2/3 frames with the club. He hasn’t pitched in the majors for anyone else.
Now 33, Schlitter spent 2018 with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate before he joined the A’s on a minor league deal in the offseason. Despite pitching the first couple months of this season in an environment that’s unkind to hurlers, he managed playable results over 34 2/3 innings before his call-up. Schlitter has posted a 3.89 ERA/4.54 FIP with 7.01 K/9, 1.3 BB/9 and a tremendous 67.9 percent grounder mark in Vegas.
Orioles Outright Dan Straily
The Orioles announced that right-hander Dan Straily has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. The club designated Straily on June 20.
There were unsurprisingly no takers via the waiver wire for Straily, who has struggled mightily since inking a major league deal worth $575K with Baltimore in early April. The 30-year-old Straily pitched to a 9.82 ERA/9.30 FIP with 6.23 K/9 and 4.15 BB/9 across 47 2/3 innings before the Orioles booted him from their roster. The club first tried switching Straily from its starting staff to its bullpen last month, but neither role has worked for him this season.
Straily’s fall from grace comes after a few useful seasons as a starter in the National League. He was effective in 2016 with the Reds, who brilliantly flipped him to the Marlins during the ensuing offseason in a trade that delivered Luis Castillo to Cincinnati. Straily then turned in a pair of decent seasons in Miami before the team released him prior to the current campaign.
Cubs Activate Tony Barnette
The Cubs have activated right-handed reliever Tony Barnette from the 60-day injured list and optioned righty Rowan Wick to Triple-A Iowa, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score tweets. Barnette’s reinstatement gives the Cubs a full 40-man roster.
The 35-year-old Barnette is in line for his first major league action since last July 3, when he pitched for the Rangers. Barnette had been down with shoulder issues since then. But that didn’t deter the Cubs from signing Barnette to a low-risk contract in the offseason. He’s on a $750K salary this year and could return to the team in 2020 on a $3MM club option.
Barnette had an up-and-down tenure with the Rangers, pitching well in two seasons (2016 and ’18) but poorly in the other (’17). In all, he recorded a quality 3.50 ERA/3.56 FIP with 8.25 k/9, 2.69 BB/9 and a 45.1 percent groundball rate during his 144-inning Texas career. That’s the extent of Barnette’s major league experience, as the former 10th-round pick (Diamondbacks, 2006) spent several years pitching in the minors and in Japan.
Barnette will now work for a contender in Chicago, whose bullpen ranks sixth in the majors in ERA, 10th in FIP and 18th in K/BB ratio. The Cubs’ two innings leaders – Steve Cishek and Brandon Kintzler – have posted fine results, but aside from them and Kyle Ryan, they haven’t gotten impressive production from any of their regular relievers.
Rays Place Diego Castillo On IL
The Rays have placed right-handed reliever Diego Castillo on the 10-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, Juan Toribio of MLB.com tweets. Righty Hunter Wood is coming up from Triple-A Durham to take Castillo’s spot.
This is another notable blow to the Rays’ bullpen. The unit has already been without one of Castillo’s fellow late-game hurlers, Jose Alvarado, for almost all of June as he deals with a family matter.
The 25-year-old Castillo owned a 2.05 ERA as recently as June 11, but a couple recent blowups have sullied his output. He allowed six earned runs over a combined 1 2/3 innings in his previous two appearances, raising his ERA to 3.93 over 34 1/3 frames. Castillo has also put up a 4.51 FIP with 9.96 K/9, 4.19 BB/9 and a 52.9 percent groundball rate.