This last week in Major League Baseball has been absolutely insane. It’s not just been about all the trades happening, but there have also been some important injuries. Let’s try to get you caught up with all the top stories of the past week.
A New Family Member
The Oakland A’s made a bold move by trading for Mets closer Jeurys Familia. That move has coincided with a six-game winning streak that has brought the A’s neck and neck with the Mariners for the second wild-card spot. Oakland is now the betting favorite to earn that wild-card spot over Seattle.
Still Stiff
Speaking of the Mariners, they had some misfortune this week with ace James Paxton, who was scratched from what was supposed to be his return from the DL with continued back issues. Seattle has lost its grip on a wild-card spot and needs Paxton back as soon as possible if they’re going to hold off the A’s.
Former Yankee in Boston
Adding starting pitchers has been all the rage this week, with the Red Sox acquiring Nathan Eovaldi from the Rays. Eovaldi is known best for his days with the Yankees, but he’s having a solid season after missing all of 2017 with Tommy John surgery. Outside of Chris Sale, there are some questions in Boston’s rotation, so Eovaldi is a nice pick up for them.
Moves and Counter Moves
Soon after the Red Sox added Eovaldi, the Yankees made a move for Toronto lefty J.A. Happ. The Yankees are also in need of some rotation help, so Happ should provide some stability as the Bronx Bombers try to make a move on the Red Sox at the top of the A.L. East.
Double Trouble
Of course, things got a lot harder for the Yankees this week, losing both Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge to the DL. Both will be out until late August or early September. Sanchez has struggled offensively this year, so he’s not a huge loss, but the same is not true for Judge. He’s been the team’s best offensive player this year and his absence for the next few weeks is a huge blow to the Yankees.
It’s Cole in Chicago
The Cubs jumped on the trade bandwagon Thursday night be acquiring Cole Hamels from the Rangers. Hamels has been dreadful over the past month, but he was having a nice season before then. Chicago is hopeful that a change of scenery and the chance to pitch for a contender will get Hamels going in the right direction. The Cubs could certainly use his playoff experience down the stretch and in the postseason.
Where is Everyone?
The Rays have had an unusual pitching staff all season, but now they almost have a non-existent pitching staff. In addition to Eovaldi being traded, Matt Andriese was also traded. He went to the Diamondbacks, a team that has been short on rotation depth all season. On top of that, Blake Snell has gone to the DL with shoulder fatigue. The MLB website literally lists Chris Archer as the only starter on Tampa’s depth chart, and he too could be traded before next week’s deadline.
Get One, Lose One
The Milwaukee Brewers saw their playoff hopes take a hit this past week with Brent Suter being lost for the season with an elbow injury that will likely require Tommy John. The Brew Crew has yet to address their rotation via trade. However, they did add White Sox closer Joakim Soria to help reinforce an already strong bullpen.
Moose on the Loose
Speaking of the Brewers, they made a more high-profile trade Friday night, landing Mike Moustakas from the Royals. The trade will force Travis Shaw to move to second base, but it will also lengthen Milwaukee’s lineup considerably as they chase the Cubs.
Heading to the Desert
The Diamondbacks have also added an extra bat to their lineup, acquiring Eduardo Escobar from the Twins. The move all but coincides with Jake Lamb going to the DL with a shoulder injury, which should put Escobar at third base for the time being. Should Lamb return, Escobar could move to the middle infield, which could be a big boost to Arizona’s lineup.
Bad Heel
Finally, some bad news on the injury front for the Mets (what else is new). Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has decided to go ahead with heel surgery that will keep him out 8-10 months. The issue is believed to be a contributing factor to the many leg and hip issues Cespedes has dealt with the past couple of seasons. However, even if the surgery works as expected, it will keep Cespedes out for the first part of next season.