The team didn’t play, but they also didn’t lose! So I’m declaring small victory.
Diamondbacks News
[BurnCitySports] Jake McCarthy vs. Pavin Smith: Which Player Has Earned the Opportunity to Stay? by Michael McDermott
Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas could be activated from the 10-day injured list when the team starts its road trip in Cincinnati on Tuesday. The team will make a roster move when that time comes. The two candidates the team will likely have to choose from are Jake McCarthy and Pavin Smith.
Spencer’s Spicy Supplement: Old Friend Michael has switched which news source he writes for, so let’s give him some early traffic! For his perspective on the “Alek Thomas Choice,” click the link in the title above!
[MLB] Latest Rookie of the Year poll brings two new faces to forefront by Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru
Others receiving votes: Paul Skenes, PIT (1 first-place vote); Andy Pages, LAD; Jackson Chourio, MIL; Kyle Harrison, SF; Masyn Winn, STL; Blaze Alexander, AZ; Max Meyer, MIA; Jacob Young, WSH; Jung Hoo Lee, SF
[BurnCitySports] Next Two Weeks Could Reveal Diamondbacks 2024 Direction by Michael McDermott
The next two weeks could determine the direction the 2024 Diamondbacks will go. Over that stretch, they will face the Cincinnati Reds twice, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Detroit Tigers. The Reds and Tigers are close to .500, with records of 16-18 and 18-16 respectively, while the Orioles lead the American League with a 23-11 record. It’s safe to say they have their work cut out as they try to stay afloat in the National League playoff picture.
Baseball News
[MLB] Shota or Shohei? MLB execs rank the best offseason signings by Mark Feinsand
Shota Imanaga, Cubs (9 votes)
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (4 votes)
Jack Flaherty, Tigers (1 vote)
Sonny Gray, Cardinals (1 vote)
Jordan Hicks, Giants (1 vote)
Reynaldo López, Braves (1 vote)
Seth Lugo, Royals (1 vote)
Albert Suárez, Orioles (1 vote)
Spencer Turnbull, Phillies (1 vote)
Tyler Glasnow, Dodgers (trade/extension) (1 vote)
Zack Wheeler, Phillies (extension) (1 vote)
Too early to tell (1 vote)
[MLBTR] Giants Notes: Murphy Timeline, Snell Update by Steve Adams
It’s not a great update for the Giants, but Murphy avoided a worst-case scenario that’d have sidelined him for a much longer period. The Giants also provided a small update on reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell on Monday, with Melvin telling the team’s beat that the lefty pitched a bullpen session without issue and is slated to pitch three innings in a simulated game against live hitters tomorrow. Snell, who was rocked for an 11.57 ERA through his first three starts, hit the 15-day IL due to an adductor strain last week.
[FanGraphs] Top of the Order: Who Should the Marlins Trade Next? by Jon Becker
Considering the team’s position, there are only two Marlins players who should be off limits to prospective trade partners, starting pitchers Eury Pérez and Sandy Alcantara, who are both out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Alcantara, who signed a five-year, $56 million extension after the 2021 season, should be ready for Opening Day, while Pérez will miss at least a couple months of next season, too.
Let’s take a look at some of the players the Marlins could deal between now and the July 30 deadline.
[MLBTR] Steven Kwan Expected To Miss Around Four Weeks by Anthony Franco
The Guardians placed American League batting leader Steven Kwan on the injured list this afternoon. Testing revealed the underrated left fielder suffered an “acute” strain of his left hamstring, tweets Zack Meisel of the Athletic. Kwan is expected to be sidelined for about a month.
It is tough news given Kwan’s scorching start to the season. The left-handed hitter has turned in a .353/.407/.496 batting line over 145 plate appearances. Kwan has walked as often as he’s gone down on strikes (11 times apiece). It looked to be a massive rebound after he had a league average .268/.340/.370 slash in his second big league campaign. Paired with his characteristically elite left field defense, Kwan has been one of the sport’s most valuable players through six weeks.