Because the July 30 commerce deadline creeps nearer by the day, listed below are three issues we’ll be maintaining a tally of across the baseball world all through the day right this moment:
1. Bellinger undergoes testing:
The Cubs had been dealt a probably robust blow of their win over the Orioles final evening when Cody Bellinger was struck within the hand by a 97mph pitch from lefty Cionel Perez. In accordance with Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Bellinger’s center finger was struck by the pitch, and he was faraway from the sport as a result of he didn’t consider he may throw a baseball. Bellinger is about to bear testing to find out the severity of the problem.
If Bellinger had been to overlook vital time, it may have a significant influence on the Cubs as they try and work their method again into the conversations for an NL Wild Card spot. The membership is presently 3.5 video games again from a playoff spot regardless of a lackluster 44-49 report however has began to indicate indicators of life with a 5-1 report of their final six video games. The lack of Bellinger, who has slashed .269/.331/.410 in 344 journeys to the plate this 12 months whereas taking part in all three outfield spots and first base for Chicago this 12 months, wouldn’t solely throw a wrench into the membership’s efforts to contend but additionally take a possible commerce chip off the board for the Cubs within the occasion that they find yourself promoting. If Bellinger requires a stint on the IL, prospect Alexander Canario might be a candidate take his spot on the energetic roster and within the outfield combine.
2. Alvarez exits:
Bellinger wasn’t the one star pulled from a recreation yesterday. Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez exited the membership’s win over the Marlins resulting from tightness in his proper hip. As famous by Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, supervisor Joe Espada stated he doesn’t assume Alvarez’s damage is critical sufficient to require imaging. That’s actually excellent news, though it’s nonetheless considerably regarding for Alvarez to be faraway from the sport simply at some point after returning to the lineup following a hit-by-pitch to the knee that occurred on Saturday. If the Astros resolve to offer Alvarez a number of days to relaxation with the All-Star break simply across the nook, gamers comparable to Chas McCormick, Joey Loperfido, and Trey Cabbage may get further reps.
3. Bichette undergoes MRI:
A 3rd star participant exited play with damage yesterday when Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette was pulled from the membership’s win over the Giants resulting from soreness in his proper calf. That’s the identical calf that required a stint on the IL final month. Shi Davidi of Sportsnet relayed after the sport that Bichette was present process an MRI.
The 26-year-old Bichette has struggled to a bleak .222/.275/.321 slash line this season, however a membership that has fallen 8.5 video games out of the AL Wild Card race and has begun to contemplate promoting on the deadline can unwell afford to lose one in every of its most proficient gamers. Bichette’s mixture of accidents, underperformance and remaining season of contractual management make him an unlikely commerce candidate, particularly if the Blue Jays hope to return to rivalry in 2025. Nevertheless, an prolonged absence for Bichette may push Toronto even additional in direction of promoting. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is on the injured listing as properly in the meanwhile however can be a high candidate to step in at shortstop if he’s out for a lesser time period than Bichette. At the moment, Ernie Clement and Leo Jimenez are the highest wholesome choices at shortstop on the energetic roster.
