There were two potentially significant injuries tonight for teams already expected to be active in the market for starting pitching at the trade deadline. Here’s the latest at the end of a busy day of news and rumors:
- Dodgers lefty Brett Anderson left his start with what the team described as irritation in his left Achilles tendon area, as Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports in a series of tweets (1, 2, 3, 4). Anderson said he hopes it’s not a significant injury, while manager Don Mattingly indicated it was too soon to tell whether a DL stint would be required. MRI testing tomorrow should offer additional clarity. Needless to say, any absence from Anderson would exacerbate an already difficult situation in the back of the Los Angeles rotation. GM Farhan Zaidi acknowledged as much, as Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles tweets. “I don’t know that we could ratchet up our search for starting pitching any more,” said Zaidi, “but this emphasizes the need to add.”
- Meanwhile, fresh off a rehab stint, Royals starter Jason Vargas was forced out after experiencing left medial elbow pain, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports on Twitter. He, too, will need an MRI to assess his condition. Kansas City had just demoted Opening Day starter Yordano Ventura, who could be recalled if Vargas hits the DL. But the team was already said to be looking to add to its stockpile of starters, so any uncertainty regarding Vargas could increase the team’s needs over the next ten days.
- In what may be a thin market for bats, the Rangers have received plenty of calls on first baseman Mitch Moreland, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Moreland has enjoyed a breakout campaign, but Texas is fading and is over-loaded with left-handed bats going forward. With another year of control remaining (after playing this year at only $2.95MM), Moreland could be a solid first base/DH addition for a team that could reap more value from him than can the Rangers. But Texas “would likely want at least a young starting pitcher” in return, says Rosenthal, and it appears more likely at this point that he’ll be retained.
Hope the Royals don’t acquire an Ace……because their the only AL team standing in the Yankees way this year…………
If toronto acquires pitching the AL east got a little more fun. But I don’t know if they will it seems they talk to much.
The Angels are starting to play up to their potential. I’d bet on that matchup in the ALCS if everyone stays healthy.
I think the Angels lacks a bonafide ace.
Richards definitely has the ability to be a bonafide ace. The farther he has gotten from the injury, the better he has pitched. He’s starting to look like the Richards from last year.
Watch out if the Astros stays healthy and acquire another ace…
Aw isn’t that cute………..A Spankees fan showing off his intelimagence…………Good job over their…..(see what I did THERE? hehe)
Cost just went up for La for a pitcher if this guy goes down !
lol, its not like there going to give up their whole farm system for pitching. Too much pitching in the trade deadline, there’s not many contenders this year.
if you know anything about the dodgers owners they arent about to ruin the farm just to get a pitcher. dodgers are all about growing in house talent and so far nothing will change that
Moreland wouldn’t be a bad fit with the Angels. I would think it would have to be a three team deal though since the Rangers wouldn’t want to help their rivals.
I wonder why nobody is talking about Leake as an option for the Dodgers. I know it would be nice to add a Price or Hamels atop the rotation with Kershaw and Greinke, but Leake is the type of pitcher they need. Dependable, eats innings and won’t coat them any of their top prospects.
With McCarthy and Anderson having a history of being injured, a lot. I can’t see too many people being shocked with the Dodger’s starting pitching woes.
dodgers took a risk in hope they can get something out of them, Anderson gave them something before he got hurt and macarthy so far been a waste.
if he goes on the DL give lee a shot. sure lee wont be a ace, but he proven to earn a shot at least. i really want to see what the dude got they didnt give him 5 mill for nothing
Go get like Kazmir and so on. Some Team will make a Trade today. Yankees aren’t going to World Series know if they upgrade at 2B maybe.
Braves interested in a deal with Dodgers, pitching for position players. Braves will trade All-Star Shelby Miller and Chris Johnson to LA for Yasiel Puig and Alex Guerrero provided the Dodgers buy out the opt-out in Guerrero’s contract.
Anderson should be due for a free MRI soon…seems like he has the 10th one free punch card almost filled.