The Mets are understandably anxious to get righty Jacob deGrom back on the big league hill, and with minor league seasons wrapping up, they may allow him to ramp up fully while pitching from the bullpen, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo tweets. DeGrom threw 35 pitches at full tilt today as he recovers from a recent bout of forearm tightness, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports on Twitter, and it seems he could be back in uniform in a few days. It’ll be interesting to see how deGrom is deployed, but regardless, it’s obviously good news for the Mets as they battle for a Wild Card berth.
- One of New York’s primary competitors, the Cardinals, appear set to welcome back an important piece of their own in outfielder Matt Holliday, MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reports on Twitter. The veteran reported that his injured thumb felt good after an on-field BP session today. It still seems unlikely that St. Louis will pick up its $17MM club option on Holliday for 2017, though team and player could always work out an alternative arrangement.
- Likewise, the Red Sox will get back an outfielder for the stretch run. Rookie Andrew Benintendi may be ready to go by the middle of the week after making good progress following a knee injury, manager John Farrell told reporters including Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal. The left-handed hitter is likely to return in a time share, despite his immense early production, as the righty-swinging Chris Young is hitting well since he was activated from a DL stint.
- The news wasn’t as good for Red Sox righty Steven Wright, who is dealing with shoulder issues, ESPN.com’s Scott Lauber reports. The knuckler may be able to begin throwing soon, but Farrell suggested that it will be a “challenge” for him to return to full duty in time to play a role late in the regular season or even the playoffs. Wright, 32, hasn’t maintained his breakout first-half production, managing only a 5.06 ERA in 42 2/3 innings over his most recent seven outings.
- Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock is expected to return at some point over the next few weeks, Jack Magruder of Fan Rag tweets. After working back from a broken bone in his elbow that took most of his season, Pollock went down recently with a groin strain. But it seems he’ll be able to log a few more plate appearances late in the year, with the training staff saying that he is ahead of schedule in recovering.
- It’s still unclear what, if anything, the Dodgers can expect from southpaw Scott Kazmir, who has been diagnosed with thoracic spinal inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts says that he hasn’t been updated as to Kazmir’s status, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times tweets. The entire campaign has been a struggle for the veteran lefty, but he has been hit harder (.277/.333/.493) in seven starts over the second half and it’s not at all apparent whether he’ll be a factor in the postseason. With two years and $32MM left on his contract, Kazmir seems unlikely to trigger his opt-out clause after the season.
I like Holliday, but why would the cards negotiate a deal with him, for 2017, in the crowded outfield they have? First base has also become crowded as well. It’s no secret his best producing days are behind him even if his leadership is still relevant. They could attempt to Q.O. him, but I don’t see many takers in that arena and then the cards have an over paid corner outfielder(if he accepts the Q.O.)for 300k less than just picking up his 2017 option?
Not wanting to be a cardinal GM on this one.
Nah. It’s been pretty clear cut for the last 2-3 years that the Cardinals were going to decline this one. It never made sense financially and with the crop of up and comers needing PAs, they aren’t going to risk that development for the sake of keeping Holliday.
I think Holliday either latches onto an AL club for one last act or he retires. I’m guessing the latter seeing as his family is firmly entrenched in the St. Louis community.
I guess the real question is do you think Holliday is worth $16M (His option minus the buyout)? Looking at his numbers I doubt the Cards would be willing to pay that much.
With the $1mil buy out, it would actually cost the Cards $700K more for the season to go decline option year/offer QO route.
I wasn’t looking at his buyout. This makes it even more complicated.
Do you see a team picking him up and losing their draft pick?
Ownership has said how much they like Holliday.
But I would rather see what extending Moss will cost before going to Holliday.
I like him. I’d see if he would be interested in a 2/22 kind of deal where they pick up the option and then sign him for 6 or something like that for 2018.
He’s a quality player to have around and can help on the bench and be Moss’s platoon partner at first and left and let Adams play elsewhere.
Holliday isn’t needed, but he’s a nice luxury, and one of the few 9 figure players out there to earn their deal.
I think he also deferred some of that cash at one point
$2M annually deferred without interest, to be paid from 2020 to 2029
Ok nationals
Steven Wright is going to DL himself into trade piece.
I’m not sure the Red Sox are in a position to trade away MLB caliber starters. Especially with the FA market the way it will be this offseason
Cardinals just need to keep Holliday onnthe DL he won’t help this team and then decline his option and let him walk!