Jhonny Peralta is back with the Cardinals after being activated from the disabled list, though Peralta told reporters (including Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch) that he’ll have to adjust to being a part-time player for the first time in his career. “Everybody is doing good and the team — we’re in second place,” Peralta said. “I understand the situation but it’s kind of hard for me to be on the bench and not play every day, because I know what kind of player I can be….I need to learn to be ready for whatever time or situation it is in the game.” Peralta was a productive starter for the Cards as recently as the 2015 season, though an injury-plagued 2016 opened the door for Aledmys Diaz and Jedd Gyorko to emerge, and those two have now established themselves as the Cardinals’ regulars at shortstop and third base. Peralta, who turns 35 later this month, is in the final year of a four-year, $53MM contract and is owed roughly $7.4MM for the remainder of the season. A trade could be difficult to work given this remaining salary and Peralta’s lack of recent production, though if Peralta is able to get somewhat back into form, he’ll give the Cards some solid veteran infield depth.
Here’s more from around the NL Central…
- Jason Heyward expects to be activated from the 10-day DL today, which creates an interesting roster decision for the Cubs, MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat writes. Top prospect Ian Happ has looked spectacular since being promoted last week and could stick with the club, through manager Joe Maddon said that the team wants Happ to get regular action wherever he plays, which could be somewhat difficult on Chicago’s crowded big league roster. “That’s what happens when you’re good is you have tough decisions,” Maddon said. “The fact that Ian has come up and done so well makes it even more difficult. We’ll try to figure it out and make our best guess.” Happ brings a lot of versatility as a switch-hitter and a multi-positional player, so the Cubs could get him playing time in a variety of roles and instead demote another bench option such as Tommy La Stella or Albert Almora. Heyward has missed two weeks due to a sprained right index finger, and was already back in the Cubs’ clubhouse after completing a one-game rehab stint in the minors.
- The incentive bonuses for Scott Feldman and Drew Storen are broken down by Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer, as Storen has already reached his first incentive threshold (15 appearances) and Feldman will access his bonus money on Monday when he makes his 10th start of the season. Feldman will earn $100K for that outing, and then another $100K or $200K for each successive start thereafter, up to 25 starts. The righty also has extra cash available in relief incentives, though Feldman isn’t likely to be moved out of the Reds rotation anytime soon, due to both his own solid performance (a 4.29 ERA in 50 1/3 IP) and Cincy’s lack of healthy alternatives. Storen has pitched very well out of the Reds bullpen and is in great shape to earn his $750K in available incentives for appearances, though attaining his games-finished bonuses could be difficult with Raisel Iglesias locked in at closer.
- With the Pirates in last place and facing an uphill battle in the NL Central race, Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com argues that the Bucs should deal Gerrit Cole while the right-hander’s trade value is at its highest. Cole is looking healthy after an injury-shortened 2016 and is pitching well, with a 2.84 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 50.3% grounder rate and 4.17 K/BB rate through 57 innings. Between this front-of-the-rotation production and Cole being under team control through 2019, the Pirates would stand to obtain a major haul if Cole was dealt. Gammons speculates that the Astros and Yankees would be the top two suitors, as they have enough minor league depth to afford the big price tag Pittsburgh would demand for Cole’s services.
The Cubs have other options at their disposal when they reinstate Jason Heyward from the disabled list. They could option recently recalled pitcher Pierce Johnson back to Iowa if they feel comfortable enough having a 7-man bullpen in the short term.
There’s a decent chance that the Cubs decision may be put off a day anyway with rain in the forecast for Chicago today. The Brewers will make one more trip to Wrigley Field in September making a doubleheader somewhat less likely tomorrow in the event of a postponement of today’s contest.
I hope it’s cancelled today and only one game tomorrow. The guy I am playing in fantasy baseball has 2 Cubs in his lineup. The Hound, you are going down!
Looks like it wil be Tommy LaStella going down again according to WBBM. He’ll be riding the shuttle to Iowa and back like a good boy as 26th man this year.
Best man sent down but everyone else on the Cub roster are awesome . I hope LaStella gets traded he could start for a lot of teams. But he’s no DJ LeMiera(Rock)
There are never doubleheaders on getaway day
Maddon said he isn’t comfortable with a 7 man bullpen. That’s why it’s going to be someone who swings the lumber.
I think La Stella is too good of a bat to send down again.
It sucks for Almora, but I think he would be better served to gain more experience and playing everyday.
He’ll eventually be the starting center fielder, just not this year.
Almora is to good they all are trade Tommy to a team he can play a lot
Jason “the 180 million dollar defensive replacement” Heyward.
Don’t forget the $70,000 World Series ring!
The broadcasters got rings too,
so what?
Hell Ryan Dempster even got a ring being a special consultan!
What is your point Mike?
You must not watch a lot of a Cubs baseball. He was swinging a great bat, all year, before he went down.
No, he wasn’t. He was swinging a “great” bat compared to the garbage he put up last year. He has still been a below average hitter so far this year, just not AS bad as last year. He’s still sporting the second lowest OPS of his career.
Gerrit Cole is going to be a hot commodity. He should net a huge take for the pirates. I wish the royals were better because he would look good in KC.
they could also sit/send down schwarber and let happ have lf.
Yes, it looks like Ian will remain in the lineup until he cools off. Kyle will have to be rotated in the lineup with the rest of the guys in the outfield. He could see a spot start at C or 1B. The only two guys that will be starting everyday are Bryant and Rizzo. Baez may see more spot starts at SS.
I doubt Kyle gets sent down.
Schwarber isn’t getting benched, rotating (aside from maybe a rest day here and there), or getting sent down.
I swear, some of you guys are smoking crack, or have never played a day of baseball in your lives.
He had a bad month-and-a-half. This happens in baseball. He’s showing signs of life and will come around.
He’s one of Theo and Jed’s guys. He was described as one of the “four pillars” of the team, by Theo.
Theo on Kyle Schwarber, last week: “If people are selling on Kyle Schwarber….I’m buying.”
Fellas, the kid isn’t going anywhere, and for good reason. Get used to him being a Cub for many years to come.
I’m not convinced. Some guys talk like that about their players just to give the impression they’re behind them. It’s a lot better than saying, “Yeah, he really sucks now, doesn’t he?” With all of his defensive limitations (putting it nicely), I think he’d be better off serving as a DH in the AL. If the Cubs were offered a very good starting pitcher and some prospects, I think they’d at least listen. The Cubs proved last year that they have enough offense without him; it’s their starting pitching that’s been disappointing this year.
I agree, Schwarber needs to get benched or sent down. Happ has earned some regular playing time.
Same goes for Heyward. Put Bryant in right, Happ in center and Jay in left.
And Rizzo at third!
Joe is crazy enough to try it haha
He needs to bat lower and give Almora a shot at lead off
Joe Maddon had Kyle Schwarber batting in the #2 slot behind leadoff hitter Ben Zobrist before today’s game against the Brewers was postponed. That figures to remain the same tomorrow with Milwaukee right-hander Chase Anderson bumped back for the Sunday start.
This would be a better lineup, although I still believe the switch-hitting Zobrist profiles best in the #2 slot which is suggested as much by his career spits of .273/.369/.430 hitting second.
I am also of the opinion that left-handed hitting Anthony Rizzo should remain in the #3 slot, followed by right-handed hitting Kris Bryant batting cleanup and lefty Schwarber hitting 5th.
Switch-hitting Ian Happ might be an option to leadoff when he plays or could protect Schwarber in the #6 slot. Another possibility to hit first might be the CF platoon of Jon Jay and Albert Almora.
My personal preference to leadoff would be Jason Heyward who is the Cubs best base runner and also has a .274/.353/.419 triple slash as a #1 hitter in his career. It’s about time he starts earning that $184MM contract as a two-way player. What better way for Maddon to instill some much needed confidence in his veteran right-fielder who is still just 27 years old and put up comparable numbers to former Cub leadoff man Dexter Fowler as recently as 2015 in his walk year with the Cardinals.
What’s Heyward’s OBP as a Cub. Seems like he strikes out way too much to be useful at leadoff. That Stalingrad diet he’s on isn’t helping either.
Heyward has been one of their most consistent hitters this year — until getting injured.
Also, he said he isn’t comfortable hitting lead off. So, that’s out.
When Heyward was in Atlanta he said he preferred not to hit leadoff. Of course, that was when both he and the Braves had higher expectations for him to become a prototypical middle of the order threat.
Fact is, Heyward’s most productive career splits come either batting #1 or #6. He’s never produced the necessary SLG/OPS numbers to hit 3-4-5.
Heyward hasn’t had a prominent role batting leadoff since the 2013 and 2014 seasons but he was excellent in that spot when asked to do it. I’m good with Heyward batting 6th with the Cubs but the team is currently most in need of a leadoff hitter. Ben Zobrist’s career splits hitting 1st are a substandard .238/.329/.376. As I’ve already posted, Heyward’s are significantly better hitting first and Zobrist numbers are much better hitting 2nd.
Schwarber is not getting sent down
At some point this season, Schwarber will be a waste of a roster spot if he doesn’t start hitting. He’s a liability on defense, so what use is he without his bat?
Of course the first time Maddon finally plans to bat Schwarber somewhere other than the leadoff spot, the game gets rained out. He’ll probably switch it back tomorrow as the rainout probably signaled to him that it wasn’t a good idea.
Bet the pirates don’t get nearly what you would expect. They never seem to get what you think they would get.
still extremely early to deal Cole, pirates haven’t given up yet, nor should they. if someone wants to throw they’re whole A+ farm system in and pay the Pirates team salary well.. okay ( you know something crazy).
Really i don’t think Cole’s value is as high as it should be.. His health has been worry some in previous years.. if things are looking good for him at the break and the pirates are more of a long shot than they are now.. then maybe put a feeler out.
Here we go another person with the “it will cost the farm” crap. Cole with be costly bit it will not take the “farm”. Give me a break.
He just said he doesn’t think Cole’s value is as high as it should be and his health is an issue. You should actually read the comments before replying.
that’s not what i said at all. I said right now this moment yeah it will take a lot.. like everything. He might not be “worth it” but right now the team needs him if they want to have a shot.
If at the dead line the pirates are not even in striking distance of a wild card and cole continues his great play and healthy then the Pirates should consider more reasonable terms.
Maybe that is maybe easier to understand.
At what point do the Cubs began trading some of these guys?
Probably the trade deadline, for starting pitching.
I can Baez and/or Schwarber being part of a package for Archer or Cueto.
Okay, so neither of them are going to be traded in general, unless its in some random mega deal for someone in the Kershaw/Bumgarner/Trout range and the Cubs are just absolutely fleecing the other side, and they certainly aren’t going to be traded for Johnny Cueto, who will be opting out this offseason. While I’m here, and even though you didn’t mention him, Ian Happ isn’t going to be traded either.
Baez and Schwarber are both off limits, according to Theo and Co.
It’ll more than likely be one of the other few starters (Almora? and Jimenez and/or Caratini)
A well ago, I would’ve said Happ, but he’s come on like a freight train, and he’s a pretty consistent and clutch hitter. So, my guess is there’s a cold chance in h e l l that he goes anywhere.
I personally would move Baez, but I know that just isn’t going to happen. In my view, he’s just too much of a streaky hitter, strikes out far too much, and isn’t consistent enough.
I still think he’s a very good player, and will be a very good player for another team, but the Cubs just have far too much talent to absorb the negatives, and they also need more quality starting pitching.
This all depends on how much their rotation continues to struggle. Almora and Jimenez aren’t going to get a real difference maker in return. I don’t think the Cubs would do Baez and Schwarber for Cueto unless he opts in on the rest of his contract, and then the Giants are getting hosed. Besides, last year, the Cubs traded a massive package to the Yankees for a half-season rental of Chapman; it’s not out of the question that they’d overpay again at the deadline for much needed help. On the offensive side, I would say that only Rizzo, Bryant, and Happ are truly untouchable, and the latter mostly because it might well be selling low.
Point was someone taking a shot at Heyward as a “defensive replacement” and his contract. So what…..he won the World Series. And…got a nice ring to boot.