Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an interesting interview with injured Braves infielder Sean Rodriguez. He’s working through his rehab in Atlanta, and says that he believes he can make it back to action before the end of the current season. Rodriguez also discussed his stint with the Pirates, saying that his former colleagues were immensely supportive following his family’s involvement in a terrifying offseason car accident.
Here’s more from the National League East:
- Things obviously haven’t gone as hoped thus far for the Marlins, though that doesn’t mean president of baseball operations Mike Hill is giving up just yet, as Tim Healey of the Sun-Sentinel reports. Time may be running short to engineer a turnaround, but “there’s no panic” in the organization, says Hill. With lapses cropping up all over the roster, says the veteran executive, “it makes it even harder” to find a solution. For the time being, then, it seems there’s little the club can do but continue to press on.
- Outfielder Christian Yelich is among the Marlins players who has not quite performed to expectations thus far. Now, he’s dealing with a new injury, as Healey reports. Yelich left last night’s game after his right hip flexor tightened up. The club is waiting to see how Yelich feels today before determining the next steps.
- Also leaving his game with a seemingly minor injury was Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, as Christian Red of the New York Daily News reports. Bruce is dealing with lower back tightness, though he says that “hopefully it’s just an isolated incident.” With the Mets still trying to scramble back into contention, the team will surely hope that’s the case. The resurgent Bruce has been one of the club’s most productive players, slashing .250/.331/.513 with 11 home runs over 181 plate appearances.
- The Phillies announced yesterday that outfielder Daniel Nava would head to the 10-day DL with a hamstring strain. That’s unfortunate timing for the 34-year-old, who was off to an excellent start after a rough 2016 season. Through 73 trips to the plate, Nava is slashing a robust .305/.425/.458 with more walks than strikeouts — potentially making him a trade candidate this summer for organizations looking at adding a bench bat.
- With the Phillies struggling to find offensive production, the club ought to consider bringing back Roman Quinn, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice argues. The young outfielder has been particularly productive over the last month at Triple-A, Lawrence notes. He also showed fairly well in a brief debut last year. Though there’s not a clear path to everyday time, Lawrence suggests the Phils could cut back on the plate appearances currently going to the struggling Michael Saunders and even center fielder Odubel Herrera to fit the speedy Quinn into the lineup.
- Two Nationals relievers are showing at least some signs of progress, as Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports (Twitter link). Sammy Solis and Joe Blanton are at least throwing the baseball at present, though it’s still not clear whether either is yet working off a mound. Solis, in particular, has been a significant question mark given his seeming lack of progress from an inflamed nerve in his elbow. The Nats will hope that both can make it back and bolster a late-inning mix that has been questionable all year long.
Roman Quinn is going to provide offensive production? A guy with 1 homer and a .269 batting average? Phils just need their guys to produce or need to give Hoskins a chance
Quinn is a table setter who had a rough start. He was better lately. His defense alone would be an upgrade over Mike Saunders
It is obvious the Phils are not contenders. By the all star break they should get whatever they can for Saunders, Nava, Hellickson and bring up some of the kids at AAA. That is the only way they will find out who can play. Hoskins, Perkins, Cozens, Quinn and others need to show their stuff
The Phillies upper minors are populated with 4A players and pitchers. Real help is 2 years away.
Scouts also said jimmy Rollins would never amount to much which is the definition of a 4a player, but you never know till you bring them up and play them everyday…
The Marlins are an unfortunate mess and Stanton’s contract is absurd – immovable and there seems no chance Stanton opts-out of same. Stanton is not living up to that contract, though few could. It can’t be easy playing ball in Miami this year while trying to accept the loss of Jose Fernandez on both a personal and professional level. The Marlins could use some fresh leadership and here’s hoping new ownership delivers. Having watched the WBC in Miami, there is an unquestioned market for quality baseball, but engaging the locals requires a far better community approach than was offered under Loria’s ownership. Good riddance to Jeffrey Loria.
Other than college football, Florida is the worst sports market in the country. No amount of community outreach is going to change that.
Disagree very hard. There are loads of retired folks down there that love to watch sports.
Roman Quinn is a bust
No he’s not.
How do you figure? He is 24 and has shown he can play in upper minors and his brief call up last year
There are lots of busts of Romans, but this Roman is not a bust.
And as for the missing East team, the Mets have their own posting called, “ever changing injury report”.
Why does your ad on the app version of MPBTR force open the App Store and go to an app preview for a different app before I could read the article? Super lame y’all…