The Orioles’ decision to outright left-hander Paul Fry over the weekend could be a precursor to adding veteran righty Edwin Jackson to the big league roster, writes Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. Jackson had an opt-out clause in his contract for June 1 but agreed to push that date back to today as the team took a bit more time to make its decision. Jackson’s lack of minor league options is a strike against him, Encina notes, as the O’s have liberally shuffled relievers back and forth from Triple-A Norfolk and Baltimore this season. However, his ability to throw multiple innings in relief and recent effectiveness could make up for that fact. Jackson has tossed 5 2/3 scoreless frames with four strikeouts and no walks across his past three outings and has a 3.10 ERA with 7.5 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9 on the year as a whole. If he does trigger his opt-out, the Orioles would have 48 hours to add him to the roster or release him.
Elsewhere in the AL East…
- ESPN’s Buster Olney spoke to a talent evaluator from a rival club who recently watched Red Sox prospect Rafael Devers and came away convinced that the 20-year-old’s size and conditioning won’t allow him to stick at third base in the long run. While that’s just one opinion — Baseball America wrote this offseason that Devers’ glovework has improved, for instance — the lack of certainty isn’t great for a Boston club that has a murky third base picture in the long term thanks to Pablo Sandoval’s struggles and Brock Holt’s injuries. As Olney notes, Devers’ defense will also impact how other clubs view him in potential trade discussions as well.
- Jacoby Ellsbury will see a neurologist today after a recurrence of his concussion symptoms led to a shutdown from baseball activities over the weekend, writes George A. King III of the New York Post. The Yankees have the outfield depth to withstand a lengthy absence from Ellsbury, who was off to a fine start on the year, but they’re currently utilizing converted infielder Rob Refsnyder in that mix. Mason Williams would offer a better defensive option should the Yanks need a long-term option, King suggests. In a separate piece, he notes that the team doesn’t love the idea of promoting prospect Dustin Fowler if there aren’t everyday at-bats for him at an outfield slot. With Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge all playing well, there doesn’t seem to be a place for Fowler right now, despite his .300/.335/.563 batting line through 225 Triple-A plate appearances.
Todd Frazier as a rental? Missed a decent amount of Spring Training due to a hand injury and missed time early in the season due to the flu and is starting to hit a bit more. Likely wouldn’t cost much. Probably a low B prospect or a couple Cs.
Todd Frazier would appear to be a nice fit in Fenway Park. He’s a pull hitter who, when not striking out, hits a lot of balls high into the air. He is not prone to hitting a lot of line drives. His K’s and lofty infield pop-ups won’t help much, but many of his towering fly balls that tend to fall shy of the warning track in most parks will clear the Green Monster.
In addition, Frazier is a solid clubhouse presence and a good athlete. He can run the bases and provide much better defense than what the Red Sox have seen in recent years at the hot corner. Boston could do worse than to acquire him as a rental by the trade deadline and at 31 years age he might still be a useful bridge until they can figure out a longer term solution to their 3B problem.
If Frazier was open to an extension with the White Sox, the New Jersey native might be just as willing to sign one with a more “attractive” team like the Red Sox.
I’d rather we just keep using Marrero, Frazier isn’t really that good
Agreed. If his recently warmed bat stays that way.
ChiSox aren’t letting Frazier go for a “low B.” Was that a joke?
…Meaning Devers is too big? Too small?? Isn’t he like 6′ 1″ 195?
Rafael Devers height and weight are listed as 6-0, 195lb. with his link to Baseball Reference. It suggests he might be a little pudgy, especially if conditioning is truly an issue with him.
Devers career .943 fielding % at 3B might be the bigger issue. Still in all, if continues to hit like he’s doing at AA Portland finding a spot for his left-handed bat in the lineup shouldn’t be an issue, be it at LF, 1B or DH. He doesn’t strike out a lot either as his 267 K’s in 1558 PA’s would attest to. His minor league numbers to date suggest that he might not be the next Pedro Alvarez.
Been hearing around the league people think Devers projects to be Pablo Sandoval 2.0.
h yeah, you have a line to “people around the league”? Interesting. I can’t find a single quote from anyone in baseball that says as such.
Considering I work in the industry and chime in here from time to time, yeah, I do.
Ya ok hodor….. I’m sure you have a pulse on what “people” are saying around the league. Lmao
piss off hodor
Salty!
So he is going to be good for 6 years until he hits free angency?
Yea and you don’t know how to hold a door.
For the ladies, I do.
That’s sexist pal!
From a Human standpoint I hope Ellsbury will be OK. From a fans standpoint I hope he retires.
He was having a bounce back year..OMG
Thank God Bird is playing in some rehab games and hopefully soon they can send Refsnyder down or DFA him. They should cut the crap and call up Fowler because Gardner is doing his usual June Swoon..oh there’s your at bats!
Austin is coming back soon also who could be sensible option to bring up. Don’t start Fowlers clock yet. I don’t think the Yankees outfield is their biggest problem.
If Austin can come back from the injury..Cool. I just can’t stomach seeing Refsnyder anywhere anymore!
Jackson of career 4.65 ERA fame?