Unfortunately for the Nationals, second baseman Daniel Murphy doesn’t seem close to making his 2018 debut. Manager Dave Martinez told Jamal Collier of MLB.com and other reporters Sunday that Murphy remains “a ways” away from coming off the disabled list. What’s more, Murphy – who underwent microfracture surgery in his right knee last October – has not looked healthy during his Double-A rehab assignment, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post hears. A scout informed Janes that Murphy has been “gimpy,” “struggling to move laterally” and lacking “straight-ahead speed” during action this weekend. Not only is that bad news for the Nats, with whom Murphy starred from 2016-17, but also for the impending free agent. While Murphy did all he could to set himself up for another nice payday over the previous couple seasons, the 33-year-old is now amid a less-than-ideal platform campaign.
- Rays right-hander Chris Archer dealt with groin tightness during his start Saturday, helping lead to his exit after five innings of two-run ball, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes. It doesn’t seem to be a major concern, but “he’ll probably get checked out here in the next day or two and see how it is,” manager Kevin Cash said. Thanks in part to Saturday’s performance, Archer has seen his ERA plummet from a season-worst 7.84 on April 14 to 4.24 over his past nine starts. That should help the hard-throwing 29-year-old’s stock if the Rays make him available in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, as some expect them to do.
- Mets third baseman Todd Frazier is primed to come off the DL in time for the team’s series against Baltimore, which begins Tuesday, Matt Ehalt of The Record suggests. Indeed, Frazier tweeted Sunday that he’s on his way back to New York, thus wrapping up a Triple-A rehab assignment. His return will be a rare positive development for the free-falling Mets, who placed Frazier on the DL with a hamstring strain on May 8. Prior to suffering the injury, the offseason free-agent signing opened 2018 with a helpful .237/.357/.412 line and five home runs in 140 plate appearances.
- The Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate in Nashville has placed righty Kendall Graveman on the DL with a forearm strain, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Fortunately, Graveman doesn’t have any structural damage and should only miss 10 days, Slusser reports. Nevertheless, the injury continues a difficult year for Graveman, who entered 2018 off three straight respectable campaigns but has spent a large portion of the season in the minors. The 27-year-old worked to a 7.60 ERA in 34 1/3 innings prior to his demotion and also hasn’t been great in Nashville, where he has posted a 4.50 ERA in 24 frames.
Will be interesting to see if the Mets get rid of Reyes when Frazier comes back. He’s been terrible in general and especially at 3rd. Guillorme has been better and deserves to stay.
HanRam for 3B!!!
Yup HanRam just what the Mets need. Another OLD player
I was thinking HanRam could play all 4 infield spots at once and have a 5 man outfield, 2 catchers
Why would you waste han rams glove at 3rd when he’s a natural SS? Same body type and skill set as the day he stepped in the bigs
Reyes has to go
I was stunned when they brought him back for 2018. I understand that injuries made it difficult for NYM to DFA him, but his production has sunken to mannequin-level, so keeping him makes no sense whatsoever.
I hope Baltimore picks him up once he’s DFA’d. Even if he has nothing in the tank I’d like to see him. More exciting than watching we have out there I believe.
Looks like 2018 is shaping up to be a lost season for Murphy, and that is very unfortunate for him and the Nats. Difo is doing a decent job at 2B, but does anyone think WAS will be inclined to trade for a 2B at the deadline given this grim outlook for Murphy?
Maybe. Dozier or LeMahieu would be interesting rentals.
Turner has played some 2B, could Machado be sn option?
Microfracture recoveries have been mixed. Good luck to Murphy who became a feared hitter the last couple of years.
Graveman needs a fresh start with another team… Heck of a pitcher, just in the middle of a down year…
I agree. I always had the hope that Graveman would turn into a nice, long term, durable, middle of the rotation pitcher. A new scenery where he does not have the pressure as the top guy is what he needs.
Not sure why you think getting hurt means Graveman needs a change of scenery?
Gossett probably blew out his elbow today and will need TJ (speculating here, because why wouldnt that be the outcome at this point), so Graveman also misses a huge chance to show he can still go at the MLB level.
I bet Petit will get some starts now.
True, he’s definitely an option and the A’s love an 8 man bullpen so they could move Petit to the rotation and Hendriks is almost healthy so he can take his place.
When Oakland subtract Hatcher, Coulombe and Dull and add Hendriks, Buchter and Triggs, things are going to get pretty interesting. Joyce, Lowrie, Treinen and Lucroy are all on the trade table too, with Treinen being the guy who could bring in a haul, no idea if the A’s are buyers or sellers at the deadline, but selling would be the smarter move.
You think Joyce really has any trade value? Fowler leading off is going to be so much better once Joyce is gone.
Also, Lou Trivino is legit!
Last winter I thought a Schwarber to OAK for Graveman trade would be a win-win. I know the Cubs consistently repeat the mantra that Schwarber is not available, but the guy needs to be at 1B or DH. He’d be a great fit for OAK, but I’m not sure the Cubs are currently open to acquire a SP who would be a project during a pennant race.
I think Kendrick is out for the year.
Time to get rid of Jose Reyes