Here’s the latest from MLB’s Central divisions:
- Cleveland has come up as a speculative trade destination for Toronto’s Josh Donaldson, and if the Indians acquire him or another third baseman this month, it would mean shifting Jose Ramirez from the hot corner to second base. However, manager Terry Francona threw some cold water on a potential in-season position change for Ramirez on Sunday, telling Jordan Bastian of MLB.com: “I know it sounds good on paper and it even sounds good to me on paper. There’s other things you have to think about other than just numbers.” Francona added that Ramirez hasn’t worked out at second base this season, which he posited may make the superstar more susceptible to an injury, and suggested switching positions at this juncture could throw Ramirez off track during an MVP-caliber season. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting Ramirez did rack up significant experience at the keystone last year, when he appeared in 71 games at the position. Incumbent second base starter Jason Kipnis has appeared in 118 games there this season, but he has limped to a .216/.305/.345 line in 493 plate appearances, leading to the possibility of the Tribe upgrading at that spot.
- The right knee contusion that sent Reds first baseman Joey Votto to the disabled list on Aug. 17 is “way worse” than the team originally thought, manager Jim Riggleman told Matthew Martell of MLB.com and other reporters Sunday. As such, Votto may not be ready to come off the DL when he’s first eligible, per Riggleman, though he did add that the 34-year-old has made notable progress since he landed on the shelf. Votto incurred the injury on a hit by pitch from Nationals reliever Ryan Madson.
- Beginning Friday, the Cubs will employ a six-man rotation, at least temporarily, manager Joe Maddon said Sunday (via Bruce Levine of 670 The Score). Alec Mills will stay among the starting staff after turning in a solid outing against Cincinnati this past Friday, and lefty Mike Montgomery will soon come off the DL – where he has been since Aug. 17 because of shoulder inflammation – to rejoin the group. With the Cubs amid a stretch in which they’re playing 23 straight games without an off day, the decision will provide a respite for top starters Jon Lester, Cole Hamels, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana as the playoffs approach.
I hate to be that guy, but it’s Mike Montgomery
Thanks for catching that. Fixed.
I hate to be that guy, but it’s Michael Paul Montgomery. Just kidding.
Connor Byrne…. could there be a more Irish name?
Yeah his numbers aren’t all that great compared to Mike’s
To be what guy? The guy who likes to see a job done correctly? I’m sure Connor wants it to be right, too.
Tito is loyal to a fault to his players. Kipnis hasn’t been good since 2016 and yet he keeps playing. This will be why the Tribe will be a quick exit in the playoffs. They are a bat away from being a WS contender and the Indians won’t go get it.
Don’t forget Cody Allen! Absolute garbage
Just one of many Indians pitchers that misses Mickey Callaway.
Mets should sign Allen for cheap this off-season.
He still won’t come cheap, see what setup men got last year
Hard core fans in Cleveland don’t cry‘JLB will retire there On a one day contract
MLBTR is pushing the ‘Donaldson to the Indians’ rumor hard.
The “speculative trade destination” is like reading political articles that site “unnamed sources” and buried in them is – “at present there is no evidence”…..or in this case – “However, manager Terry Francona threw some cold water on a potential in-season position change for Ramirez on Sunday……”.
MLBTR doesn’t create rumors. They summarize baseball articles and once in a great while introduce an analytical or comical piece.
Well said. It’s frustrating.
I hate to be that guy, part two, but it’s the wrong José Ramírez link…
Are you sure? The player linked looks like Jose Ramirez.
You’re right. It’s the Braves pitcher instead of the Indians third basemen.
At least Tyler Shatwood isn’t moving back to the rotation.
His name is actually Tyler Chatwood, and he deserves another shot. I think he could get his BB/9 down to 12.0 next season.
I think he was being sarcastic
Kycubfan your exactly right.
I hate to be that guy but it’s Tyler Chatwood
Me too
Did someone seriously make a screen name to purposely put other commenters down?
Never more Iowa after he clears next year DFA
That Kipnis contract is killing them. Will next season, too.
They’ve always had a contract crippling them, see Swisher and Hafner before him.
Michael Bourn, too.
It’ll be interesting to see if EE lives up to his next season.
The good thing is EE is only under contract for next year and I think an option for 2020 but I worry about his age catching up to him. I wouldn’t be surprised if they shopped him in the off season trying to find someone desperate and free up the 25 mil he is owed for other guys.
Francona spins. Moving Jose will HELP him, not hinder him. He’s a natural 2B. Sounds to me the same old trap under the Dolan cave. They don’t care to win championships, just be good enough so they don’t look bad to some people.