The Indians and right-hander Carlos Carrasco are gaining hope he’ll be able to help their bullpen this year, Ryan Lewis of Ohio.com reports. Carrasco’s amid a remarkably encouraging recovery from leukemia, an illness that put a stop to his season in late May. Since beginning a rehab assignment at the Double-A level, the 32-year-old has tossed 2 2/3 innings of no-hit, five-strikeout ball, showcasing solid velocity in the process. The Indians will now move Carrasco’s rehab stint to Triple-A Columbus, where he’ll throw around two innings Sunday, according to manager Terry Francona.
- Rays infielder Brandon Lowe’s season is seemingly over, but he’s not giving up on a return, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times relays. Lowe, who has dealt with shin and quad injuries over the past couple months, explained Friday that he’s aiming to rejoin the Rays during the postseason. A playoff berth isn’t a certainty for the Rays, but at half a game up on the AL’s top wild-card spot, they’re on track to earn a spot. Although he hasn’t played in a while, Lowe’s among the reasons for the club’s success. The 25-year-old rookie wrapped up his regular season with a terrific .276/.339/.523 line, 16 home runs and 2.5 fWAR in 307 plate appearances.
- Dodgers lefty Rich Hill will throw a bullpen session Saturday for the first time since landing on the IL on June 20 with a flexor tendon strain, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times tweets. Hill estimates he’ll rejoin the Dodgers’ staff in two weeks, per Castillo, though it’s doubtful he’ll start for them again this season. The 39-year-old could at least be an asset out of LA’s bullpen heading into the playoffs, however.
- The Tigers have placed utilityman Niko Goodrum on the IL with a left groin strain, the team announced. Goodrum, one of the few reasonably effective hitters in the Tigers’ lineup, has put up a .248/.322/.421 line with 12 homers and a dozen stolen bases across 472 plate appearances. Not only that, but the versatile 27-year-old has totaled double-digit appearances at first, second, short and in the outfield.
- The Mariners have shut outfielder Mitch Haniger’s rehab down temporarily as he deals with a back issue, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com. It’s a new injury for Haniger, who suffered a ruptured testicle June 6 and hasn’t suited up for a major league game since. He appeared in three rehab games before the back problem cropped up.
Carlos could be the Indians closer
He could close by they might try to use him like Miller of 2016 bringing him him to bridge the gap to the closer plugging in an inning to maybe 2 or 3 if needed.
Absolutely not. Hand will be fine. Couple rough outings in the midst of a long season isn’t anything to be terrified of. His underlying numbers are still strong. That’s your closer 100%.
Hill could have been the next HOF however he took the Brandon Webb carrer
Webb was done by 29.
His career was definitely derailed by injuries, but slow down on the Hall of Fame. His early years were not exactly stellar.
*carrer
I couldn’t have thought of anyone rich hill had a more opposite career than. Only on MLBTR. Thanks! Cheers?
With Goodrum going to the IL the tigers need to call up Willi Castro
Toledo season ends in a week. I bet Cruz gets called up along with Cameron and relief pitcher Garcia. Stewart and Candelario too. and a couple pitchers.
Castro got his promotion! Let’s see what he’s got!
Melchez, who is Cruz?
Did not know that Haniger ruptured his jewels…doesn’t sound pleasant
Played multiple innings after as well
Who’s the AL ROY? I would’ve thought Lowe was in the lead prior to his season being finished. Vladdy?
Yordan
Forgot about Alvarez. he’s the guy
Al Roy, wasn’t he George Jeston’s boy?
Just shut Haniger down fir the season
I think Yordan has to have the lead right now. The guy has an OPS over 1.1. I know he’s only played in 57 games, but still. Vlad has done great, but his numbers still aren’t as good as Alvarez.
I wonder if Vlad will be referred to as “rookie of the year runner up”? His numbers are pretty close to Miguel Andujar from last year. Vlad is 3 years younger and better defensively.
Small error in the paragraph about Lowe. Rays aren’t leading by .5 games for the top WC spot. Indians are ahead of them. They lead for the 2nd spot.
You’re wrong, TB is in WC slot 1 with Cleveland tied for the 2nd spot 1/2 game behind.