Headlines

  • Angels Part Ways With Phil Nevin
  • Brandon Woodruff Out For Wild Card Series With Shoulder Injury
  • Buck Showalter Will Not Return As Mets Manager In 2024
  • Tim Wakefield Passes Away
  • Felix Bautista To Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Signs Through 2025 Season
  • Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

West Notes: Astros, Rodgers, Padres

By Nick Deeds | July 1, 2023 at 9:34pm CDT

The Astros have seen a great deal of upheaval in their rotation throughout the season, as established hurlers like Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Lance McCullers Jr. have spent much of the season on the injured list while up and comers like Hunter Brown and J.P. France have taken up roles in the rotation. In the midst of all that turmoil, left-hander Framber Valdez and right-hander Cristian Javier have stood as fixtures at the top of Houston’s rotation.

That figures to change in the coming days, however, as the club has scratched Valdez from his planned start against the Rangers tomorrow. Manager Dusty Baker indicated to reporters, including Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, that Valdez had been battling with a sprained ankle since June 20 against the Mets, and the injury worsened during his last start against the Cardinals. Right-hander Shawn Dubin figures to take the ball in Valdez’s stead tomorrow, though his 10.80 ERA in five innings this season doesn’t exactly measure up to Valdez’s Cy Young-caliber performance this season.

Per Kawahara, Baker noted that Javier is still expected to make his start on Monday “as of right now” despite the fact that the right-hander is “scuffling a bit,” as indicated by his uncharacteristically lackluster 5.79 ERA in June. Chandler Rome and Eno Sarris of The Athletic suggest the Astros could push Javier’s next start back by calling up right-hander Brandon Bielak, who was scratched from his start at the Triple-A level today.

More from around MLB’s West divisions:

  • The Rockies may welcome back second baseman Brendan Rodgers from surgery before the 2023 campaign comes to an end. Rodgers suffered a torn labrum during spring training that ultimately required surgery, but the 26-year-old infielder has begun to work his way back to the field, per Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. Rodgers took live batting practice for the first time today, ran the bases and took infield practice. Rodgers will report to Arizona for extended spring training after the All Star break, and manager Bud Black indicated to reporters (including Saunders) that Rodgers could return to the Rockies in August or September. That’s fantastic news for the Rockies, who have relied primarily on Harold Castro and Coco Montes at the keystone in Rodgers’ absence.
  • The Padres will be without right-hander Yu Darvish tomorrow, as the veteran hurler was scratched from his start due to a bout of the flu. Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune adds that, per manager Bob Melvin, he may not be able to pitch Monday either. Who will start in Darvish’s stead tomorrow is currently unclear, though the club did recall right-hander Pedro Avila earlier today. Avila has made 13 starts at the Triple-A level this season, posting an 8.49 ERA in 46 2/3 innings of work.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Colorado Rockies Houston Astros Notes San Diego Padres Brendan Rodgers Cristian Javier Framber Valdez Yu Darvish

Jordan Holloway Opts Out Of Minors Deal With Cubs
Main
Jahmai Jones Opts Out Of Minors Deal With Dodgers
View Comments (28)

Comments

  1. deweybelongsinthehall

    3 months ago

    I’m thinking a JV trade is coming with the Mets paying 50% or more of his salary with the Astros returning middling type prospects. Perhaps a reunion could fix him, etc.

    2
    Reply
    • BeforeMcCourt

      3 months ago

      And why would the Mets do that, other than to throw a solid to the Astros?

      1
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        3 months ago

        JV is on a one year deal and unless they suddenly start to play up towards their payroll, they would get a couple of longshot prospects. Boston last year traded Vasquez and got decent prospects back. Nothing earth shattering but you never know.

        Reply
        • Astrosfn1979

          3 months ago

          JV is not on a 1 year deal.

          He is signed for over $43M next year + gets $35M in 2025 if he pitches 140 innings next year.

          The Mets can’t trade him and sell the fact that hey are trying to compete next year.

          1
          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          3 months ago

          Thank you. I thought it was one year. My bad

          2
          Reply
  2. Cohen’sLastWhiteTooth

    3 months ago

    Im like 90% sure Shawn Dubin stole my friend’s catalytic converter.

    2
    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      3 months ago

      Are you in Binghampton? I have a gang in Binghampton doing that.

      1
      Reply
  3. Rishi

    3 months ago

    The rate at which teams like Houston, LAD, and ATL keep coming up with starting pitching, and doing so despite always having low draft picks, is incredible.

    1
    Reply
    • foppert1

      3 months ago

      I don’t think so. The evidence seems clear. It’s how you develop talent in baseball. The picking order is primarily hype. Some teams are ahead of the development game, and other teams are trying to catch up. This is the nature of such things.

      Reply
      • Seamaholic

        3 months ago

        This. If I’m a team that struggles to develop pitchers, I’m backing up the Brinks truck for any senior member of one of those front offices, and giving them free reign to change everything. That’s the coin of the realm now.

        1
        Reply
      • Rishi

        3 months ago

        Yea. I don’t mean it’s impressive specifically because of the low picks. I know it’s their player development. But it is a bit more impressive considering if they had even higher picks they’d likely be even better. The draft pool is full of talent. The difference between the higher picks and lower picks is probably often just hitting your peak earlier and having those people around you who helped make the talent click earlier.

        1
        Reply
        • Hammerin' Hank

          3 months ago

          Yeah there is definitely a talent gap between the top 5 picks in a given year and picks 25-30. It might not be a huge gap but it exists. This year Paul Skenes is supposed to be hands down the best pitching prospect, while Cruz and Langford are far and away the top two hitters.

          1
          Reply
    • Rsox

      3 months ago

      Good international scouting helps. Plus the draft position might actually help as the later they pick the more overlooked/underhyped better quality players you can find.

      Reply
  4. 99socalfrc

    3 months ago

    God the Padres have no depth. Their “next man up” starter has an 8.49 ERA in AAA. How can that organization not figure out this is not how good teams do it.

    2
    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      3 months ago

      PCL. Everyone has a horrid ERA there, at least in the western half of it.

      1
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        3 months ago

        Also, I don’t know specifics but they could have promoted or traded away their better starting prospects in the last couple of seasons.

        Reply
        • Longtimecoming

          3 months ago

          Dewey – Cal Quantil (CLE); Chris Paddack (Min); Patino (TB); Gore (WSH) are the best / mlb ready talent traded away. Not a great deal of help traded away. They were the better prospects I. Their system though (pitchers anyway).

          Just goes to the argument that you can’t count on prospects. Gore is looming ok for. 4 or 5 but he was the #1 LH SP prospect – maybe someday but not now.

          Reply
  5. texgal01

    3 months ago

    Well what will be now of Astros and Rotation. Bielak most likely starts Monday. Then France and Blanco for Colorado series. Then Hunter, Framber, and Javier at least for Seattle. Unless Bielak to Bullpen. I am sure being called up if was pulled from start. Javier struggled in June but it is July now so maybe he can take his start. But Houston will be lucky to gain anything now if Bielak returns in this series. He could go with Dubin on Sunday and Javier Monday and keep rest of rotation.

    Reply
  6. #FireFarhan

    3 months ago

    The Padres. LOL!

    1
    Reply
  7. Braves_saints_celts

    3 months ago

    Everytime jp France is mentioned it’s basically like he is just there. No love is ever shown toward him. Given the circumstances of how he even ended up in the Astros rotation that doesn’t even matter, he’s done terrific with the opportunity given to him and if he keeps it up I feel like he has to be given a shot over some of the other guys that might be coming back from injury. “Oh but his fip is way higher than his performance” oh stfu he’s running with his opportunity and doing great and I feel like that should be noticed. He’s not just some scrub that’s getting mop up duty, he’s getting starts and doing consistently good for a team in the playoff hunt. That alone should bare mention and a close watch going forward. Sorry but I had to say it, so many articles already out with him being mentioned and nothing is said about his performance other than he’s doing “okay” as an injury replacement. It’s ridiculous, and this is coming from a braves fan. I hate seeing players get no love but some players who are having way less success than him or others get praised and are just having down seasons but they will get out of their slump eventually. Start showing these guys some love until they prove they don’t deserve it.
    Rant over
    Sorry not sorry

    Reply
    • BrianStrowman9

      3 months ago

      Braves saints and Celtics…..you just pick some good teams to root for around 2008?

      Reply
      • Braves_saints_celts

        3 months ago

        Idk the years I went to the games, but I was living in Minnesota at the time and watched both the celtics and the saints destroy the Timberwolves and vikings respectively and I’ve been a fan of those two teams ever since. as far as the braves I’m from Alabama so I’ve always been in their viewing territory and have been a fan for ever lol. I’m also an Auburn fan to make matters worse lol

        Reply
    • Astrosfn1979

      3 months ago

      France has been great and I shutter to think where the Astros would be without him.

      I hope he is a late bloomer who stays a bottom of the rotation producer for the next few years, but it’s unlikely

      He is an older guy who took years to get to the bigs and relies on deception more than stuff.

      Those guys tend to get hit around more once hitters see them multiple times as the season(s) go on.

      Reply
    • boltz82

      3 months ago

      @braves_saints_celts JP France has been in the MLB for a grand total of ten starts. In his last five starts he has lost three of them, although arguably has pitched well in a couple of those losses. However, the league has been full of players that had short term initial success when called up and shortly fizzled afterwards. I suspect the 28 year old rookie will be the same.

      Reply
  8. astros_fan_84

    3 months ago

    I think the Astros are very limited in what they can do this year. There is so little depth and many players are playing below career norms. Unless the division race tightens up, I think they just stand pat at the deadline. They flip a OFer for pitching, but that’s about it.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      3 months ago

      No one will send them decent pitching for one of their outfielders (obv unless it’s Tucker).

      1
      Reply
      • astros_fan_84

        3 months ago

        I agree it won’t be a blockbuster trade. Julks could get a decent reliever rental.

        Reply
  9. thefaithfulfriar

    3 months ago

    8.49 ERA gets you a call? Jeez… Whatever happened to resurrecting Cole Hamels?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Angels Part Ways With Phil Nevin

    Brandon Woodruff Out For Wild Card Series With Shoulder Injury

    Buck Showalter Will Not Return As Mets Manager In 2024

    Tim Wakefield Passes Away

    Felix Bautista To Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Signs Through 2025 Season

    Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension

    Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations

    Giants Fire Gabe Kapler

    Orioles Agree To 30-Year Lease At Camden Yards

    Padres Prefer To Retain A.J. Preller, Bob Melvin In 2024

    Brooks Robinson Passes Away

    Reds’ Matt McLain Shut Down For Remainder Of 2023 Season

    Padres Plan To Reduce Payroll To Around $200MM; Front Office Changes Possible

    Marlins Place Eury Perez On 15-Day Injured List, Select Jeff Lindgren

    Sandy Alcantara Shut Down For Rest Of 2023 Season

    Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture

    Rays Promote Junior Caminero

    Sean Doolittle Announces Retirement

    Tigers Name Jeff Greenberg General Manager

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Recent

    AL Postseason Injury Notes: Buxton, Raley, Hernández

    Joey Votto Remains Unsure If He’ll Play In 2024

    The Opener: Postseason Rosters, Game Two Starters, Angels Press Conference

    Angels Part Ways With Phil Nevin

    Rich Hill Considering Joining Team Midway Through 2024 Season

    Submit Your Questions For This Week’s MLB Trade Rumors Podcast!

    Brewers Outright Julio Teheran

    Offseason Outlook: Oakland Athletics

    Big Hype Prospects: AFL Sleepers Edition

    Ehire Adrianza Elects Free Agency

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Shohei Ohtani Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version