As second-half postseason pushes (or, in some cases, collapses) are in full swing, here are three things the baseball world is looking at today…
1. Lorenzen’s historic night:
Michael Lorenzen is the talk of baseball after one-upping his gem of a Phillies debut (eight innings of two-run ball in Miami) with a no-hitter in his Citizens Bank Park debut last night. Lorenzen was wild early on but settled in and blanked the Nationals on 124 pitches — with his family in attendance (video link). Following the game, an emotional Lorenzen discussed the highlight of his career, noting how special it was to achieve that goal after years of questions about whether he can start and to do so in front of a ravenous new fan base that kept him going.
The Phillies have been rolling, with seven wins in their past ten games, moving into the top Wild Card spot in the National League. They’re still a massive 10.5 games back in the division and unlikely to close that gap in the remaining time on the schedule, but the manner in which Lorenzen has reinforced the rotation only further tightens Philadelphia’s grip on a postseason spot. FanGraphs gives the Phillies an 86% chance of reaching the postseason, while Baseball-Reference has them at 89.8%.
2. Crawford tested for concussion symptoms:
Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford is undergoing testing for a possible concussion, manager Scott Servais announced last night (Twitter link via Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times). Crawford and third baseman Eugenio Suarez both charged a slow grounder off the bat of Xander Bogaerts in the fourth inning of last night’s game, which resulted in Crawford colliding sharply with Suarez’s shoulder as the latter fielded the grounder and managed to throw out Bogaerts in a close play (video link). Crawford was slow to his feet but remained in the game, but he wasn’t feeling well in the later innings, per Servais.
Crawford, 28, is enjoying the finest offensive season of his career, batting .266/.379/.411 with a personal best 10 home runs on the season already. His 14.8% walk rate is the seventh-best mark in all off baseball among qualified hitters, while that .379 OBP ranks 13th. Were Crawford to miss time, the Mariners would likely turn to rookie Jose Caballero or utilityman Dylan Moore for the majority of reps at shortstop. Seattle is currently riding MLB’s longest active win streak at eight games, and the M’s certainly don’t want any sort of extended absence for one of MLB’s top table-setters.
3. Will someone take a chance on Garcia?
Yankees righty Deivi Garcia, once one of the sport’s top-ranked pitching prospects, was designated for assignment earlier this week after years of struggles both in Triple-A (6.52 ERA in 214 innings) and the Majors (4.84 ERA in 48 1/3 innings). The 24-year-old Garcia ranked among the game’s top 100 prospects heading into both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, having dominated in the lower minors all the way up through Double-A. Questions about the 5’9″ righty’s ability to maintain a starter’s workload were always present, even as scouts continued to be impressed by the quality of his arsenal. It’s been a steep fall for Garcia over the past few seasons, however, and he’ll now be available to all 29 other clubs.
Technically, teams have five days to place a player on waivers following a DFA, but with trades no longer allowed for any player who’s been on a Major League roster, the majority of August DFAs have been resolved within a matter of days. There’s a good chance we’ll find out today or tomorrow whether any team wants to take a chance on the formerly lauded prospect. Garcia is in his final option year, so he can be freely sent to the minors for the remainder of the current season but will need to crack a new team’s Opening Day roster in 2024 or else be designated for assignment.
They’re building the Lorenzen statue as we speak
The art community is paying close attention to how well detailed the artist depicts Lorenzen’s mullet, a crucial piece of the statue
How does one translate “Kentucky Waterfall” to the Italian sculptor that will create this masterpiece for philly??
Congrats to Lorenzen and his family. SoCal guy from Cal State Fullerton and played for FCA. Angel fans continue to pull for him. Lot of people proud this morning.
Great season for him. All star, no hitter. Glad the Tigers gave him the chance to work with Chris Fetter and tweak things
While he was an all-star by default, his time working with Chris Fetter has definitely transformed him. He is no longer what he was. I would not mind seeing Detroit bring him back on a multi year deal.
Cashman don’t stop at Garcia. There are several more candidates for DFA.
And we have to guess that the analytic braintrust of the Yankees, told Cash to pass on Lorenzen either because they didn’t like his numbers or the cost in prospects was too high…..geez, why doesn’t Hal just FIRE them all!
Good luck to the Phillies and hope they actually make it to the playoffs and maybe beyond…….
Now there are rumblings in the press that Aaron F’in Boone may be launched out of The Bronx should the Yankees miss the postseason.
And before anyone asks, Brian Cashman’s job is safe.
We don’t “have to guess” anything. Maybe the Phillies offered more than the Yankees, or the Tigers just liked the return from Philly more than what they saw in the Yankees’ minor leaguers. And it’s not like anyone could predict Lorenzen’s no-hitter.
I’d also assume there are people still around in Detroit from Dombrowski’s days, which would make a deal with Philly a bit easier. I’d have to assume that’s the case seeing as that’s the 2nd somewhat significant trade between the 2 franchises in less than a year.
Man I hope JP’s ok. That would be a big blow if he were to miss time. Hard to believe he and Geno let that happen, maybe the two most vocal guys on the team. Talk to each other out there!!
I think it’s just Murphy’s Law in operation: “If a bad thing can happen, it will”.
We sure wish J.P. Crawford well.
He is one of the main reasons the Mariners are so great this year.
It’s been great to see what he can do at the plate when 100% healthy. He is fun to watch.
Plus we can’t let this mornng pass without remarking what a fine debut Emerson Hancock had.
The Mariners are doing something right with the way they bring their young pitchers along.
I hope he fully recovers quickly. He’s a fun player
I know DiPoto is always willing to trader, but I don’t think the Red Sox have anything the Mariners would want for Crawford
And then Crawford is now in a Middle Infield with a guy that turned down Seattle’s offer because he didn’t want to play 2B. That would be good popcorn value
The Phillies and Giants have started to pull themselves from the Wild Card pack. The Braves are clearly the best team in the NL (probably all of baseball) with the Dodgers a tier below, but the Phillies and Giants are right there in that 2nd tier. A lot can change in a few weeks, but I think the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Except for that third WC which is up in the air.
@Von — do you think the Lorenzen pick-up was a courtship to lure him into re-signing at the end of the season as a cheaper alternative to free agent-to-be: Nola?
Letting him go 124 pitches for a CG no-hitter on his 2nd GS with the club certainly for a nice memory certainly buys you some points in luring him back.
@RunDMC I don’t necessarily think so. I think the Phillies wanted a 6-man rotation all season, but injuries derailed that plan. While their rotation was holding their own, even with sub-par years from Nola and Wheeler, depth was always a concern. I think they got Lorenzen simply to answer those depth questions. I also see Lorenzen as a backend starter. 2 excellent starts for the Phillies don’t really move him to the front of the rotation in my mind, but time will tell.
I think the Phillies would be foolish not to sign Nola. I know he’s having a down year, but in general he’s been a solid #2 starter, but to your point, courting Lorenzen isn’t a bad idea either.
Interesting — what would be your final offer to Nola, if season ended today?
If you asked me before this season, I would have comped something similar to the Rodon Yankees deal ($162/6 years), but after Nola’s 2023 season, that does seem too high. Still, I think I’d stick to the 5-6 year range with similar money. It’s an overpay, but you always overpay for starting pitching.
I think 5yr/$110M plus a $25M club or vesting option for a 6th year for Nola would be a good deal for both Nola and the Phillies. It’s comparable to what Joe Musgrove and Zach Wheeler signed.
I think 5yr/$110M plus a club or vesting option for $25M would be fair for both Nola and the Phillies. It’s comparable to what Joe Musgrove and Zach Wheeler signed–which is where Nola is at this point in his career.
I like that. I do think he’ll get higher offers though.
Don’t forget the Orioles that have the 2nd best record in baseball.
What a story the Orioles are. I knew they’d be good this year, but they exceeded my expectations. The ALE is so fun.
Grats Lorenzen, that was fun to watch
Yet another former Angels pitcher finds success after leaving the Angels.
@prov356
the Orioles know that feeling all too well.
I was hoping he’d get a chance to prove himself after the trade! Great job Mike, Detroit will miss you always, hope you kick butt and get you a 5 year contract this winter
The whole Yankee team needs to be DFA’d or traded.
I enjoyed watching the lowly White Sox kick Cole’s ass, then kick Severino’s butt two days later. Anything to keep the Yankees out of the PO.
It was fun watching the lowly White Sox kick Cole’s ass Monday, then do the same thing to Severino two days later. Anything to keep the Yankees out of the PO
White Sox should scoop up Garcia.
Bob… If he doesn’t mind playing for $3m or less, they probably will.
Put the Phillies playoff chances at 100% and save yourself some time.
Expect them in the World Series again. Can’t see the Braves and Dodgers being much competition for ‘The Fightins.
LMAO……wish a Phillies player made that statement, would be great to post on the locker room wall in Atlanta and LA
Yea. Trust me. No one is underestimating this Braves team. Historically good.
@VonPurpleHayes
Dodgers were historically good last year and got dumped. In this new playoff schedule, I expect more upsets just because teams get hot and cold and the series are quite short. No more 7-games in the early rounds.
Yes. Of course. Upsets are still going to happen in the playoffs, but I do look at the Padres and Phillies a little differently. Their rosters are stacked with superstars who are playoff proven. This was by design. I definitely wouldn’t take those rosters slightly either, but still my point stands, anyone discounting the Braves is being silly.
Crawford has a .323/.430/.516 slash line since July 1st.
Losing him now would really sting. He’s been a huge part of their success.
Saw the end of the Phillies no hitter. Besides Roy Holliday in the playoffs. I believe this is the first Phillies no hitter since 2015 when Cole Hamels no hit the Cubs. Kris Bryant was the last out of that game on a misplayed ball by the CF. He fell down but still make the catch.
Congratulations to Michael Lorenzen. He’s a sneaky good acquisition for the Phillies.
Herrera was the CF in question, and I really thought he borked the whole thing. I had that sinking feeling in my stomach, which is quite silly for a fan to get while watching a baseball game. Meanwhile Rojas caught Lorezen’s last out with two hands, there was never a doubt. What’s nuts is that Herrera started the 2022 season as the Phillies center fielder. Between Marsh and Rojas, the Phillies have come a long way in a short time.
When is Marsh expected back?
3 weeks is the estimated time.
Lorenzen > Nola
This season? Certainly. Lorenzen hasn’t been extended outside of this year though, while Nola is a consistent workhorse without any significant injury history.
A non-contending team should claim Garcia and give him some MLB innings. If it doesn’t work out, denote him to AAA until next ST.
Garcia has indeed been claimed off waivers by the ChiSox — who just took 2 out of 3 from the Yankees on the South Side.
A perfect example of why you don’t accept magic beans and trinkets for a MLB starting pitcher….
Welcome to Philadelphia Michael Lorenzon
Harris got a singles hitting 2b for Lorenzen. I don’t think Harris knew what he had..
As a Tiger fan I can only say Michael Lorenzen seems like a top notch guy. Beloved in L.A. Tiger fans loved him. He seems humble and appreciative. I hope he gets a shot on the biggest stage of baseball. He looks like he deserves it.