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Mets Designate Eric Hanhold For Assignment

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The Mets have designated right-handed pitcher Eric Hanhold for assignment, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. His removal from the 40-man will clear a spot for the return of lefty Donnie Hart.

Hanhold will be exposed to the other 29 teams via waivers, though he could remain with the Mets organization if he goes unclaimed. Otherwise, the team could trade or release the right-hander, which would send him to the third organization of his career.

Hanhold, 25, hasn’t yet pitched in the Majors this season, having made just three career appearances for the Mets, all of which came a season ago. A former fifth-round selection, he has posted good, if not great, numbers at Triple-A this season: in 63 1/3 appearances, Hanhold has pitched to a 3.84 ERA, striking out 54 batters while walking 26.

29-year-old Donnie Hart will return to the Mets’ 40-man after he was outrighted just over a week ago. He’s tossed just one inning for the Mets this year, but will now have a chance to get into more games as a lefty specialist. He’s got solid career numbers after breaking in with the Orioles, but has gotten only limited opportunities to show his worth in the Majors this year.

Marlins Claim Josh Smith

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The Miami Marlins have claimed left-handed pitcher Josh Smith off waivers from the Indians., per an official team announcement. The 29-year-old Smith, who made eight appearances for the Indians this year, will join his new team on Monday, while infielder JT Riddle has been transferred to the 60-day injured list. Smith had been designated for assignment yesterday.

While a 29-year-old rookie is certainly not a headline-grabbing acquisition, Smith does offer some intrigue beneath the surface. And for a Marlins team that needs talent from wherever it can be had, this has the potential to be an interesting addition. It’s a low-cost tryout for player that could turn into a fine reliever.

In his eighth year as a professional, Smith is enjoying arguably his best minor-league season since the Pirates made him their 25th-round draft choice in 2012. This year, he’s shredding Triple-A hitters, striking out an average of 12.6 batters per nine innings, en route to a 2.43 ERA.

He’s yet to translate those results into success at the big-league level, as he has surrendered five runs in his first 8 1/3 innings of work. However, it’s been just a handful of games, and he’s managed to strike out 12 batters in that same span. Smith’s flyball tendencies and a high LOB% in the minors might lead to some early struggles in the Majors, but the Marlins will look to mitigate those concerns and tap into an attractive high-strikeout profile that has produced a 22.7 K-BB% in the minors.

Blue Jays Activate Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Luke Maile

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The Blue Jays announced on Saturday that they have made a pair of notable reinstatements, adding both Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Luke Maile to the active roster. Gurriel’s return to the lineup will mark the first time he has suited up for Toronto in more than a month. For Maile, it’s been even longer: he hasn’t played since late July, when he went on the injured list with an oblique injury.

Gurriel landed on the injured list on August 8 after suffering a strained left quad, interrupting what has been a fine follow-up to an impressive rookie campaign. After a sluggish start to the season—for which a position change to second base may have been at fault, Gurriel turned himself around in June, tapping into his power as his OPS climbed to .879, a considerable improvement over the .755 mark he posted as a rookie last year.

After beginning his career as a shortstop, Gurriel entered his second year tasked with manning second base, an experiment that quickly went awry and was abandoned just weeks into the season. He’s subsequently transitioned to left field, which may turn out to be his best spot: advanced defensive metrics prefer the 25-year-old in left, where he’s credited with -2 DRS, a step above his -9 DRS from a year ago.

One of the members of Toronto’s promising young core, Gurriel’s workload will be closely monitored by Charlie Montoyo and company, reports Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. Though he’s been the team’s everyday left fielder, he should get a fair number of at-bats as a DH with the club looking to minimize any chance of re-aggravating the quadricep.

As for Maile, he’ll likely re-enter the mix as the third catcher for the Jays, who have been rolling with a combination of Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire behind the dish. Jansen hasn’t yet translated his offensive skills to the bigs, but has been a positive defender at catcher. McGuire has posted gaudy offensive numbers—albeit in a small sample—and at just 24 years old, both Jansen and McGuire are ahead of Maile in the pecking order.

Addison Russell Evaluated For Concussion-Like Symptoms After HBP

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In a scary moment in Milwaukee, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell exited the game after he was hit in the face by a pitch from the Brewers’ Adrian Houser. In a post-game update, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that Russell suffered a nasal bruise on the play and is under evaluation for concussion-like symptoms.

Russell remained on the ground for several minutes after sustaining a fastball to the face. He was tended to by members of the training staff, though he ultimately remained in the game. Immediately after taking first base, he stole second and would later come around to score. However, when the Cubs took the field in the bottom half of the inning, Russell was replaced defensively.

The incident could hardly come at a worse time for the Cubs, who just yesterday received news that Javier Baez could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hairline fracture in his thumb. Russell, the Cubs’ best shortstop option behind Baez, was set to take over for the injured Cubs star; however, the Cubs may well find themselves down another infield piece should Russell’s injury require a sustained absence.

While Russell is far from the offensive powerhouse that Baez is, he at least represents a capable backup and a defensive difference-maker at the shortstop position. However, if Russell misses time, Chicago will have to dig even deeper for a replacement shortstop. David Bote, who took over for Russell in today’s game, is perhaps the best choice; he’s played sparingly at the position in his two years of big-league experience, though he’s far from a traditional shortstop. Otherwise, it might be too much to ask one of Tony Kemp, Ian Happ, and Robel Garcia to try their hand at the position—all three have experience at the keystone but have never suited up at shortstop.

Quick Hits: Astros, Correa, Suzuki, Haniger, Buxton

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The Astros will move forward with a four-man rotation for the remaining 18 games of the season, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Between Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Zack Greinke, and Wade Miley, Houston’s club features perhaps the most formidable rotation in baseball, and the team will start gearing up for postseason play by trotting out what projects to be its playoff rotation. As McTaggart notes, the schedule lines up such that the fifth spot in the rotation will only come up twice more, leaving each of the Stros’ four starters to make four more appearances while manager A.J. Hinch will have to patch together two bullpen days. Meanwhile, lefty Framber Valdez will pitch out of the bullpen for the last few weeks of the year. The young lefty has toggled between the rotation and the bullpen throughout the year, and results have been decidedly better as a reliever: he’s posted a 3.90 ERA out of the bullpen, compared to an unsightly 7.07 mark as a starter.

Here are some other notes from around the baseball landscape…

  • Also from Houston, injured Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, currently on the injured list experiencing back soreness, took batting practice at Minute Maid Park today, tweets McTaggart—the first time he’s done so since the injury. He also took ground balls on the field, indicating that the 24-year-old could embark on a rehab assignment in the next few days. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Astros’ two active minor-league affiliates could be eliminated from postseason play before Correa can join them, in which case the star shortstop would have to settle for live batting practice. All things considered, it’s a positive sign that one of the team’s cornerstones could return in time for the postseason.
  • Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki underwent an MRI Sunday morning after feeling some discomfort in his right elbow last night, per the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty. In a later update, Dougherty tweets that the MRI showed nothing more than inflammation in the elbow, leaving Suzuki day-to-day. Presumably, Suzuki will be good to go for the beginning of the Nats’ series in Minnesota. Suzuki missed Sunday’s series finale against the Braves and he will enjoy an off day Monday before kicking off a series against the Twins on Tuesday. Suzuki, who’s slugged 16 home runs this year, has combined with the Yan Gomes to form a solid catching duo for the playoff-hopeful Nationals. It seems that the Nationals got the best possible news regarding Suzuki’s elbow, which shouldn’t necessitate an extended absence for the veteran.
  • The chances of Mariners star outfielder Mitch Haniger returning this season look to be fading, tweets Greg Johns of MLB.com. The 28-year-old received a second opinion on his strained lower back, which set back his recovery from a ruptured testicle suffered earlier this year. Those injuries have limited the All-Star to just 63 games this year, a number that likely won’t budge after that second opinion yielded no new information. It seems that at this point, there would need to be a unexpected breakthrough in order for Haniger to see the field again in 2019.
  • Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, who hasn’t made a plate appearance since August 1 thanks to a left shoulder injury, may not hit again this season, manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters including Dan Hayes of the Athletic. The oft-injured outfielder is set to travel to California to visit a shoulder specialist. While we’ll have to wait and see what comes of that, Buxton may be henceforth limited to a role as a pinch-runner and late-inning defensive substitute. It’s an unfortunate development given Buxton’s progress as a hitter: in 2019, he’s enjoyed the best offensive season of his career, slashing .262/.314/.513 with ten home runs in just 87 games.

 

Mariners Outright Matt Carasiti

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The Mariners have outrighted right-handed pitcher Matt Carasiti to Triple-A Tacoma, per an official team release. Carasiti will no longer occupy a spot on Seattle’s 40-man roster.

The 28-year-old Carasiti has tossed 9 2/3 innings for the Mariners this year, his first season pitching in the big leagues since 2016. He’s tallied ten strikeouts against five walks, posting an overall 4.66 ERA. He’s compiled solid numbers at the Triple-A level between the Mariners and Cubs organizations, pitching to a 3.53 ERA while striking out 8.3 batters per nine innings pitched.

Presumably, the Mariners are looking to clear room on the 40-man for potential call-ups from Double-A Arkansas, where the season has not yet ended.

Diamondbacks Activate Yoshihisa Hirano

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The Diamondbacks have activated right-handed pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano from the injured list, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.

Hirano, 35, landed on the injured list in mid-August while dealing with elbow inflammation. It turned out to be a three-week stint on the IL for the second-year big leaguer, who pitched a scoreless inning during a rehab appearance with the D-Backs’ High-A affiliate.

After a stellar 2018 season, Hirano has taken a step back this year, as his ERA has jumped to 4.89. However, there are still some positive indicators to suggest that he isn’t far off his 2018 performance: with an increased strikeout rate, Hirano’s FIP sits at 3.89, not far off the 3.69 mark he posted a year ago.

With his activation, Hirano will join a surging Arizona club that has won 11 of its last 12 games and finds itself in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. It remains to be seen just how Hirano, who hasn’t pitched in a big-league game in more than three weeks, will fit into the bullpen mix. However, it seems that manager Torey Lovullo will want to reinstall Hirano, who has been one of the team’s top late-inning options, into high-leverage spots shortly.

Javier Baez Has Hairline Fracture In Thumb, Timeline Unclear

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An MRI today revealed that Cubs shortstop Javier Baez has a hairline fracture in his left thumb, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. He’ll visit a specialist on Monday for further evaluation. Though the Cubs have yet to release a timeline for his return, it’s possible that this could mean the end of the season for the star infielder.

Baez has missed the last four games after suffering the injury while sliding into second base on September 1. Initial X-rays came back negative and Baez sought to return to the lineup on Thursday, but the persistence of discomfort during batting practice forced him to sit out as the team scheduled a follow-up MRI. Saturday night’s matchup with the Brewers will mark the fifth consecutive game without Baez in the lineup.

Though any injury this late in the season spells trouble for a playoff-hopeful club, this feels especially devastating for the Cubs. Baez has rightfully garnered a reputation as the lifeblood of the Cubs, not only as a mainstay in the middle of the batting order, but as one of the finest defensive infielders in baseball. By Baseball-Reference’s measure of WAR, he has been the most valuable Cub this season, a repeat of last year’s breakout.

Without Baez, Addison Russell is next in line to man the shortstop position. While his defensive talent at the position rivals that of Baez, it’s undebatable that his offensive production leaves much to be desired. If the Cubs, who find themselves in the heat of a contested playoff race, are to overtake the first-place Cardinals, Russell and the rest of the Cubs will need to pick up the slack. If indeed Baez is forced to miss the remainder of the season, it’s an injury that could have a significant impact on the National League Wild-Card chase.

This season, Baez has slashed .281/.316/.532 and has slugged 29 home runs, doubling down on the power surge that carried him to a second-place MVP finish a year ago. On defense, he’s tallied 15 DRS and earned a 9.6 Ultimate Zone Rating, both of which place him among the three best defensive shortstops in baseball.

Orioles Recall Austin Hays

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The Orioles are set to promote outfielder Austin Hays to the Major League roster, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN. The touted 24-year-old will have his second crack at the big league level after a brief stint in 2017.

After a monster 2017 performance that ultimately earned him that promotion, Hays has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, delaying his track to the majors and interrupting his development. He’s thus far failed to replicate the production that put him on the map two years ago, but the Orioles are hoping to unearth that offensive potential with another big-league tryout.

Many assumed that Hays wouldn’t suit up for the Orioles and would instead report to the Arizona Fall League in mid-September. However, it appears that Baltimore’s plans for its No. 6-ranked prospect have changed, in part thanks to a new rule that allows 40-man players to report to the AFL partway through the season. That means that Hays will have a chance to get big-league reps for the remainder of the O’s season before traveling West to compete with other top prospects.

Hays has drawn praise from MLB.com’s Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo for his explosive offensive skills, including the bat speed and control necessary to start at a corner outfield spot. An aggressive approach has meant that Hays features a low walk rate, though he is able to make frequent contact. With a strong arm, Hays seems best suited for right field, though he’ll need to hit for both average and power to earn his keep.

Mets Activate Jed Lowrie

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The Mets are set to welcome one of their offseason additions, as infielder Jed Lowrie has been activated from the injured list, according to Tim Healey of Newsday. In addition, Dominic Smith has been transferred to the 60-day injured list and right-hander Drew Gagnon has been recalled from Triple-A.

Lowrie, one of the Mets’ significant signings of the offseason, has yet to play a game in his new uniform due to a series of left leg injuries affecting the knee, hamstring, and calf. Lowrie, 35, inked a 2-year, $20MM contract with the Mets but began the season on the injured list with a left knee capsule strain that emerged in Spring Training. However, a hamstring strain in May delayed the timetable for his recovery, and it seems that rehab subsequently snowballed into a complicated mess of recovery and re-injury.

With Robinson Cano and Todd Frazier installed at second and third base, respectively, it’s unclear just how much playing time Lowrie will receive. In that regard, not much has changed since Lowrie was signed, when the fit appeared questionable, given the team’s invested in Cano and the presence of promising youngster Jeff McNeil. At the very least, he’ll be able to offer some return on the first year of the Mets’ investment. He’s coming off a pair of productive seasons in Oakland, posting a cumulative OPS of .804, including a career-best 23 home runs last season. While he likely isn’t at full health yet, the Mets will hope for signs that Lowrie isn’t far off those numbers—not only for this season, but with an eye on 2020 as well.

Meanwhile, Smith may very well have played his last game this season; now on the 60-day IL, the earliest he could return would come in the final week of the regular season. If indeed his season is over, he’ll close the book on a breakthrough age-24 season in which he has slashed .278/.352/.506 in a part-time role. However, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that there’s a chance he could be cleared to make another appearance or two, as he’ll be reevaluated in his recovery from a stress fracture in his left foot.

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