Here is a look at some of the latest MLB News and Notes:
Aaron Judge Activated From Disabled List
For a New York Yankees team that has been reeling as of late, they got some big news on Friday as Aaron Judge has been activated from the disabled list. Unfortunately for the Yanks, though, it is not without restrictions. Having been on the disabled list with a wrist fracture for almost seven weeks, the Yankees’ All-Star can still not swing a bat. Even though he can’t swing in game action, he can run and play on defense if they choose so. Still, it is good news as it indicates he might be to the point where he can make a return to a postseason roster.
This is just the type of news the Yankees needed as they have been scuffling as of late. At only 6-6 in the month of September, the Yankees are pretty much guaranteed to have to play in the Wild Card game (as they sit 9.5 games back of the Red Sox), but they are also in jeopardy of having to travel for that play-in game. As of now, the surging Oakland Athletics only sit 1.5 games back in the division.
If the Yankees can’t get their act together, they may have to travel to Oakland for their opening play-in game. Still, Aaron Judge, even at less than 100%, will make the team better if he can get back to the point of being able to swing a bat.
Pedro Strop Out Until At Least Playoffs
It was not Joe Maddon’s finest hour of coaching. The Cubs skipper left Pedro Strop in to bat after taking the lead in an extra inning contest against the Washington Nationals. The result was a moderate hamstring strain, leaving Strop out for the rest of the regular season.
Depending on how he responds to rest and treatment will determine whether Strop can pitch in the playoffs, but for a team that is already short on bullpen arms, this doesn’t help. Strop had been serving as the interim closer for the Cubs as Brandon Morrow has also been on the disabled list for an extended amount of time.
Between Strop and Morrow’s injuries, and CJ Edwards’ struggles on the mound as of late, this is the last thing the Cubs want to have to worry about as they try to fight off the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central division lead.
Gregory Polanco Could Be Out Up To Nine Months
After suffering a dislocation to his left shoulder sliding into second base in a game a couple weeks ago, Gregory Polanco had surgery that on the shoulder that replaced a torn labrum. The typical recovery time on this type of surgery can extend up to nine months, but the Pirates will hope to get him back before then. This season Polanco was hitting .254/.340/.499 with a .839 OPS. He had 23 home runs, 81 runs batted in, 75 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Even though the Pirates do have depth at the position, this is still a big blow for the Pirate organization.
David Wright To Get One Last Stand With Mets
David Wright use to be synonymous with the New York Mets. Unfortunately, it appears that his career will be coming to an end this year, but not until he plays at least one more game. It appears that the Mets are likely to activate Wright to start at third base on Saturday, September 29th.
The last time he took the field was in June of 2016 and has struggled with surgeries to both his neck and back after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis. In his career, Wright is hitting .296/.376/.491 with a .867 OPS. He has 242 home runs, 970 runs batted in, 949 runs scored and 196 stolen bases over 1,583 games. His best season came in 2008, when he hit 42 doubles, 33 home runs, 124 runs batted in, 115 runs scored and stole 15 bases.
It will be a final game filled with emotions, but it will be a great send off for one of the best third basemen to have played for the Mets.
Joe Mauer Unsure Of Next Steps
When Joe Mauer burst onto the scene, many thought he would be the next great hitting backstop. To some extent he was, at least until injuries (most notably concussions) stood in his way. Now, at 35, he is unsure of whether this will be his last season or not.
He is finishing his final year of an 8 year, $184 million contract. A lifelong Minnesota Twin, it is unclear whether the Twins would want him to return and whether he would be willing to suit up anywhere else. One thing is for sure, even if this is his final year he has put together a nice career.
Over the course of 15 years, he has hit .306/.388/.439 with a .827 OPS. He has 143 home runs, 918 runs batted in and has scored 1,005 runs. While those numbers may not scream Hall of Fame, he had plenty of seasons where he played like one, most notably the 20098 season where he hit .365/.444/.587 with a 1.031 OPS. That season he had 28 home runs, 96 runs batted in and scored 94 runs.
