While we are still over a month away from the trade deadline, this week featured a couple of small trades as well as some other notable roster management moves around the league. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories.
Trent Grisham, Aquino Return From Injuries
Two bigger outfield bats returned this week as the San Diego Padres activated Trent Grisham while the Reds activated Aristides Aquino from the injured list.
For Grisham, he had been dealing with a left heel bruise that landed him on the injured list. In 141 at-bats this season, Grisham is hitting .291/.375/.496 with six home runs, 14 runs batted in, 23 runs scored, and seven stolen bases.
His return is big for a Padres team that has been scuffling a bit offensively as of late. In a loaded N.L. West, the Padres are +170 to win the division.
For Aquino, he is returning from a fracture in his left hand that he suffered back in April. It will be interesting to see what the Reds do with Aquino. Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos have been sensational this season and while Aquino is talented, he really hasn’t produced since hitting 19 home runs in 205 at-bats back in 2019.
At a game over .500, the Reds will be an interesting team to watch as the deadline approaches. If they ultimately decide to be sellers, there could be a lot of valuable pieces available, with Aquino potentially being one of them.
As it stands, the Reds are +1200 to win the N.L. Central.
Injuries Of The Week
While those two teams saw players return, there were a couple of notable injuries this week as well.
For the Dodgers, they placed Max Muncy on the injured list with a right oblique strain. To this point, Muncy has been the best Dodgers hitter as he is hitting .264/.418/.528 with 14 home runs, 33 runs batted in and 40 runs scored.
Despite the injury, the Dodgers have been surging and sit just a game back of the Giants for the division lead. They are currently the favorites to win the N.L. West at -210.
Another notable injury comes from the Yankees in the form of pitcher Luis Severino. The Yankees’ righty is actually working his way back from Tommy John surgery but hit a snag as he suffered a groin injury.
This is brutal news for a Yankees team that has been struggling lately. They currently sit at 33-32, 8.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the division.
While it is their offense that has struggled more than their defense, getting Severino would still have been a huge boost to the rotation.
Brewers Acquire Hunter Strickland
After being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, reliever Hunter Strickland has found a new home. He was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers this week in exchange for cash.
This will actually be Strickland’s third team this season. Thus far, in 22 games, he has a 4.03 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and has struck out 20 in 22.1 innings. The Brewers currently have a team ERA of 3.55 (seventh-best in the majors), but Strickland will give a little more depth to a bullpen led by star closer Josh Hader. Milwaukee is currently in a fight with the Chicago Cubs for the top spot in the N.L. Central. They are currently +100 to win the division.
Rays Acquire Wisler From Giants For Minor Leaguer
In another small move, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Matt Wisler from the San Francisco Giants. In return, the Giants have received minor league pitcher Michael Plassmeyer. Wisler was once seen as a blue-chip prospect, but he has struggled to find consistent success in the majors.
Over seven years, he has a career record of 20-30 with a 4.99 ERA and 1.37 WHIP.
Still, the Rays have a knack for unlocking these types of players so it will be interesting to see if he can ultimately flourish for Tampa Bay. The Rays currently have the best record in all of baseball and lead the A.L. East by three games. They are +100 to win the division currently.
