All articles tagged with #pitching staff
The New York Mets have placed Paul Blackburn and Dedniel Núñez on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder and elbow injuries, respectively, further straining their already depleted pitching staff amid recent injuries and roster moves, with potential additions expected around the trade deadline.
The Seattle Mariners are prioritizing the acquisition of Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, who has been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines for MLB negotiations. Mariners executives are optimistic about their chances, highlighting their strong pitching development program and team culture as key selling points. Sasaki, known for his high-velocity fastball and impressive NPB record, is also being pursued by teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The Mariners have significant bonus pool money available to potentially secure Sasaki's signing.
The Minnesota Twins' Opening Day roster has been affected by injuries, leading to unexpected changes in the pitching staff. Despite setbacks, the team is still projected to have a strong rotation and bullpen. The roster includes surprises such as Louie Varland as the No. 5 starter and Daniel Duarte making the team after an impressive spring. The infield and outfield also feature some expected and unexpected choices, with a focus on managing workloads and incorporating new acquisitions.
The Seattle Mariners have assembled a fearsome starting rotation, with three pitchers surpassing 190 innings last season and a projected rotation that embodies the team's "Dominate the Zone" philosophy. The rotation, mostly homegrown, is led by Luis Castillo and includes Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo. The Mariners' emphasis on controlling the strike zone has led to exceptional command and high-end strikeout stuff, making their rotation one of the best in baseball and a key component in their quest for a return to the playoffs.
The Phillies' pitching staff is facing challenges with injuries to Taijuan Walker and Orion Kerkering, leading to uncertainty in the rotation and bullpen. With Walker sidelined, the rotation is expected to include Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Spencer Turnbull. The bullpen is shaping up with names like Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto, and others, but the absence of a true long man is a concern. Walker's shoulder injury adds to the team's pitching woes, highlighting the importance of depth in the sport.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele suffered a left knee contusion during a Cactus League exhibition, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming season. The team is also evaluating the pitching depth and potential roster decisions, with a focus on players like Carl Edwards Jr. and Drew Smyly. As the Cubs aim to maintain flexibility and overcome last year's bullpen struggles, they are looking to build a strong and versatile pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Boston Red Sox's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged that pitcher Lucas Giolito is dealing with a "real injury" that may require him to miss time, potentially due to a partially torn UCL and flexor strain. Giolito's absence is a significant setback for the Red Sox's rotation, which already faced uncertainties, as the team now grapples with the impact of losing a valuable pitching asset for the upcoming MLB season.
The Red Sox face a significant setback with Lucas Giolito likely out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, leaving their starting rotation thin. With several pitchers vying for spots, including Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski, and Cooper Criswell, the team must navigate the challenge of filling Giolito's absence and maintaining bullpen depth.
Milwaukee Brewers fans are optimistic about the team's chances in the 2024 season, with a majority expecting the team to surpass the projected win total. Many fans believe in the revamped offense and the potential of young talent, while concerns about the pitching staff and the departure of former manager Craig Counsell are also prevalent. Overall, there is a mix of optimism and skepticism among fans as they anticipate the upcoming season.
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo has placed signs behind each of the 11 plates at the team’s spring training facility with the message "I don’t care how fast you throw ball four" to emphasize the importance of getting ahead of hitters and staying ahead. The move comes as the team aims to address issues with high walk rates and a low stuff-plus rating among its pitchers. Rizzo's message has resonated with the young pitching staff, who are focusing on being aggressive in the strike zone and improving their pitch location to cut back on tough counts.
The Oakland Athletics have signed left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander to a major league contract. The 34-year-old joins the A's bullpen after spending the past two years with the Giants. Known for his ground-ball inducing sinker, Alexander is expected to provide experience and depth to Oakland's pitching staff, potentially taking on higher-leverage roles than he did with the Giants.
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly in trade talks with the Chicago White Sox, with interest in acquiring right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease in exchange for young starters Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo. While Cease had a rough 2023 season, his previous performance and potential make him an intriguing option for the Mariners. However, the Mariners have previously expressed contentment with their pitching staff and may be seeking a bat rather than another pitcher in a potential trade. If a move is to be made, it would likely happen soon as spring training approaches.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are close to finalizing a one-year deal with left-hander James Paxton for around $12 million, with performance bonuses based on starts. The team has been aggressive in free agency but still has rotation depth concerns due to injuries and departures. Paxton, known for battling injuries, would add to the Dodgers' collection of high-upside but injury-prone pitchers. The potential signing would push the Dodgers' luxury tax commitments to around $313 million, reflecting their all-in approach as they aim for another NL West title.
Shohei Ohtani, the new star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, played a role in luring Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays to join the team. Ohtani sent Glasnow a video expressing his desire to share a rotation with him and hit home runs for him. The Dodgers had been in trade discussions with the Rays for a week, and the deal was contingent on Glasnow signing a long-term contract extension. The trade, which also involved outfielder Manuel Margot, has not been finalized yet. Ohtani's involvement in recruiting players showcases his commitment to building a championship team in Los Angeles.
The Kansas City Royals have reached agreements with free agent pitcher Seth Lugo and reliever Chris Stratton to bolster their struggling pitching staff. Lugo will receive a three-year, $45 million contract with an opt-out after the second season, while Stratton will get $8 million over two years with an opt-out after the first. The Royals have been actively pursuing midtier free agent pitchers after a disappointing season, and these signings aim to improve their bullpen, which was particularly problematic last year.