Introduction:
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic’s daily MLB newsletter. In today’s edition, we have some exciting news about player trades, the latest buzz around the league, and some notable performances. Let’s dive in!
Mariners Acquire Randy Arozarena:
The Seattle Mariners made a late-night trade, acquiring outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays. While this move may come as a shock to some, it’s not entirely surprising considering Arozarena’s star power and the Mariners’ need for offensive reinforcements. Arozarena, the AL Rookie of the Year in 2021 and an All-Star in 2023, was hitting the arbitration portion of his career, where his salary was expected to increase significantly. The Rays, known for maximizing trade value, made the move at a time when Arozarena’s value may not have been at its peak. Despite a slow start to the season, Arozarena has shown his potential, especially in the postseason, where he has an impressive track record. The Mariners hope that Arozarena’s addition will help them overcome their recent slump and revive their offense.
Diamondbacks Acquire A.J. Puk:
In another trade, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins. This move adds depth to the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff and provides them with a talented player who could contribute significantly in the future. The Marlins received infielder Deyvison De Los Santos and outfielder Andrew Pintar in return.
The Rangers Make a Push:
The defending World Series champions, the Texas Rangers, have been on a hot streak recently, winning 12 of their last 16 games. Their improved performance has boosted their postseason odds from 5.5 percent to over 25 percent. With several key players set to return from injury, the Rangers are looking to add a bat to their lineup. It is reported that they are targeting either a left-handed hitting outfielder DH or a platoon-neutral right-handed hitter. One name that stands out is the Rays’ Yandy Díaz, who has shown potential but is currently on the restricted list for personal reasons. The completion of the Orioles’ sale is also expected soon, which could impact the trade decisions made by Orioles general manager Mike Elias.
Serendipity: Dylan Cease Throws a No-Hitter:
Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres threw a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals, becoming the second Padres pitcher to achieve this feat in the past four seasons. Cease’s no-hitter came with some unique circumstances, including a 76-minute delay due to a thunderstorm. Despite the interruption, Cease managed to throw a career-high 114 pitches to complete the no-no. This was not Cease’s first no-hitter, as he had come close in a previous game while playing for the White Sox. The Padres’ pitchers who have thrown no-hitters, including Cease, now reside on the same property, adding an interesting twist to their shared achievement.
Life Advice: Mason Miller’s Injury:
Oakland A’s closer Mason Miller suffered a broken left hand after punching a padded table out of frustration. This incident serves as a reminder to baseball players to control their anger and avoid destructive behavior. While the A’s were unlikely to trade Miller, this injury further complicates the situation. On a positive note, Lawrence Butler of the A’s has had a remarkable turnaround in July, hitting .413 with eight home runs, which has contributed to the team’s recent success.
Other Highlights:
– Clayton Kershaw made his long-awaited return from the injured list, pitching four innings and allowing two runs in a win against the Giants.
– Christian Yelich of the Brewers has decided to opt for rest and rehab instead of undergoing back surgery.
– The Mets are closing in on the Braves for the first wild-card spot after a victory against Atlanta.
– There is significant trade interest in pitcher Blake Snell, and the Mets are encouraged to be aggressive buyers at the deadline.
– Jim Bowden presents seven trade proposals he’d like to see, including potential fits for Garrett Crochet, who is interested in an extension if traded.
Conclusion:
That’s all for today’s edition of The Windup. We’ve covered some exciting trades, notable performances, and the latest buzz around the league. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to sign up for our other newsletters for comprehensive coverage of various sports.