In Toronto, September roster expansion may provide an opportunity to one of two young outfielders, if not both, while a top-prospect watch is on in Tampa. Elsewhere in the East, call-up contributions may be more subtle.
A possible shutdown of Luis Castillo could spell opportunity in CIN. Also, Heyward’s struggles could spell decreased playing time once Russell returns to CHC, a look at 2B in MIL, a review of PIT’s bullpen, and a review of the STL outfield.
Blaine Hardy was sent to Triple-A Toledo July 18 after struggling with his control in Detroit. Seventeen innings and no walks later, he's ready for another opportunity. Plus, week 2 of potential callups in the AL Central.
No one owns the LAA ninth inning and it could stay that way through September, though Keynan Middleton looks like a closer-of-the-future contender. HOU expects reinforcements, Jed Lowrie settles back down in OAK and more.
Top prospect Ronald Acuna has had an incredible 2017, rising from Single-A to Triple-A. Will ATL make the 19-year-old one of its September call-ups? Plus notes on the MIA starting rotation, NYM C, PHI SS and more.
TAM has installed Kevin Kiermaier atop its batting order and also added Cesar Puello to its OF mix. Will these moves kickstart a slumping offense? Also: BAL's Bundy thrives with rest, BOS pitching depth put to test, Bird may crowd NYY's first-base nest, and which TOR back-end starter is best?
Sean Rodriguez reunited with the Pirates and figures to be a key reserve for them for the rest of the season and 2018. Also: Happ sees reduced opportunities in CHC and a look ahead at starting rotations in CIN, MIL, and STL.
With COL eyeing the playoffs, could there be a playing-time shift at SS? Kershaw's return could push someone to the 'pen, plus corner infielders in SF, 3B options in SD and catchers in ARI.
Lucas Giolito has seen his share of advances and setbacks in 2017, but if he accomplishes everything GM Rick Hahn has asked him to do, we'll see him in Chi-town next month. Plus, week 1 of potential September callups in the AL Central.
Mitch Haniger should return to the OF earlier than expected, but SEA's pitching is swirling the drain. HOU has a new problem besides their pitching, C.J. Cron suddenly looks playable again for LAA, and more...
In Toronto, September roster expansion may provide an opportunity to one of two young outfielders, if not both, while a top-prospect watch is on in Tampa. Elsewhere in the East, call-up contributions may be more subtle.
A possible shutdown of Luis Castillo could spell opportunity in CIN. Also, Heyward’s struggles could spell decreased playing time once Russell returns to CHC, a look at 2B in MIL, a review of PIT’s bullpen, and a review of the STL outfield.
Blaine Hardy was sent to Triple-A Toledo July 18 after struggling with his control in Detroit. Seventeen innings and no walks later, he's ready for another opportunity. Plus, week 2 of potential callups in the AL Central.
No one owns the LAA ninth inning and it could stay that way through September, though Keynan Middleton looks like a closer-of-the-future contender. HOU expects reinforcements, Jed Lowrie settles back down in OAK and more.
Top prospect Ronald Acuna has had an incredible 2017, rising from Single-A to Triple-A. Will ATL make the 19-year-old one of its September call-ups? Plus notes on the MIA starting rotation, NYM C, PHI SS and more.
TAM has installed Kevin Kiermaier atop its batting order and also added Cesar Puello to its OF mix. Will these moves kickstart a slumping offense? Also: BAL's Bundy thrives with rest, BOS pitching depth put to test, Bird may crowd NYY's first-base nest, and which TOR back-end starter is best?
Sean Rodriguez reunited with the Pirates and figures to be a key reserve for them for the rest of the season and 2018. Also: Happ sees reduced opportunities in CHC and a look ahead at starting rotations in CIN, MIL, and STL.
With COL eyeing the playoffs, could there be a playing-time shift at SS? Kershaw's return could push someone to the 'pen, plus corner infielders in SF, 3B options in SD and catchers in ARI.
Lucas Giolito has seen his share of advances and setbacks in 2017, but if he accomplishes everything GM Rick Hahn has asked him to do, we'll see him in Chi-town next month. Plus, week 1 of potential September callups in the AL Central.
Mitch Haniger should return to the OF earlier than expected, but SEA's pitching is swirling the drain. HOU has a new problem besides their pitching, C.J. Cron suddenly looks playable again for LAA, and more...