MLB Weekly Digest 5/15/17

By Chris Lacey
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Updated: May 15, 2017

The prior week in MLB was about a stellar outfielder signing a one-year deal and a pair of relievers land on the disabled list.

Harper Signs One-Year Pact with Nationals

The Washington Nationals and outfielder Bryce Harper agreed to a one-year, $21.65 million contract for the 2018 season earlier this weekend, which was first reported by Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post.

Nats announce they have a deal with Harper for 2018, his last year before free agency.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) May 13, 2017

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports mentioned the financial details of the contract, which include a $1 million bonus if he wins MVP next season.

This is also the largest one-year deal for an arbitration-eligible player in MLB history.

Harper deal is largest 1-yr deal fir arb eligible player in history. On top of the $21.65M he gets $1M if he’s MVP.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 13, 2017

Harper is still set to become a free agent after the 2018 season, but it’s a positive sign that he and Nats reached an agreement.

The outfielder struggled last season, hitting just .243 with 24 home runs and 86 RBI in 147 games.

He is back to being an MVP contender in 2017 as he has compiled a .368 average with 11 homers and 31 RBI.

He leads the National League in runs scored and on-base percentage at 39 and .493, respectively.

Yankees Place Chapman On DL with Shoulder Injury

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman won’t be saving games for a couple of weeks as he was placed on the 10-day disabled list with left shoulder rotator cuff inflammation.

Today’s @Yankees roster moves… pic.twitter.com/6WKP3FejSb

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 14, 2017

He will be shut down for two weeks and won’t be back for a month, per Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.

Aroldis Chapman shut down two weeks, probably not back for a month. First told #Yankees of pain Friday. All via Cashman.

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) May 14, 2017

This is a major blow for the Yankees as Chapman has a 3.55 ERA in 12.2 innings (seven saves). He has struck out 21 batters, issued six walks and has yet to allow a home run.

The Yankees have the season off in grand fashion, and Chapman has played a significant role in the early success.

Since Chapman is sidelined, reliever Dellin Betances will be the Yankees closer.

The right-hander has thrown the ball extremely well this season, as indicated by his minuscule 0.77 ERA in 11.2 innings with 22 K’s and a 1.54 WHIP.

Betances does have experience in the ninth inning as he tallied 22 saves in his career.

Mets’ Familia Out Three to Four Months with Arterial Clot

The New York Mets won’t have closer Jeurys Familia available for a couple of months. He recently underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot in his shoulder and was placed on the

He recently underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot in his shoulder and was placed on the disabled list, per ESPN.

Familia can resume throwing in about six weeks and return to competitive pitching in three-to-four months, per James Wagner of the New York Times.

Mets say Jeurys Familia can resume throwing in about 6 weeks, with a return to “competitive pitching in approximately 3-4 months.”

— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) May 13, 2017

The Mets are no stranger to the disabled list this season as several key players have been injured in 2018.

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud, third baseman David Wright, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz and now Familia joins them on the DL.

Familia has 3.86 ERA in 11 games with three saves for the Mets in 2017. The reliever was suspended for the first 15 games of the season due to domestic violence allegations.

Addison Reed will once again serve as the team’s closer with Familia injured.

Author Profile

Chris Lacey

Chris is a 25-year old New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at@aecanada12.