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The last week in MLB was about a team out west trading for an impact bat, a team in the American League acquiring bullpen help, a couple of teams scouting an ace who could be available at the trade deadline and a premier prospect receiving a promotion.
Diamondbacks Acquire Martinez for Three Infield Prospects
The Arizona Diamondbacks are tied with the Colorado Rockies for the top Wild Card spot in the National League.
The club made a move to shore up one of their weaknesses, by acquiring outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Detroit Tigers. They sent infield prospects Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara, and Jose King to complete the deal.
The #Tigers have acquired INF’s Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara & Jose King from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for OF J.D. Martinez.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 18, 2017
Martinez was having a stellar season for the Tigers as he compiled a .305 batting average and 1.008 OPS in 57 games with 16 home runs, 39 RBIs, and a 168 OPS+.
He will add more power to a lineup that already includes first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Jake Lamb.
Martinez will be a rental player for the Diamondbacks as he will be a free agent at the end of the season. It’s why the return for the Tigers wasn’t that superb.
The debut for Martinez with his new team wasn’t great, as he was hit in the hand in just his second at bat.
He is listed as day-to-day and hopefully will return to the lineup soon as the Diamondbacks look to maintain a spot in the NL Wild Card.
Mariners Bolster Bullpen with Addition of Phelps For Four Prospects
The Seattle Mariners strengthened their bullpen by acquiring reliever David Phelps from the Miami Marlins, per Greg Johns of MLB.com.
It’s official: Mariners acquire Marlins RH reliever David Phelps for prospects Brayan Hernandez Brandon Miller, Pablo Lopez, Lukas Schiraldi
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) July 20, 2017
They sent outfielder Brayan Hernandez, including right-handed pitchers Brandon Miller, Pablo Lopez, Lukas Schiraldi.
Phelps was throwing the ball well for the Marlins in 2017, as indicated by his 3.45 ERA in 47 innings (44 games) with 51 strikeouts, five home runs yielded and a 3.70 FIP.
The Mariners face impossible odds at a winning the American League West title, as they trail the Houston Astros by 17 games.
However, they’re just two-and-a-half games back in the AL Wild Card standings.
The role of Phelps will be to setup for closer Edwin Diaz.
Dodgers, Cubs Among Teams Scouting Darvish
The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers comprised a group of teams who scouted the last start for Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Sources: #Dodgers, #Cubs among teams scouting Yu Darvish in St. Petersburg tonight. He struck out 12 in 8 IP. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2017
Darvish was solid in his outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, by striking out 12 batters and surrendering just five hits over eight frames.
The right-handed pitcher has had some success this year. He’s struck out 143 batters in 133 1/3 innings, but also allowed 18 home runs.
Darvish can dominate opposing lineups, and it’s not a surprise both the Dodgers and Cubs have an interest in the ace.
The Dodgers have a terrific one-two punch at the top of the rotation with Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood. The possible addition of Darvish would give them a triumvirate of starters that would enable them to be a force in the postseason.
The Cubs could add another top-tier arm to their rotation as they look to pass the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
The important thing regarding Darvish is that he’ll become a free agent at the end of the season, so any team that does acquire his services, it will only be for a couple of months.
Red Sox Promote Top Prospect Devers
The Boston Red Sox have decided the time is now to promote one of their top prospects.
Third baseman Rafael Devers is getting called up to the majors, per Ian Browne of MLB.com.
Big news. Dave Dombrowski just announced the @RedSox are calling up top prospect Rafael Devers. Will make first start on Tuesday in Seattle.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) July 23, 2017
The 20-year-old will be with the Red Sox just a week after debuting in Triple-A.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today provided some context for the Red Sox bringing up Devers so soon.
The #Redsox, not liking price they see for available third basemen, call up prized prospect Rafael Devers quicker than expected
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 23, 2017
Devers is a force at the plate, considering he posted a .305 batting average and .948 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A this year with 20 homers, 60 RBIs, and 54 runs scored.
Author Profile
- Chris is a 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.
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