MLB Rumors: Tigers receive brutal injury news, but are they selling?
On Wednesday morning, the Detroit Tigers announced that both Eduardo Rodriguez and Riley Greene — their top-two leaders in WAR so far this season — had been placed on the injured list. Rodriguez hurt his left index finger, while Greene suffered a stress fracture. With Detroit hoping to hold on to second place in the AL Central race, or perhaps even usurp the Minnesota Twins, the timing couldn't be worse.
"I think we have to admit that it's really frustrating," A.J. Hinch said. "At the same time, we have to collect ourselves and go out and find a different way."
For the Tigers, a team that could sell at the trade deadline should things go south, it represents a missed opportunity. This is a club that invested in its roster after the 2021 season, but failed to meet expectations in 2022 despite the additions of Rodriguez and Javy Baez. Now with Scott Harris at the helm, Detroit needs to see what it has in this group, and move from there.
As surprising as this season has been, Harris has a tough call. Rodriguez, specifically, likely has the highest trade value of anyone on the Tigers roster, minus Greene. E-Rod has an opt-out after this season, though he is under contract for three more years if he declines to do so.
Teams like the Braves, Cardinals and more could come calling for Rodriguez, and he could net a return of several top prospects. Parting ways with an ace isn't easy, but the Tigers need to decide if Rodriguez's outings are fools' gold, or a sign of things to come. That's tougher to do with the right-hander on the IL.
MLB Rumors: Alex Cora hints Marcelo Mayer could skip a step
The Boston Red Sox shortstop of the future is headed to Double-A. It's a major step in Marcelo Mayer's progression, and a sign that he's not far from the big leagues after all. While the natural progression of things would be Triple-A following a Double-A stint, Alex Cora isn't sold that it's completely necessary.
"We've seen guys making that jump," Cora told MassLive's Christopher Smith on Tuesday. "I'm not saying that's where we're at. But it's the reality of the business. He keeps pushing and we're gonna keep challenging him. It's going to be a challenge."
Mayer is the second-youngest player in the Eastern League following his promotion, so the Sox will likely give him plenty of time to adjust. Struggles are to be expected, and eventually, adjustments will be necessary.
Mayer wouldn't be the first Boston prospect to skip Triple-A. Andrew Benintendi and Yoán Moncada did the same thing, and both are regular starters in the majors at this point in their careers.
"He's a good player, man," Cora said at Fenway Park on Tuesday. "He's a good player, a good kid. He understands who he is. Tools-wise, he's really good. Everyone has seen the offensive part of it but the defense is solid. We had him a few times in spring training in the dugout and he's a good baseball player. He understands. He communicates. He's a leader, too."
Mayer, who was drafted fourth overall, is one of the top prospects in all of baseball.
MLB Rumors: What happened to Gary Sanchez?
Former New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez was one of the top prospects in baseball. He's a former All-Star. What the hell happened?
Eventually, opposing pitching caught on to Sanchez, and he suffered at the plate. Considering his hitting and power were his best qualities, that focused even more attention at his limited defensive versatility. After being released again by the New York Mets, Sanchez signed on with the Padres, where he will report to Triple-A.
"It's been a little difficult but what's happened has been in the past," Sánchez said of his team changes, speaking through a translator. "Now I am looking to the future here in San Diego. I'm focused on now."
Still, Sanchez received a great opportunity in San Diego. The Padres have issues at catcher, as Austin Nola is hitting just .131, so a platoon partner could be in order to help increase the offensive production at the position. Sanchez, at the very least, can provide some help and not be a total disaster defensively.
"You come to a point in time in a season where you try to incrementally upgrade," Padres manager Bob Melvin said. "I know he's been through a few teams here recently but does have a history of performing."
Sanchez, in A.J. Preller's eyes, is an upgrade for now. Eventually San Diego will likely look elsewhere for an everyday replacement at catcher, perhaps at the deadline. But Sanchez should get his chance before then.