Hypothesis continues to swirl over which group (if any) might pry Juan Soto away from the Nationals earlier than the commerce deadline, and even which golf equipment are the highest contenders as we method August 2. In line with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Nats could also be “specializing in one or two groups in the intervening time,” with the Cardinals seen by some rivals as a probable contender to be a type of golf equipment as a consequence of St. Louis’ quantity of MLB-ready expertise. So far as the NL West goes, nevertheless, a rival government tells The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that “I believe San Diego is as seemingly as the opposite 28 groups mixed. They’ve the gamers they usually have [A.J.] Preller.”
Actually, the Padres’ president of baseball operations is at all times open to daring strikes, and that confidence extends to the group’s prospects within the sense that the Padres “are assured they will maintain replenishing their farm system.” Whereas San Diego has already dealt high quality blue-chippers in different offers over time, extra intriguing new names maintain rising. As an illustration, Rosenthal writes that groups have proven curiosity in shortstop Jackson Merrill and outfielder James Wood, the Padres’ two prime picks from the 2021 draft. Merrill and Wooden have been each highschool choices who’re nonetheless just a few years away from the bigs, so with reference to Soto, the Padres might hold onto the younger duo as future constructing blocks whereas dealing different prospects who higher match the Nationals’ calls for.
Extra from the NL West…
- The Giants’ protection was an underrated cause behind the membership’s success in 2021, however this 12 months, San Francisco has fallen close to the underside of a number of main defensive statistics. Because of this, Rosenthal studies that the Giants are contemplating including a powerful defender, ideally for an infielder or DH candidate (Tommy La Stella is cited for instance by Rosenthal). Getting one good glove into the combo may elevate all tides, permitting the Giants to raised align their fielders and assist fill the holes created by a number of accidents across the roster.
- Andrew Heaney is anticipated to be activated off the 15-day injured listing to begin the Dodgers’ recreation in opposition to the Nationals on Wednesday, supervisor Dave Roberts instructed Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register and different reporters. After two begins to open the season, Heaney has made just one different look (on June 19), sandwiched between two prolonged IL stints as a consequence of shoulder issues. The left-hander tossed 5 innings in his final minor league rehab begin, and it’s secure to imagine L.A. will maintain Heaney’s workload comparatively restricted as he ramps again up. In different Dodgers harm information, Chris Taylor (foot fracture) took half in batting follow yesterday and may be ticketed for a rehab project later this week.
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