Anthony Franco

1 day ago | mlbtraderumors.com | Anthony Franco

The Diamondbacks dropped this afternoon’s series finale against the White Sox, falling to 41-39. They’re 3.5 games back with four teams in front of them in a crowded NL Wild Card picture. As Darragh McDonald and I discussed on this week’s MLBTR podcast, Arizona is one of the most interesting bubble teams five weeks from the deadline. They’re still in the race but have been battered by injuries, leaving them shorthanded as they enter a pivotal stretch of the season.

1 day ago | mlbtraderumors.com | Anthony Franco

Former ERA champion Diego Segui has passed away. He was 87. Born in Cuba and a natural left-hander, Segui nevertheless began throwing a baseball right handed. He initially signed with the Reds but never got an opportunity in the Cincinnati farm system. He spent some time pitching for an independent team before the A’s purchased his contract. Segui would spend three seasons climbing the minor league ladder and reached the big leagues in 1962.

1 day ago | yardbarker.com | Anthony Franco

At 44-35, the Rays are firmly in the postseason mix. They’re one game back of the Yankees in the AL East and in possession of the American League’s top wild-card spot. FanGraphsgives them more than a 70% chance of playing in October. That’d present a challenge for MLB because of their stadium situation. The Rays are playing at an A-ball facility after last fall’s hurricane damage rendered Tropicana Field unplayable. Their interim home, George M.

1 day ago | mlbtraderumors.com | Anthony Franco

MLBTR's subscriber series previewing each club's deadline activity continues. Next up: the team that has already pulled off what'll probably be the biggest in-season trade we'll get all year. Record: 44-35 (56.2% playoff probability, per FanGraphs)Buy ModePotential needs: first base, second base, mid-rotation starter, left-handed reliefTwo weeks ago, identifying the Giants' biggest priority was simple. The lineup was floundering and in desperate need of an impact bat.

2 days ago | yardbarker.com | Anthony Franco

The Mets will select right-hander Jonathan Pintaro onto the MLB roster, reports Will Sammon of The Athletic. They’ll need to make corresponding active and 40-man roster moves. Pintaro, 27, has been pitching at Double-A Binghamton this season. He has started all 11 appearances but hasn’t worked a traditional rotation workload, usually going around four innings. He has posted good rate stats, striking out a third of opponents against an 8.8% walk percentage.