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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd |Brian Entrekin
St. Louis CardinalsIt's been a rough week for the St. Louis Cardinals, who have lost five games in a row right as the Cubs were finally looking vulnerable. They've dropped to third in the NL Central, half a game behind the Brewers, and 5.5 games behind the Cubs. One of those games was the result of a Ryan Helsley blown save in Toronto on Monday. It was the third blown save opportunity in a row for Helsley and his fifth on the season.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis
Detroit TigersColt Keith has had a solid year, hitting .240/.332/.380 with 4 HR through 196 PA. But with the team getting healthier, his playing time has become pretty spotty, as he has played every other day over the team's last nine contests. Keith has bounced between first and second base, with 13 starts at first and 22 so far at the keystone. He has recently been putting in time at third base as well and got his first start there on June 11.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd
Los Angeles AngelsThe Angels have constantly been shifting infielders all season. Kyren Paris was once getting 2B at-bats, but that’s over as Paris is now back in Triple-A. Luis Rengifo has played 2B and is now playing 3B, with Yoán Moncada on the injured list. Scott Kingery has been filling in throughout the infield but more as a utility player. The Angels even signed Chris Taylor, who has been seeing at-bats at 2B.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Corbin Young |Brian Rudd |Robert Berger
Plate Discipline and Batted Ball ApproachLars Nootbaar (OF, STL) battled injuries (back, thumb, rib, and oblique), causing him to miss around 50 days per season over the past two years (2023-2024). Nootbaar's skills teased us with the plate discipline and power, though the volume wasn't there. If healthy, we should see career-best counting stats across the board.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Alain De Leonardis |Brian Entrekin
Cleveland GuardiansShane Bieber made his first rehab start in the Arizona Complex League on May 31, recording 5 K in 2.1 scoreless IP. He will make his next start with AA-Akron on Friday, as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery last April. If Bieber continues to progress, he's looking at a late-June return to the rotation. If everyone is healthy when Bieber is ready, either Logan Allen or Slade Cecconi will be pushed aside.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Corbin Young |Brian Rudd |Robert Berger
Skubal is elite... Tarik Skubal (LHP, DET) rocks a 2.26 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 34% K%, and 2% BB% in 75 innings. He posted an elite, ace-like season in 2024. Can he replicate 2024? Have Skubal's skills improved?
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Alain De Leonardis |Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd
Atlanta Braves“Here is a rule to remember in future, when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not ‘This is misfortune,’ but ‘To bear this worthily is good fortune.’ –Marcus Aurelius, MeditationsThink it’s tough juggling work, family, whatever kink you have going on, and a half dozen or more fantasy teams? Try successfully expanding the world’s greatest empire while fending off murderous plots and also writing some of the most profound philosophical musings of all time.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Los Angeles AngelsThe Angels' offense has been hot and cold all season. Between injuries and poor performance, there has been reason for some needed change. Sure, Taylor Ward, Zach Neto, and Logan O'Hoppe are doing great and no concerns there, but there are a few infield spots that could use a change. Luis Rengifo has played 2B and 3B this season, while Yoán Moncada has played 3B when he's not on the IL. Kyren Paris was once an option, but he fizzled out and is back in Triple-A.
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4 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Detroit TigersParker Meadows has missed the entire season to this point due to a nerve issue in his throwing arm. He is back in action and off to a good start on his rehab assignment, and he could be activated within the next few days. The pending return of Meadows comes at a good time, as the team just lost Matt Vierling to another shoulder issue just days after his season debut. Meadows should have a pretty clear path to regular playing time right away, at least against right-handed pitching.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Brian Rudd
Boston Red SoxAfter being a late entrant in Boston’s second base competition, Marcelo Mayer missed out on a role with the major league club and headed to AAA-Worcester to start the season. In Triple-A, Mayer has strengthened his case for a big-league call-up with a strong start to the year (.267/.341/.473 in 170 PA). A recent notable change may have tipped Boston’s hand at a potential opening for Mayer to join the Red Sox.
