Matt Graves

Toronto

Co-Site Manager at Last Word on Baseball

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Articles

Reds Get Key Reinforcements with Trio Activation from Injured List

1 week ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Cincinnati Reds are getting a major boost as they activate key players from the injured list. Right-hander Alexis Díaz (left hamstring strain) returns from the 15-day IL, while infielder Matt McLain (left hamstring strain) and outfielder Austin Hays (left calf strain) also rejoin the club. The move comes as the trio works their way back from a lingering injury that sidelined them to start the season. The Reds optioned outfielder Jacob Hurtubise and infielder Neolvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville.
Cubs, Marlins Could Open Talks Around Former Cy Young Winner

1 week ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Chicago Cubs were dealt a serious blow on Sunday, as Justin Steele is set to undergo season-ending elbow injury. Initially placed on the injured list with the hope of a short absence, Steele will instead need Tommy John surgery. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expected to begin their search for a front-line starter immediately, with Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara emerging as a name to watch.
The Cardinals Next Manager Might Already Be in the Building

1 week ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

Few reports in baseball are as plugged in as Ken Rosenthal. It’s worth paying attention when he raises questions about a manager’s job security. In his recent column for The Athletic, Rosenthal spotlighted St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol as a name to watch, not necessarily because of poor performance, but due to shifting power dynamics behind the scenes.
Yankees Could Target Kyle Tucker If Cubs Extension Talks Stall

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Kyle Tucker sweepstakes may be heating up, and the New York Yankees are lurking. According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, the two sides are already discussing an extension. However, a recent mailbag from Chris Kirschner of The Athletic suggests the Yankees could still be in the mix if negotiations stall. “The Yankees should certainly be in the Tucker sweepstakes this offseason,” Kirschner wrote.
Hopeful Sign for the Reds as Outfielder Starts Rehab Stint with Triple-A Louisville

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Cincinnati Reds received some positive news Thursday as Austin Hays was sent to Triple-A Louisville for a rehab assignment following a low-grade left calf strain sustained at the end of spring training. While he likely won’t need much time to regain full strength, Hays may spend a few more days in Louisville to get some at-bats before being activated from the 10-day injured list.
A Braves Legend Weighs In on the Teams Brutal Start

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Atlanta Braves are off to a nightmare start this season, sitting at 2-0 with the worst offense in baseball. As a team, they’re batting .193 with a league-worst .577 OPS, struggling to generate any momentum at the plate. The slump has raised alarm bells, and even Hall of Famer Chipper Jones is chiming in. Appearing on The Athletic’s “Starkville” podcast with Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville, Jones was asked the question on every fan’s mind: Is it time for concern, panic or doom?
Freddie Freeman Set to Return Friday as Dodgers Head Home

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that first baseman Freddie Freeman will be return from the 10-day injured list on Friday, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. The Dodgers return to Los Angeles for a six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. Freeman hasn’t appeared in any rehab games but has been taking live batting practice over the past few days.
Zach Eflin Injury Puts More Pressure on Orioles Pitching Staff

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The Baltimore Orioles have shut down right-hander Zach Eflin and placed him on the 15-day injured list due to a right lat strain. Eflin will be out for at least two weeks, but likely longer since he won’t throw for the next week. Reliever Collin Selby has taken Eflin’s place on the active roster. Eflin started Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks but had to lifted with what the team initially referred to as shoulder fatigue.
Former World Series Champion Octavio Dotel Dies in Roof Collapse

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series champion, has tragically passed away in a roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, according to multiple sources, including Diario Libre. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and while details are still emerging, reports indicate that nearly 45 people have died, including Nelsy Cruz, the sister of seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
Rehab Stints Coming for Mets’ Francisco Álvarez and Jeff McNeil

2 weeks ago | lastwordonsports.com | Matt Graves

The New York Mets injury news has taken a positive turn as Francisco Álvarez and Jeff McNeil are close to returning. Both players took batting practice on the field Tuesday for the first time since suffering their respective injuries. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Álvarez and McNeil are both set for rehab assignments, marking an important step toward their return to the active roster.