The Wire Troll: Matt Andriese Returns to Rays Rotation

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Yes, another Rays’ starter looms on the horizon in the form of former Padre Smith. He underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2015, and is still on the comeback trail, but his recent results suggest he’s ready for another crack at the Show. Smith hurled 5 2/3 shutout innings on Friday to earn the win at Triple-A, and he’s been lights out in three starts at Durham. He’s proven he can win in the minors again; now let’s see what he can do in the majors.

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The Wire Troll: Luis Castillo to the Rescue

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Three years ago, Alvarez was just 24 and in the midst of a breakout season in which he recorded a 2.65 ERA en route to earning Cy Young consideration. The following year, he made just four starts and shoulder woes have kept him sidelined since. Well, he’s healthy now, putting on a showcase for MLB teams this weekend as he aims to get a chance to make a comeback. Given his still tender age, pedigree and tremendous control, Alvarez is worth tracking as we see how this plays out. Who knows? This Venezuelan could be a surprise source of value in the second half given how many teams need pitching help.

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The Wire Troll: Cesar Hernandez Keeps Raking for Phillies

/ Baseball, David Weightman, The Wire Troll

Since the start of the 2016 season, Hernandez ranks third in walks (68) and BABIP (.363), seventh in OBP (.371) and tied for seventh in batting average (.295) among all qualifying second baseman in the majors. In fact, that BABIP ranks eighth among any qualifying player in the majors over that span, at that’s a concern that he’s due for a correction at some point. But for now, it’s full steam ahead as in his last seven games, Hernandez is hitting .370/.414/.519 with four RBI.

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The Wire Troll: Chad Green Earns Rotation Time for Yanks

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

At this stage of the season, if you’re a keeper league owner that’s out it, you’re scouring the minors for possible options. Drafted by the Phillies in the ninth round out of college last year, Laird hit well in his pro debut in 2015, but injuries limited his action this season. However, he tore through Low-A and continues to rake at High-A, piling up plenty of runs at both stops. Laird is not young, so will need to move fast, but is worth tracking.

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The Wire Troll: Scott Schebler Gets His Shot

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Yes, we’ve been ringing Josh’s Bell for some time now and we still can’t understand why he’s being denied a longer look in the bigs. Sure, since his brief recall, he’s struggled somewhat at Triple-A, but with multi-hit efforts in two of the last three games, he’s showing signs of moving past that. We still believe Bell makes for a perfect stash given the ability to rack up counting cats he’s shown at Triple-A. His time will come… soon, hopefully.

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