MLB Power Rankings: Blue Jays up; how dominant are the Dodgers?
Only a few weeks remain in the MLB regular season. Which teams look best as the playoffs approach? Ben Verlander breaks down his top 10.SEPTEMBER 19, 2022
Justin Verlander leads AL Cy Young race: Pitching Ninja's Filthiest Pitches
Coming down the stretch, Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman focuses on the filthy stuff of the top candidates for the AL Cy Young Award.SEPTEMBER 19, 2022
Brad Miller - Officially done for seasonThe Rangers transferred Miller (hip) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.
ImpactThe transaction officially ends Miller's season, as the 32-year-old was initially placed on the 10-day IL on Sept. 9 with the right hip strain. Miller held down a large-side platoon role for a decent chunk of the 2022 campaign, but he contributed a meager .212/.270/.320 slash line in 241 plate appearances. Given his advancing age, poor offensive production this season and lack of defensive value, Miller will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal when he becomes a free agent this winter.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Drew Strotman - Scooped up by TexasThe Rangers claimed Strotman off waivers from the Twins on Monday.
ImpactAfter being acquired from the Rays last summer along with Joe Ryan as part of the deal that sent Nelson Cruz to Tampa Bay, Strotman was a colossal disappointment in his first full season in the Twins organization. Over his 50.1 innings at Triple-A St. Paul, the 26-year-old righty turned in a 6.44 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 58:33 K:BB. Though the Twins deemed him unworthy of a 40-man roster spot, the Rangers will bring him aboard with the hope of helping him regain the form that once made him one of the top pitching prospects in the Rays' system.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Manuel Margot - Takes seat MondayMargot is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
ImpactHe'll be on the bench for the series opener while Harold Ramirez -- who has typically been working at first base lately -- picks up a start in right field in place of Margot. While starting each of the past five games, Margot went 5-for-21 with two doubles and four RBI.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Taylor Walls - Back on bench after three startsWalls is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
ImpactWalls closed out the Rays' weekend series with the Rangers by making three consecutive starts out of the middle infield while going 2-for-9 with a home run, a walk, two RBI and two additional runs. Though he'll be on the bench Monday, Walls should see his opportunities pick up following the recent placement of Brandon Lowe (back) on the injured list. Walls will be vying for playing time at the keystone with Jonathan Aranda and Isaac Paredes.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Christian Bethancourt - Three hits in Sunday's winBethancourt went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and an additional run in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Rangers.
ImpactFilling in behind the dish for a resting Francisco Mejia, Bethancourt came up big on offense, with his two extra-base knocks matching his output from his previous seven contests combined. For his efforts, Bethancourt will be rewarded with another start at catcher in Monday's series opener with the Astros, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Bethancourt is batting eighth Monday.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022•ROTOWIRE
