The trade deadline is behind us, the dog days of August are here and teams are just looking to survive the next month — either staying in the pennant race, getting into it or just stringing a few wins together — until rosters expand and reinforcements arrive in September. To that end, the Angels made a surprising move, releasing veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy. The Yankees are trying to get their surprisingly good first baseman back. And the Phillies had a surprise for everyone Friday night.
The Angels acquired Max Stassi from the Astros at the trade deadline and released Lucroy, who has been one of the league’s better hitting catchers over the past decade.
The Angels spent $34.35 million in free agency on Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill, Cody Allen, Jonathan Lucroy and Justin Bour.
Harvey: released
Cahill: demoted to bullpen
Allen: released (now with Twins)
Lucroy: DFA’d
Bour: demoted to Triple-A— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 2, 2019
The Yankees hope Luke Voit can avoid surgery and return soon.
Luke Voit provides an update on his sports hernia ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7s9GbntQAJ
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 3, 2019
Out of pitchers and position players, the Phillies put starting pitcher Vince Velasquez in left field. He responded better than they could have imagined, throwing a runner out at the plate and making a great diving catch.
While you were sleeping or at the club, Vince Velasquez was a damn good…
(•_•)
<) )╯PITCHER
/ \\(•_•)
( (> PLAYING
/ \(•_•)
<) )> LEFT FIELD
/ \https://t.co/xZ4aQfW5t3 pic.twitter.com/h4QrjYonCa— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 3, 2019
A scary injury for Rockies outfielder David Dahl, who had to be carted off the field.
Emotional scene as Rockies All-Star outfielder David Dahl was carted off with a terrible looking leg injury.
➡️ https://t.co/9TuRg9ARrV pic.twitter.com/Dyra5C740E
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) August 3, 2019
And finally, Trevor Bauer makes his Reds debut tonight against the Braves. It’s also his first appearance since his legendary tantrum, when he threw the ball over the center-field wall with the Indians.
Thank you, Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/OJ4mxCKbq4
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) August 1, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Catcher Jonathan Lucroy designated for assignment by Angels | Associated Press
• Phillies lose to White Sox in extra innings with pitcher in the outfield and an outfielder pitching | Philadelphia Inquirer
• Rockies’ Dahl carted off with right leg injury | ESPN.com
