The search for pitching among playoff contenders seemingly never ends, and with the MLB trade deadline just 11 days away, that’s particularly true. The Angels gave up on Matt Harvey. The Phillies are looking to sign Drew Smyly. Elsewhere, the MLBPA made a move in preparation for the upcoming collective bargaining season.
The Angels had high hopes for Harvey, a one-time All-Star, but he never had much success in Anaheim.
The Angels have DFA’d Matt Harvey after going 3-5 with a career-worst 7.09 ERA: https://t.co/ei6vQWYpjw pic.twitter.com/Z9a7IikA2p
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 20, 2019
Meanwhile, the Phillies are going to take a shot with Drew Smyly, who was awful for the Rangers this year but had been effective before Tommy John surgery in 2016.
The #Phillies have added a left-handed, veteran, starter, per @JonHeyman. https://t.co/41QfsXcSpO
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 19, 2019
The next pitcher on the move could be Marcus Stroman. The Blue Jays ace threw a gem in front of scouts from (at least) the Braves, Yankees and Red Sox on Friday night, and he’s assumed to be on the trading block.
Dominance 👏
Take a bow, @MStrooo6! pic.twitter.com/mrtrc9LxpO
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 20, 2019
In other news, the MLB Players Association has parted ways with its top negotiator, Rick Shapiro. The MLBPA is preparing for a watershed negotiation session with the MLB when the current collective bargaining agreement expires in December 2021.
The departure of top players union lawyer Rick Shapiro may not be big national news but it’s sparked concern that a strike’s likelihood is even greater than feared. Shapiro, like Mike Weiner, was seen as a dealmaker. Additionally his knowledge of arbitration was vital for players
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Angels give up on Harvey, DFA former All-Star | ESPN.com
• Phillies close to signing Drew Smyly; move Nick Pivetta to bullpen | Philadelphia Inquirer
