RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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We’re 10 days removed from MLB's trade deadline, which means trends have begun to emerge after a hectic stretch of transactions. At this time last week we only had a few games to analyze each team’s immediate usage, but the picture has since become clearer. Another wave of prospect promotions has arrived, and there could even be more on the way.
Let's get into it.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Lars Nootbaar has started against every RHP (mostly hitting fifth) since being acquired but sat in his only opportunity against a left-handed starter. Tim Tawa and Ryan Waldschmidt have been everyday players since the deadline. Jordan Lawlar could be activated from the IL next week.
Athletics
This lineup is hurting with so many impact bats out injured. Jonah Heim has started all but one game since July 25. Zack Gelof has started every game this week since returning from the IL, and at three different positions. The injuries have opened up near everyday playing time for Lawrence Butler, including against lefties.
Atlanta Braves
Austin Riley keeps hitting in the bottom third of the order but has only sat three games this season. Lane Thomas' playing time has cratered since leaving Kansas City, starting only three games, two against LHP. Jim Jarvis is still getting most of the starts at shortstop, with Ha-Seong Kim a strict bench player.
Baltimore Orioles
Jackson Holliday has been hitting third against right-handers over the past week. Christian Encarnacion-Strand isn't an everyday player after all, splitting the hot corner with Coby Mayo. Dylan Beavers recently shifted from leadoff to fifth against RHP.
Boston Red Sox
The leadoff role continues to be a revolving door between Nick Sogard, Masataka Yoshida and (versus lefties) Jahmai Jones. One figures that spot will eventually go to Roman Anthony, who is reportedly getting closer to a rehab assignment. Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman hit third in his first two starts with his new club, bumping the red-hot Wilyer Abreu down to fifth. Andruw Monasterio continues to serve as the everyday shortstop.
Chicago Cubs
They continue to roll out the same primary starting nine. The only other note is they've been on fire lately and are up to the second-highest scoring lineup in MLB, having surpassed Pittsburgh.
Chicago White Sox
Sam Antonacci has started against three straight lefties after sitting versus the previous five, though Chase Meidroth's minor injury likely contributed. There's some defensive shuffling to make it work but Luisangel Acuña and Randal Grichuk essentially platoon with Andrew Benintendi and Tristan Peters. Brenton Doyle is part of the weak-side platooning too, which is why Antonacci has recently been squeezed.
Cincinnati Reds
Héctor Rodríguez has been starting against righties and sitting vs. LHP since being called up on August 4. He's taking playing time away from Noelvi Marte in right field. Matt McLain is back to starting at second base every game. JJ Bleday has struggled lately but has only sat once since July 2.
Cleveland Guardians
Steven Kwan has hit leadoff in all but one of his starts since July 19. Jo Adell has started eight of nine since coming over from the Angels, easing concerns about his playing time after he sat against the second RHP he had a chance to face with his new club. Angel Genao has started seven of eight since being recalled, pushing Travis Bazzana to sit against some lefties and DH on other days. Lastly, Nathaniel Lowe is hitting cleanup vs. RHP and sitting against lefties since coming over from the Reds.
Colorado Rockies
Jake McCarthy has started every game since June 29, mostly at leadoff, and is having a very strong season. Cole Carrigg is hitting in the top third of the lineup and is up to six games (three starts) at shortstop, which is a fun eligibility to track. Zac Veen just came up from Triple-A and could platoon with Jordan Beck in right field. Connor Norby is playing second base with Kyle Karros injured, shifting Willi Castro to third.
Detroit Tigers
Max Clark has started in center field and hit seventh in every game since being called up on July 31. Colt Keith and Zach McKinstry are strict platoon hitters in the second half.
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Houston Astros
Yordan Alvarez has sat twice all season, which remains a remarkable fact based on how last year went. Daulton Varsho has started every game since being acquired, including against two LHP. He, Taylor Trammell, and Cam Smith are the regular starting outfield.
Kansas City Royals
Nick Loftin leads off against southpaws while Carter Jensen still has the role vs. right-handers. Kyle Isbel has absorbed most of the center field playing time since he came off the IL when Lane Thomas was traded.
Los Angeles Angels
Moisés Ballesteros has started all 10 games since being acquired from the Cubs, including four behind the plate. Zach Neto is leading off vs. lefties and hitting cleanup against righties while stuck in a brutal slump. Vaughn Grissom's playing time faded in late June but he's back to playing everyday.
Los Angeles Dodgers
It's an aging lineup, but there's still a core eight who play most every day. Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia are sharing catching duties as Will Smith is still working his way back to full health.
Miami Marlins
Griffin Conine has started against every RHP in the second half while batting no lower than fifth since the start of August. He's also begun mixing in at first base with Kyle Stowers on the IL. Esteury Ruiz has 28 steals (tied for 7th in MLB) and his six homers already represent a career high, but he has only started six of 11 this month.
Milwaukee Brewers
All eyes on Brice Turang's knee after he wasn't in Thursday's lineup. Christian Ye...
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