Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”

Bradley Zimmer was optioned to AAA by the Indians to make room for Lonnie Chisenhall coming off of the DL. Zimmer had just returned himself from the DL, but struggled mightily for the majority of the season. He has a ton  of talent, but with the amount of depth the Indians currently have in the outfield, Zimmer has the ability to go back to the minors to work on things. He is a premium defensive player with a high offensive ceiling, but the hit tool is not as advanced or as special as his other tools, which makes him a high risk player.

Jordan Montgomery ’s season is officially over as he will get Tommy John Surgery.

Rich Hill threw 100 pitches on Tuesday. 60 of the 100 pitches were without any protection on his middle finger that suffered a blister, putting him on the DL. Apparently after the session, Hill stated that he would be open to pitching out of the bullpen if that allowed him to return to the team sooner. This is something to monitor.

Tim Lincecum was released by the Texas Rangers. The Rangers had to finally make a decision on him, but they did not want to add him to the roster. He is now a free agent.

Diego Castillo was recalled from AAA by the Tampa Bay Rays. Castillo has been the closer for the Durham Bulls this season and been fantastic. While he would logically fit in at the back end of the bullpen, the Rays are very cautious with rookies and will likely not want him in the higher leverage role at least initially, if at all. Saves = higher arbitration numbers and they are cheap.

That Happened?!?

Madison Bumgarner made his season debut on Tuesday night and there was a special fan in attendance:

He gave up two early runs, but settled in to go six innings and not allow any further damage during the contest. Unfortunately, he was saddled with a loss with Patrick Corbin pitching very well for the Diamondbacks, but Bumgarner appears back and ready to produce for fantasy owners this season.

Andrew Heaney threw a one hit complete game shutout of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. He only struck out four in the outing, but his ERA for the season is now at 3.12 and he sports 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Heaney has been fantastic this season and is still under owned (31% in ESPN leagues.)

Carlos Martínez made his return from the DL and threw four innings, giving up two runs on four hits while allowing five walks. Martinez was obviously rusty, which is to be expected. He did make it through healthy which is important.

Steven Wright made his first start of the season, blanking the Tigers in seven innings and only allowing two hits. He completely fooled the Tigers with his knuckleball repertoire. The Red Sox placed Drew Pomeranz on the DL and Wright could conceivably grab this job from Pomeranz.

Jalen Beeks will make his Major League debut for the Red Sox on Thursday. This will likely be a spot start, but he has been great in AAA. He has throw 56.1 innings this year with a 2.56 ERA and 12.78 strikeouts per nine innings.

What We’ll Be Watching Today

Jonny Venters will get the start for the Rays as they continue their “opener” strategy. Let’s see how this plays out.

Carlos Carrasco versus Chase Anderson . Both have been hit or miss coming off of big years. Will either get it together versus what can be powerful offenses.

Mike Foltynewicz versus Matt Strahm . Folty has been fantastic this season and he is coming off of his best performance yet this year. Strahm is an underrated prospect that has pitched well this year in spite of his strange underlying metrics.

Álex Reyes is having a second opinion today on his injured lat. This should give us a better timetable for return.

Aaron Nola versus José Quintana . *swoon*

Can either Gray put it together? Both Jon Gray and Sonny Gray pitch today for their respective teams.

Baseball. Lots of baseball.