As the July 30th trade deadline draws ever closer, here are three things we'll be looking at around the world of baseball throughout the day today:
1. Bellinger is tested:
The Cubs suffered a heavy blow in their win over the Orioles last night Cody Bellinger he was hit in the hand by a 97mph pitch from the lefty Cionel Perez. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Bellinger's middle finger was hit by a pitch, and he was ejected from the game because he didn't believe he could throw a baseball. Bellinger will be tested to determine the severity of the issue.
If Bellinger does miss significant time, it could have a huge impact on the Cubs as they try to get back into the conversation for an NL Wild Card spot. The club is currently 3.5 games back from a playoff spot despite a poor record of 44-49 but has started to show signs of health with a 5-1 record in its last six games. The loss of Bellinger, who slashed .269/.331/.410 in 344 plate trips this year while playing all three outfield positions and first base for Chicago this year, would not only challenge the club's contention efforts. but also take a potential trade chip off the board for the Cubs should he end up being traded. If Bellinger needs a stint in IL, hope Alexander Canary it can be a candidate to replace it in the active list and in the external mix.
2. Alvarez is out:
Bellinger wasn't the only star ejected from yesterday's game. Astros slugger Jordan Alvarez left the Marlins' win with right hip tightness. As noted by Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, manager Joe Espada said he doesn't think Alvarez's injury is serious enough to warrant surgery. This is really good news, although it will still affect Alvarez being removed from the game just one day after returning to the lineup following the knee injury that occurred on Saturday. If the Astros decide to give Alvarez a few days off with the All-Star break just around the corner, players like Chas McCormick, Joey Loperfidoagain Trey Cabbage can get more reps.
3. Bichette underwent an MRI:
The third player was injured yesterday when the Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette was ruled out of the team's win over the Giants because of soreness in his right calf. That's the same calf that needed time in IL last month. Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported after the game that Bichette was getting an MRI.
The 26-year-old Bichette has struggled to hit .222/.275/.321 this season, but the club is 8.5 games out of the AL Wild Card race and has begun thinking about trades at the deadline. can afford to lose one of its most talented players. The combination of Bichette's injuries, ineffectiveness and the remaining season of contract control makes him an unlikely candidate to trade, especially if the Blue Jays hope to return to contention in 2025. However, Bichette's extended absence could push Toronto further into the trade. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is the most likely candidate to get playing time at shortstop if Bichette needs another trip to the shelf.
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