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With the trade deadline taking up most of the attention, there was still a lot to talk about in a full slate of games. What may be better than adding Verlander? Pitching a Maddux, probably. Let’s get into it!
Today’s Headlines
A Massive Day in Houston
August 1, 2023 may end up as one of the Houston Astros‘ most important days in history. It all started with the news that Justin Verlander is coming back to Houston, where he is already an iconic figure, winning two World Series. The addition of Verlander makes the Astros a very serious threat in the AL, as they are now considered favorites to surpass Texas in the AL West. However, the day was not done, as Framber Valdez reminded everyone that he is still the rotation’s ace. In the best start of his young career, Valdez no-nit the Guardians in only 93 pitches, with a walk to Oscar Gonzalez being his only blemish. This marks the third MLB no-no in 2023, and could serve as notice for the league that maybe Houston is the team to beat.
No pitcher in the 21st century has fired a no-hitter in fewer pitches than Framber Valdez did tonight. 👏
(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/qRYXZUXHUJ
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Bittersweet Dodger Blues
On the field, the Dodgers had a good day at the office, easily handling the lowly Athletics with a 7-3 win, including the team debut of the recently-acquired Lance Lynn. However, this day also included being rebuffed by a potential trade target. Early in the afternoon, sources indicated that LA and the Tigers had agreed on a trade for lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, who had the right to veto the deal, as the Dodgers were part of his 10-team no-trade list. Shockingly to many, Rodriguez nixed the deal, which left Detroit scrambling and unable to move the veteran at all. The Dodgers pivoted to acquire Ryan Yarbrough in a separate transaction, but that is far from the rotation stalwart the team sought with Rodriguez. As the season progresses and the Dodgers play in October, missing out on this trade may be the difference for a franchise that is struggling to piece together a solid pitching staff.
Mookie Mania in LA. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hdSH9EnCkC
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Bears (Cubs) defeat Bengals (Reds)
In a game worthy of the early 2000s Coors Field, the Reds and Cubs gave us a football-like 20-9 score in the Friendly Confines. The game featured 9 half-innings with at least two runs scored, as both teams combined for 34 hits (16 of them going for extra bases). Cincinnati’s starter, Ben Lively, produced one of the most astounding pitching lines you will ever see: 13 hits, 13 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts—his ERA rose by almost 1.5 runs in the process. Chicago’s hitting rampage, which included 7 homers, puts them back a game over .500, still within striking distance in the NL Central and wild-card races.
The confines were VERY friendly to the @Cubs tonight!
They hit 7 home runs for the fourth time in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/nZbeYS37FB
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Pride of the Yankees
One of the most intriguing teams for the trade deadline was the Yankees, as the franchise could probably take a long, hard look at their status and conduct a soft retooling. There was also the possibility of being aggressive and targeting offensive help for their ailing team. Instead, Brian Cashman did…. nothing? The only two major-league trades completed by New York can be described as negligible at best, and the trade inaction was followed by yet another lackluster performance on the field. Carlos Rodón dropped his season stats to a 1-4 record and 6.29 ERA, as Zach Eflin manhandled the Yankees for six innings to win his 12th game of the season. While it is true that the historic franchise prides itself on always going for it, this deadline may look like a lost opportunity as the AL East continues to get younger and more competitive.
The 2023 New York Yankees trade deadline
The absolute funniest graphic of the year pic.twitter.com/0NksZyDKHR
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) August 1, 2023
BaltiMORE
In the belated season debut for Toronto’s Hyun Jin Ryu, the Orioles and Blue Jays were locked up in a tight 3-3 game as the fifth inning ended. After that, the Orioles reminded everyone that they are to be feared. With 10 runs over the final four frames, Baltimore turned the game into a laugher, highlighted by Anthony Santander’s grand slam in the eighth inning. With the AL’s best record in hand, the Orioles also scored a nice upgrade for their rotation, landing Jack Flaherty from the Cardinals. Just a year after being sellers at the deadline and still being close to the playoffs, the Orioles now seem like a lock for October, and their turn as buyers signals an exciting August, September, and beyond in Baltimore.
Slamtander.
(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/2ynmfJbXGA
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
A pick-off walk-off
Tuesday home games have usually equaled wins for the Giants and their City Connect uniforms, but none of them have ended up like this. With two outs and the speedy Geraldo Perdomo on first base, San Francisco was clinging to a one-run lead against Arizona. Perdomo was a threat to steal, but that only helped to add to the ongoing legend of Patrick Bailey. The rookie catcher, already famous for gunning down the likes of Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. on steal attempts, can now add a game-ending pick-off to his list of throwing prowess.
Patrick Bailey ends the game! 😳 pic.twitter.com/EurnQCoNhY
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Cody Bellinger breaks a window
After being part of countless trade rumors for weeks, Cody Bellinger stayed put with the surging Cubs. While they are certainly happy for that following a monster win, Bellinger caused some unintended damage on Chicago’s massive scoreboard. The former MVP hit his 16th homer of the season, creating a blackout that the Cubs won’t probably mind as they continue to climb toward a playoff spot.
Put that on Belli's tab. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/mBBry1MdCe
— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2023
Strider reaches 200 Ks in style
For the second consecutive season, Spencer Strider became the first pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts. To add an extra layer of coolness to that feat, he did it against Shohei Ohtani, thus creating one of the few highlights in which the future MVP is on the victim side. Following today’s outing, Strider leads the league in Ks with a massive advantage over #2—the difference between him and Kevin Gausman is greater than the difference between Gausman and #19, Lucas Giolito.
Major League strikeout leader Spencer Strider just became the first pitcher this season to reach 200 Ks. 🔥
(MLB x @loanDepot) pic.twitter.com/x3f3AgFiV3
— MLB (@MLB) August 1, 2023
Injuries
After leaving Monday’s game against the Orioles, Bo Bichette received positive news regarding his knee injury, after additional examination determined that there is no structural damage. While the overall status of his injury is still up in the air, the Blue Jays have not ruled out a possible IL stint. As insurance at the shortstop position, Toronto went ahead with a depth trade and acquired Paul DeJong from St. Louis.
As the Cardinals dismantled a chunk of their major-league roster, they also announced that outfielder Brendan Donovan is set to undergo season-ending surgery later this week. While he had been able to play as DH with a flexor tendon injury in his throwing arm, St. Louis’ lost season made it more palatable to have Donovan return to full health in early 2024. The sophomore was not able to replicate his stellar rookie season, though he will finish 2023 with a respectable 2.1 WAR and 11 homers in 95 games.
Articles You Should Read
Justin Verlander Reunites with the Astros– Jay Jaffe, Fangraphs
Winners and Losers of the Trade Deadline – Zach Kram, The Ringer
Fantasy Baseball Coverage