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Could Mets remove Steven Matz from starting rotation?
New York Mets manager Luis Rojas could be making a change to his pitching rotation.
While speaking with reporters on Monday, Rojas failed to commit to starting lefty Steven Matz against the Miami Marlins on Thursday:
The Mets are still not committing to giving Steven Matz (14.66 ERA in August) another start. Luis Rojas is making it sound like it could go either way.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 17, 2020
Matz would be slotted to start Thursday against the Marlins, if he is allowed to take his turn.
Updated Mets probables, @ MIA:
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 17, 2020
Tonight: Robert Gsellman
Tomorrow: David Peterson
Wednesday: Jacob deGrom
The 29-year-old began the pandemic-shortened campaign with a couple of decent outings but has struggled throughout August. In his last three starts, Matz compiled a 14.66 ERA, and he failed to get through the fifth inning in all three appearances.
He's currently 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA on the year.
Chris McShane of Amazin' Avenue recently speculated that the Mets could relegate Matz to the bullpen as he attempts to work out whatever is ailing him this summer. According to McShane, Matz is surrendering 3.52 home runs per nine innings in 2020.
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Chicago Cubs eyeing familiar closer with 107 career saves
The Chicago Cubs are going to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, which is July 31. While third base is an obvious area of need, they also reportedly are looking at strengthening their bullpen. One player they have had an eye on, both now and in the past, is Kyle Finnegan. Recent reports have re-tied Kyle Finnegan to the Chicago Cubs Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic recently reported that Kyle Finnegan is one player that the Cubs have their eye on. Chicago has been tied to him in the past, as they expressed interest in him over the off-season. Additionally, before the emergence of Daniel Palencia, they were urged to trade for him earlier in the season. How would Kyle Finnegan fit into the Cubs bullpen? Throughout his Nationals career, Finnegan, a right-handed closer, has racked up 107 saves since 2021 and has a career 3.68 ERA. This year, his results have not been as good as previous seasons, evidenced by a 4.62 ERA, however he does have 19 saves and his experience in high-leverage situations would be beneficial in a post season match up. Finnegan is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, meaning a trade to acquire him likely wouldn’t require a significant prospect haul. His addition wouldn’t necessarily push Daniel Palencia out of the closer role, but instead, he could slot into a setup role alongside Ryan Pressly. For manager Craig Counsell, it would simply add another dependable arm to an already strong bullpen, providing more flexibility in high-leverage situations. As the deadline draws closer, Finnegan could emerge as a realistic and impactful target to bolster the late-inning mix.
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
Fans React to Potential 8-Year Deal for $50M Oilers Defenseman
As the Edmonton Oilers map out their long-term roster under GM Stan Bowman, a critical decision looms on the blue line: Should they sign defenseman Jake Walman to an eight-year extension? Walman, acquired earlier this offseason, is coming off a strong campaign and is currently playing on a $3.4 million deal. With free agency already a few weeks in, the defenseman eligible for a new deal, and his stock rising, now may be the Oilers’ best—and most cost-effective—window to lock him in before the bidding war begins. In a recent Oilers Nation piece, Tyler Yaremchuk highlighted the logic behind acting now. Because Edmonton holds his rights, they’re the only team that can offer Walman an eight-year deal under the current CBA. If everyone waits until the end of the season to sign an extension, a new CBA kicks in, maxing out his extension at seven years with the Oilers and six years with another team. That extra term could be key in securing a discount on average annual value. A deal in the $6-8 million range, perhaps eight years at $56 million, would give Walman financial security into his late 30s—especially appealing given his career earnings total around $12 million to date. From the Oilers’ perspective, it could be a shrewd move to secure a top-four defender at below-market value. The question about committing to an eight-year term is a valid one, however. Reaction to the Idea of a Long-Term Deal for Walman So what do fans think? Reactions to the idea have been mixed, though many see the upside. “Yup, would love for the Oilers to lock him up long-term,” one fan wrote, clearly seeing Walman as a stabilizing force on the left side of the defense. Another agreed: “This makes sense. He is probably our top 4 LD for the foreseeable future.” Others, however, voiced concern about term and age. “I’d be leary signing a 30-year D for 8 years @ $6M per year,” one commenter warned. “Yeah, other teams might be willing to do it but it still doesn’t make it a good deal. I like Walman, but in 5 years, this contract could look like an albatross.” That push and pull—between locking in a valuable piece now or risking future regret—is one Bowman and the Oilers must weigh carefully. If Walman continues to perform at a top-four level and the salary cap keeps climbing as expected, a $6 million extension could quickly look like a bargain. This, even if Walman isn’t effective for all eight seasons. But if his play declines into his early-30s, the back half of that deal could make the Oilers regret taking the gamble.
Pete Carroll Drops Key Updates on Raiders Stars Malcolm Koonce and Christian Wilkins
With training camp in full swing at Las Vegas Raiders HQ in Henderson, head coach Pete Carroll provided an important update regarding two of his key defensive linemen. As things heat up out in Sin City, the Silver and Black engine is revving up under a new regime spearheaded by Carroll’s arrival. As most fans are aware, Carroll brings with him a bevy of defensive knowledge—there’s a reason his Seattle Seahawks dominated the NFC West for years. It starts in the trenches and for the Raiders, there’ll be no exception. It’s for that exact reason that getting all of the defensive linemen healthy will be pivotal for the team’s success. We all know about what Maxx Crosby will bring this season but it’s his supporting cast that was questionable coming into training camp. Luckily, there is some good news and some not-so-good. Malcolm Koonce is back for the Raiders—but what about Christian Wilkins? Fans and teammates alike were surely disappointed when the news surrounding Koonce’s injury last year derailed what should’ve been a promising campaign. After recording eight sacks in 2023, Koonce was projected to be the next double-digit sack artist for Las Vegas. Regrettably, that was postponed a year. Now, under Carroll’s guidance, Koonce appears to be ready to pick up where he left off. “He should be ready to go. We’re going to look after him, make sure that we do it right and break him in, but he’s ready to go,” said Carroll, addressing the media on Tuesday. While that’s good news, the developments surrounding Wilkins aren’t exactly encouraging; however, it’s not the end of the world. After placing their prized defensive tackle on the PUP list, Carroll was dubious about any sort of return. “It’s still uncertain. We sort of have to wait it out,” Carroll stated. While we can’t have everything, the return of Koonce in excellent health alongside Crosby is certainly something to celebrate.
Former No. 1 Overall Pick 'Not a Fit' For Sacramento Kings Despite Free Agency Rumors
The Sacramento Kings are in the NBA purgatory from a roster-building standpoint. They aren't good enough to compete for an NBA title -- with no clear path to get there right now. They also aren't bad enough to receive a high overall pick and a chance to draft a future franchise superstar. A former No. 1 overall pick isn't going to be the answer in free agency, either. According to a recent report from Marc Stein, the Kings are among the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics as teams interested in Ben Simmons in free agency. Simmons could hypothetically fill a void for the Kings, who could benefit from the 2017 No. 1 overall pick's ball-handling and passing abilities, along with his defensive versatility. Simmons named "not a fit" for Kings However, the Kings might not be as interested in the 6-foot-10 guard as reports might suggest. In fact, he has been dubbed "not a fit" by Carmichael Dave on Sactown Sports 1140's The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, who is refuting those reports. "I know Simmons' camp has approached, amongst other teams, the Kings. I mean, we're talking like four or five teams. If the Kings were to bring in Ben Simmons, it would almost certainly need to be on a minimum deal, and it doesn't sound like that's what they're in the market for," Dave said. "From what I tapped in and heard was, it's nothing against him, just not a fit for what they're looking for. Not a fit for the culture stuff and all of that." Zach LaVine is a former All-Star, as are DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. There is an obvious issue with those three leading the franchise, though. Not only does the rotation lack shooting, but they don't have solid defense, either. Does Simmons address one of those issues? Sure, he's a high-level defender. Does he address a backup point guard need? Of course. He can't shoot, though. It's been the leading reason for the downfall of his career. For those services, Sacramento would be silly to pay anything more than the veteran's minimum. If Simmons can go get that with another franchise, he should absolutely do it. The Kings don't need to pay any more than that to acquire the LSU product. The Kings will have a decision to make here, though, as they might not have other avenues to address the holes in their roster. Long-term, it's hard to imagine Sacramento makes any real noise in the postseason without first tearing down their roster and rebuilding through the NBA Draft.
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