Monday brings a new week, and it’s the start of a new season for Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who will make his season debut against the Cincinnati Reds. Elsewhere, the two remaining high-profile free agents, starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel and closer Craig Kimbrel, both have news in their sagas, a Cleveland Indians utility man gets upset at being cut and Mike Trout inches ever closer to a return from his groin injury.
Even before Clayton Kershaw was hurt, he was starting to show cracks in his best-pitcher-in-baseball armor. Can he get back to the top of his game?
“As you progress in your career, there’s times you have to make some adjustments. Maybe I haven’t been as fast with that as I’ve needed to be.”
On Clayton Kershaw, the changeup, and what’s next … https://t.co/zwVgzXU5Qo
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 15, 2019
It sure seems as if a lot of teams could use an All-Star pitcher like Dallas Keuchel, who has said he’s willing to take a one-year deal. Maybe eventually one of them will sign him.
Mets must dump Jason Vargas and sign Dallas Keuchel — ASAP https://t.co/DymFC7Znxo pic.twitter.com/gPgoyK7Nxg
— New York Post (@nypost) April 14, 2019
Same goes for Craig Kimbrel, who might be slightly on the downside of his career, but would still instantly improve any bullpen in baseball — and boy, are there a lot of bad ones.
Free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel’s asking price has come down, per @Ken_Rosenthal https://t.co/mnWnIuPXuq pic.twitter.com/Of70Oxft58
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) April 14, 2019
The Cleveland Indians have struggled offensively, so cutting one of their most productive hitters thus far was sure to cause a stir.
“Obviously they don’t want best guys up here” – Brad Miller after losing gig with Indians (quote from @hoynsie https://t.co/9x5KIvyVPa pic.twitter.com/2w1X54mtOb
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) April 15, 2019
In any case, one guy who will soon be back on the field is the Angels’ Mike Trout, who has taken it slow with his groin injury but appears set to rejoin the team this week.
Mike Trout Monday: Mike Trout and his groin are both improving https://t.co/6tPk57Z7om
— Ted Berg (@OGTedBerg) April 15, 2019
T op Stories
• Clayton Kershaw’s velocity and craftiness could be the key to his 2019 debut and rest of season | CBS Sports
• MLB Rumors: Here are Craig Kimbrel’s latest contract demands | Yahoo Sports
• Mets have reportedly asked about Dallas Keuchel as Jason Vargas continues to struggle in 2019 | CBS Sports
• Brad Miller says the Indians ‘don’t want the best players up here’ after being designated for assignment | Sporting News
• Trout (groin) improving, will join Angels in Texas | ESPN.com
