American League playoff contenders are trying to get healthy for the stretch run. Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell is slated to pitch in a rehab game in the minor leagues as he prepares to help the Rays battle the A’s and Indians for the two AL wild-card spots. The Astros, meanwhile, learned they’ll be without deadline acquisition Aaron Sanchez, who needs season-ending surgery. They also are dealing with a concussion to star center fielder George Springer. There are long balls galore, of course, both at the minor-league level and with Mike Trout. And an interesting agent switch could signal a sea change for baseball players’ representation.
After winning the Cy Young Award last season, Blake Snell is just 6-7 with a 4.28 ERA this year. But if he’s healthy for the last couple of weeks, he could make a difference in Tampa Bay.
The #Rays are 80-58 and Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have been out for most of the season. How the heck is that possible??
— Dan Slaubaugh (@DanSlaubaugh) September 1, 2019
Sanchez helped the Astros throw a no-hitter in his first start, but injury has derailed any help he could have lent Houston in the playoffs.
Also, Luhnow says RHP Aaron Sanchez will not return to play this season. He will have a procedure on his right shoulder next week and team will have more information afterwards regarding his rehab and return to throwing.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 5, 2019
Triple-A started using the Major League baseball, and, whoa, way more home runs! Go figure.
FYI: Home runs surged 58% at Triple-A this season following the switch to major league baseballs.
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) September 6, 2019
Trout has 45 home runs and is now tied with the Mets’ Pete Alonso for the Major League lead. He also leads the Royals’ Jorge Soler by five for the American League crown.
.@MikeTrout almost conquered Mount Davis. 😱#Statcast pic.twitter.com/YVOaxd4y9F
— MLB (@MLB) September 6, 2019
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, who is out injured, is switching agents. His new rep is the same as A-Rod’s —a company that hasn’t historically had baseball players as clients.
Astros’ Carlos Correa not rushing rehab, confirms he’s switched agents https://t.co/05sLR7iIgR
— Chronicle Sports (@ChronSports) September 5, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Rays starter Blake Snell to pitch in rehab game Saturday | Associated Press
• Sanchez faces surgery; Springer has concussion | ESPN.com
