MLB Rumors: Matt Chapman looks like the Cubs' dream target
The Cubs are focused on making a deep postseason run this year now that they've worked their way into a wild card place. But it's never too early to think about what improvements could be made to the squad for next year.
Chicago could be active in the free agent market and third base could be a spot they look to invest. So who should the Cubs be targeting?
Kade Kistner of Inside The Cubs suggests Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman.
"Chapman, who is 31, would make complete sense. He is a slugger who can rip the cover off of the ball, even if he does have high strikeout numbers. But he can make up for the whiffs with his Gold Glove defense at the hot corner," Kistner wrote.
Chapman is hitting free agency at the end of the season after spending the last two seasons with Toronto. This year, he's slashed .248/.338/.431 with an OPS+ of 112. His home run numbers are down at 15 but he had 27 in 2021 and 2022.
Most importantly, Chapman is a top-tier defender who would upgrade the Cubs infield immediately. He's a clear target to pursue.
Now let's talk about the Braves rotation...
MLB Rumors: Braves had to make a tough move with Darius Vines
The Braves couldn't have asked for more from Darius Vines in his first-ever major league start against the Rockies. He went six innings and allowed just two earned runs, getting the win while striking out five.
He even looked like an option to fill the role of fifth starter for a little while as the team waited for Kyle Wright to get healthy.
However, the Braves ultimately sent Vines back to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday so they could bring righty reliever Ben Heller back up.
It's disappointing to see Vines go back down, but there was a good reason for it. The Braves have had to make considerable use of their bullpen arms in recent days and they needed another relief option. Losing Vines for the time being is unfortunate, but being forced to overuse Brad Hand or AJ Minter could have much bigger consequences.
Vines will almost certainly be back on the mound for the Braves, but for now, he'll have to wait.
Meanwhile, Atlanta needs to figure out who the fifth starter will be for Tuesday's outing against the Cardinals. Wright's recent rehab appearance made it fairly clear he's not ready yet. A day off on Monday could add some flexibility to that call.
Now let's talk about Max Scherzer...
MLB Rumors: Max Scherzer raises injury concerns
The Rangers acquired Max Scherzer at the MLB trade deadline to further bolster their pitching staff, especially after losing Jacob deGrom to a season-ending injury.
But one former Mets pitcher with injury concerns may have just given way to another former Mets pitcher with injury concerns.
Scherzer told reporters after Friday's loss to the Twins that forearm tightness probably wouldn't have let him pitch into the seventh inning, per Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today.
"You look across the league, and there's forearm strains and Tommy Johns everywhere," Scherzer said, via Wilson. "I have little forearm tightness right now. I'm not going to let that turn into a forearm strain or Tommy John."
The pitcher insisted that his shoulder and arm are "good" but he didn't want to push it with his forearm knowing he wouldn't have an extra day off coming up
On one hand, it's good that Scherzer is doing what he can to stay out of injury trouble by being cautious. On the other hand, the fact that there is soreness at all is something for Rangers fans to stress over.
