Pro Sports

LEADING OFF: Harper, Archer, Beltre could go on deadline day

Posted July 30, 2018 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper, center, avoids getting put out by Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour, left, during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:

DEADLINE DAY

Teams have until 4 p.m. EDT to swing a trade without waivers, meaning it could be the last chance for contenders to land some top targets. Could Bryce Harper really be on the move? Will the Rays find a new home for Chris Archer? What about the Rangers and Adrian Beltre? Giants outfielder Andrew McCutchen, Twins second baseman Brian Dozier and Rays reliever Sergio Romo could go, too. Meanwhile, there hasn't been any movement from the Mets to trade Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard, though Zach Wheeler could still wind up elsewhere.

THE CLOSER'S OPENER

Before Roberto Osuna steps onto the mound as Houston's new closer, the Astros want him to stand in the clubhouse and explain himself. The former Blue Jays closer was traded by Toronto to Houston on Monday, but he won't pitch until at least next week as he serves a 75-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. Osuna was charged with one count of assault in Toronto in May, which remains pending. Astros pitchers Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr. have been outspoken in their disdain for domestic abusers, and Verlander expects that Osuna will address the team before he makes his Astros debut.

"We don't know the whole story," Verlander said. "Obviously I've said some pretty inflammatory things about stuff like this in the past and I stand by my words.

"But I think with an ongoing case as is this one, just see what happens. But it will be interesting. I think he plans to talk to us when he gets here and we'll go from there and see what happens."

DEALIN' DIPOTO

Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has given manager Scott Servais a whole new bullpen. Seattle acquired left-hander Zach Duke from the Twins and right-hander Adam Warren from the Yankees on Monday. Dipoto also acquired righty Sam Tuivailala from St. Louis last week. Dipoto said the additions combined with what Seattle already has in its bullpen should help Servais keep everyone fresh.

"Obviously a lot of teams are looking to add to the bullpen this time of year with the trade deadline coming up. I'm not surprised," Servais said. "It may not be the last thing we do."

BABY BRAVES

Kolby Allard is set to become the latest prospect to debut for Atlanta this season when the 20-year-old left-hander starts against Miami. Allard was a first-round pick in 2015 and has been at Triple-A all of this season, going 6-4 with a 2.80 ERA. Allard joins Ozzie Albies, Luiz Gohara, Ronald Acuna and Mike Soroka as Braves players to debut before their 22nd birthday since the start of 2017.

___

More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins Sunday, July 22, 2018, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) The Associated Press

Tampa Bay Rays' Chris Archer reacts after giving up a base hit against the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 27, 2018, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton) The Associated Press

FILE - In this May 1, 2018, file photo Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Roberto Osuna throws against the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game in Minneapolis. The Houston Astros traded Ken Giles to the Blue Jays along with a pair of pitching prospects for Roberto Osuna. Houston also sent right-handers David Paulino and Hector Perez to Toronto as part of the deal, struck a day before the deadline for trades without waivers. The 23-year-old Osuna is eligible to pitch in the major leagues starting Sunday after a 75-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, file) The Associated Press

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander warms up for the team's baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Baseball Content Providers MLB Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.