One Roster Move Each MLB Team Should Make ASAP
At this point in the MLB season, no team feels completely comfortable with its roster, and there is always tinkering to be done in an effort to get the best 25 guys in the big leagues.
Even if the big league roster is relatively solid, there are still decisions to be made at the minor league level, with an eye on who could possibly make an impact later on in the year.
For the most part, teams are still looking in-house when it comes to addressing roster needs this early in the season, but the occasional May trade is also not out of the question. So with all of that in mind, here is a look at one roster move each MLB team should consider making in the very near future.
Baltimore Orioles: Move SP Mike Wright into the Starting Rotation
1 of 30
Despite lacking a marquee arm atop their staff, the Baltimore Orioles got a 3.61 ERA from their starters last season, as the rotation played a big part in them running away with the AL East division.
The team plans on stretching out Baltimore Orioles: Move SP Mike Wright into the Starting Rotation as a starter in Triple-A once he comes off the disabled list, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun, but it could be a while before he's ready to legitimately step into the big league rotation.
Meanwhile, veteran Bud Norris (1-4, 9.88 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, .328 BAA) has struggled mightily, to the point that the team needs to start considering other options.
The O's best choice right now appears to be right-hander Mike Wright, who entered the season as the team's No. 8 prospect, according to Baseball America. They recently called him up to replace the injured Jason Garcia in the bullpen, so swapping him with Norris may not be far off.
The 25-year-old was 3-0 with a 2.64 ERA, 1.109 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 30.2 innings of work for Triple-A Norfolk before being promoted.
Boston Red Sox: Promote SP Eduardo Rodriguez to Majors
2 of 30
The Boston Red Sox's lack of a front-line arm in their rotation was pointed to as an area of concern throughout the offseason, and those fears have been realized here in mid-May.
So far, the starters have posted an MLB-worst 5.65 ERA, mustering just 14 quality starts in their 34 games.
Rick Porcello (7 GS, 3-2, 4.50 ERA) is currently the only starter with an ERA under 5.00, and at this point, the team can't keep trotting out the same ineffective arms behind him if it has legitimate hopes of contending.
It will likely take more than just one move to sort things out, but the first step in overhauling the rotation should be promoting left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. Acquired from the Orioles last season in exchange for reliever Andrew Miller, the 22-year-old has gone 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.010 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 34.2 innings for Triple-A Pawtucket.
New York Yankees: Move Jose Pirela into the Everyday Lineup
3 of 30
The New York Yankees were expected to enter spring training with a position battle between prospects Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder for the vacant second base job, but instead, they made a late move to sign veteran Stephen Drew.
The team gave the 32-year-old Drew a one-year, $5 million deal and handed him the starting second base job, despite the two prospects putting up better numbers during spring training.
His struggles have continued on into the regular season, as he's hitting .176/.271/.353 for an 81 OPS+ through his first 98 at-bats.
Pirela was recently activated from the disabled list, and he's earned three starts at second since rejoining the team. The early returns have been solid, as he's earned the start at second in three of the past six games and gone 5-for-14 with a double. Moving forward, he should be given every chance of securing the everyday gig, with Drew moving into a utility role.
.png?w=256)
Tampa Bay Rays: Promote SP Blake Snell to Triple-A
4 of 30Despite season-ending injuries to Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly, as well as the continued rehab of Matt Moore, the Tampa Bay Rays have still managed to put up the best starting pitching ERA (3.57) in the American League.
Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi are a solid one-two punch, while Nate Karns and Alex Colome have both shown enough to stick in the rotation for the time being, but the No. 5 starter job is still up for grabs.
He's not ready to seize the job just yet, but the team should continue left-hander Blake Snell on the fast track to the majors after his terrific start to the season.
The 22-year-old began the season at the High-A level, throwing 21 scoreless innings to earn a quick promotion to Double-A Montgomery. He's kept the scoreless streak going since the promotion, posting 19 more shutout innings over his first three starts with a 0.579 WHIP and 21 strikeouts.
"It's been fun because I'm doing good. I wouldn't say it's nerve-wracking, it's just there. People talk to me about it, but I'm just trying to focus on each at-bat and not if someone scores, and just make my pitches," Snell told Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com. "I'm just going to keep doing what I do, whenever someone does cross the plate, I'll tip my cap to them."
In the meantime, guys like Scott Diamond and Enny Romero could get a look in Tampa, but Snell should remain on the fast track to the big leagues, regardless.
Toronto Blue Jays: Recall SP Daniel Norris
5 of 30
Left-hander Daniel Norris was one of the breakout prospects of 2014, going 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 124.1 innings while climbing three levels to make a late-season appearance in the majors.
The 22-year-old broke camp as part of the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation, and he went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.500 WHIP over five starts before being optioned to the minors. He failed to pitch beyond the third inning in two of those five starts, including a 78-pitch outing that lasted exactly three innings in his final start, so there were clearly some areas of his game that still needed work.
Norris has made a pair of starts for Triple-A Buffalo since being sent down, and his last time out he was terrific, allowing five hits and two earned runs while fanning seven in 6.1 innings.
Meanwhile, veteran Marco Estrada is 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA in his two starts since replacing Norris in the rotation, so it may not be long before the team reverts back to the Opening Day staff.
Chicago White Sox: Designate SP/RP Hector Noesi for Assignment
6 of 30
It's not a foregone conclusion that the Chicago White Sox would be able to sneak right-hander Hector Noesi through waivers, but at this point, trying is probably the team's best move.
After bouncing around to begin the 2014 season, Noesi found a home in the White Sox rotation, going 8-11 with a 4.39 ERA in 166 innings of work. However, those numbers came with a 4.85 FIP, and that coupled with his previous track record was not exactly a strong indicator of a big 2015 season to come.
Through his first four starts this year, the 28-year-old went 0-3 with a 6.06 ERA and 1.653 WHIP, and it appears he's lost his rotation spot to top prospect Carlos Rodon in the process.
With Scott Carroll already capable of serving as the long reliever and spot starter out of the bullpen, and offering more upside in the process, designating Noesi to make room for another more conventional reliever like Jairo Asencio (14.2 IP, 3.07 ERA, 11.7 K/9 in Triple-A) makes sense.
Cleveland Indians: Recall SP Shaun Marcum
7 of 30
A brilliant performance from Corey Kluber on Wednesday night could be the shot in the arm the Cleveland Indians have been looking for after a slow start to the season, but there is still the matter of sorting out the No. 5 starter situation.
Bruce Chen was the latest pitcher to take a turn in that spot, allowing 10 hits and six earned runs in four innings of work Saturday.
With that, the team's No. 5 starters have now combined to go 0-6 with a 12.86 ERA and 2.762 WHIP in their six starts.
That rotation spot is up again Sunday, and the team's best option this time around looks to be veteran Shaun Marcum, who is among the options the Indians could call, on according to Lindsey Foltin of Fox Sports.
Marcum allowed three hits and one run in five innings of relief in his one appearance for the Indians this year, and he's gone 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in five starts for Triple-A Columbus. The 33-year-old has been particularly dominant his last two times out, allowing just eight hits and one earned run in 15 innings of work.
Detroit Tigers: Promote RP Albert Cabrera, Move Alex Wilson into Rotation
8 of 30
The Detroit Tigers bullpen has been significantly more stable this season thanks to a strong start from closer Joakim Soria, and they currently rank eighth in the league with a 2.97 ERA. However, they could look to shuffle up the pitching staff in the near future after starter Kyle Lobstein was shelled for seven hits and six earned runs in 2.1 innings of work his last time out.
The left-hander was 3-2 with a 3.00 ERA over his first five starts, so don't expect the team to make a move quite yet, but another bad start could be enough for the Tigers to pull the trigger on a change.
One obvious option to step into the rotation would be Alex Wilson, who has been tremendous as the team's long reliever, posting 2.08 ERA and 0.769 WHIP in 13 innings of work over six appearances.
Should that move be made, an obvious next step would be optioning Lobstein to keep starting in the minors and calling up Albert Cabrera to join the bullpen. A former top prospect in the Chicago Cubs system, Cabrera has been lights out in Triple-A so far this year, pitching to a 1.46 ERA, 0.811 WHIP and 11.7 K/9 in his first 10 appearances.
Kansas City Royals: Move Christian Colon into the Everyday Lineup
9 of 30
For lack of a better option, the Kansas City Royals signed veteran Omar Infante to a four-year, $30.25 million deal prior to last season to serve as their everyday second baseman.
His first season with the team was productive, albeit somewhat mediocre, as he hit .252/.295/.337 with 30 extra-base hits and 66 RBI for a 0.8 WAR. So far this season, his offense has declined significantly, as he enters play Thursday hitting .229/.236/.333 over his first 105 at-bats.
The Royals will try to squeeze everything they can out of his $7.5 million salary this season, but it may be time to give former top prospect Christian Colon an extended look.
The No. 4 pick in the 2010 draft, Colon has hit .298/.348/.394 in 104 at-bats over the past two seasons, and while he will likely never live up to his draft position, he has the tools to be a solid all-around option at second base.
With Colon still just 26 years old, now looks like the time to see if he is capable of handling an everyday spot.
Minnesota Twins: Promote Jose Berrios to Triple-A
10 of 30
The Minnesota Twins have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, as they currently sit just one game back in the AL Central standings at 19-15 on the year. Their rotation has been significantly improved after ranking as the worst in baseball the past two seasons, but it is still far from a legitimate strength, as the Twins currently rank 21st in the league with a 4.25 starter's ERA.
With top prospect Alex Meyer spinning his tires in Triple-A, the team could turn to another prospect in Jose Berrios to potentially make an impact in the second half.
The 20-year-old went 12-8 with a 2.77 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 139.2 innings in a breakout season of sorts last year, and he was sent to Double-A to start the 2015 campaign. Seven starts in, he's gone 4-1 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.156 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 45 innings.
That's enough to justify a promotion to the Triple-A level, with an eye on him making an impact in some capacity with the big league club sometime after the All-Star break.
Houston Astros: Promote SP Lance McCullers to Triple-A
11 of 30
The No. 5 starter spot has been a revolving door for the Houston Astros so far this season, and while right-hander Lance McCullers might not be the answer just yet, he very well could be down the stretch if he keeps pitching like he has.
Signing Carlos Correa under slot with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 allowed the Astros to go over slot to get McCullers with the No. 41 pick that year, and he immediately became one of the team's top prospects.
The 21-year-old hit a bump in the road of sorts last year, posting a 5.47 ERA over 97 innings of work at the High-A level, but that didn't stop the team from promoting him to Double-A to open 2015. That move has clearly been the right one, as he's been absolutely dominant through his first six appearances, going 3-1 with a 0.62 ERA, 0.897 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 29 innings.
At this point, McCullers looks like a better bet than fellow pitching prospect Mark Appel to make a significant impact in the majors here in 2015, and aggressively promoting him to Triple-A could put him in position to do just that.
Los Angeles Angels: Option SP Matt Shoemaker
12 of 30
Without the contributions of Matt Shoemaker last season, the Los Angeles Angels very well could have missed out on the playoffs, and they certainly would not have had the best record in baseball. The 27-year-old came out of nowhere to go 16-4 with a 3.04 ERA to finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, as he filled the void left following the season-ending injury to Garrett Richards.
Expected to be a key piece of the puzzle once again this season, Shoemaker has instead struggled mightily, posting a 6.61 ERA in his first six starts. A 6.17 FIP and an AL-high 10 home runs allowed do not exactly speak to a pitcher in the process of turning things around, and at this point, a trip to the minors could be best for everyone involved.
With the offense not producing, pitching has become the strength of this Angels team, and slotting Andrew Heaney in place of Shoemaker for the time being could replace the lone weakness in the rotation. Heaney, the team's big offseason acquisition and one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball, has gone 5-0 with a 3.62 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 37.1 innings in seven starts at Triple-A Salt Lake.
Oakland Athletics: Promote RP Pat Venditte to the Majors
13 of 30
The Oakland Athletics bullpen has been an absolute disaster so far this season. Through 36 games, the relief corps has gone 2-10 and converted just four out of 11 save chances while ranking 28th in the league and last in the AL with a 4.98 ERA.
The team has already made some changes recently, acquiring Edward Mujica from the Red Sox and recalling Fernando Rodriguez from Triple-A. Those moves should help, but the team could still use an upgrade on the left side, as Fernando Abad has struggled mightily as the team's only southpaw option with Eric O'Flaherty sidelined.
Enter Pat Venditte.
The switch-pitcher was one of the biggest stories of spring training, and he's off to a terrific start for Triple-A Nashville, posting a 1.23 ERA, 1.000 WHIP and 8.6 K/9 in 22 innings of work over 10 appearances. That includes holding left-handed hitters to an .065 batting average (2-for-31), so even if he's just used as a lefty, he could still make an impact.
Seattle Mariners: Promote SS Ketel Marte to Majors
14 of 30
The Seattle Mariners looked to have as much shortstop depth as any team in baseball during spring training, as Chris Taylor, Brad Miller and Ketel Marte all performed well enough to justify winning the starting job. However, when Taylor suffered a broken bone in his wrist and the 21-year-old Marte was optioned to the minors to get more at-bats under his belt, Miller became the default choice.
While he managed to get off to a hot start, with a .300 average through his first 50 at-bats, Miller has hit just .196 over his last 15 games, and that was enough for the team to hand starting duties to Taylor when he returned earlier this month.
Thus far he has not performed much better, hitting .154/.185/.154 in his first seven games, and some time in the minors to regain his offensive stroke could be beneficial.
That would open things up for Marte to show what he can do. He's certainly impressed in Triple-A so far, hitting .346/.384/.419 with nine extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases in 33 games.
Texas Rangers: Option CF Leonys Martin
15 of 30
The Texas Rangers already pulled the trigger on demoting one Opening Day starter when they sent second baseman Rougned Odor to Triple-A, and the same could be coming for center fielder Leonys Martin.
Martin was quietly one of the best players on an injury-riddled Rangers roster last year, as he hit .274/.325/.364 with 68 runs scored and 31 stolen bases. That coupled with his terrific defense in center field made him a 4.6 WAR player.
This season has been a different story entirely for the 27-year-old, as he's batting just .209/.246/.278, including a 3-for-26 (.115 BA) start to the month of May.
With Josh Hamilton starting a rehab stint in Triple-A and Carlos Peguero hitting enough to keep seeing regular playing time once he arrives in Texas, Martin could be the odd man out in the near future.
Atlanta Braves: Promote 2B Jose Peraza, Move Jace Peterson to 3B
16 of 30
Heading into spring training, it was a question of when, not if, top prospect Jose Peraza would take over as the Atlanta Braves' everyday second baseman. However, the acquisition of Jace Peterson from the San Diego Padres, and his strong spring performance, has provided a road block at the position for the time being.
Peterson struggled to begin the regular season after a strong spring, hitting just .171 with a .459 OPS in his first 15 games. Since then, he's hit .370 with an .824 OPS, tallying at least one hit in 13 of 16 games and cementing his place in the everyday lineup.
So, what does that mean for Peraza?
Well, one option would be to slide Peterson over to third base, where Alberto Callaspo has been floundering since Chris Johnson landed on the disabled list with a fractured hand. Mark Bowman of MLB.com suggested that very thing.
There is no reason to rush Peraza at this point, but he may force the team's hand soon, as he's hitting .305 with 14 stolen bases so far for Triple-A Gwinnett.
Miami Marlins: Trade for RP Francisco Rodriguez
17 of 30
Closer Steve Cishek's early struggles have left the Miami Marlins in the market for late-inning relief help.
The team was briefly tied to free-agent reliever Rafael Soriano earlier this week, but the Marlins are now said to be out on him, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
They have turned to setup man A.J. Ramos for the time being, and he picked up his first career save Wednesday night. The 28-year-old has been fantastic this year, pitching to a 1.00 ERA, 0.778 WHIP and 11.5 K/9, so he could conceivably hold onto the job.
However, the team would still benefit from adding a proven ninth-inning arm as insurance, even if he just pitches in an eighth-inning role for the time being.
The trade market is generally quiet here in May, especially since the inception of the second wild-card spot, but the Milwaukee Brewers could be motivated to move after their horrendous start.
Francisco Rodriguez is a perfect 7-of-7 on save chances with a 1.38 ERA, and he has plenty of experience pitching in the NL East from his time with the New York Mets.
New York Mets: Promote OF Alex Castellanos to Majors
18 of 30
With John Mayberry, Ruben Tejada and Kirk Nieuwenhuis all out of options, the New York Mets are somewhat limited as far as what they can do with their bench, unless they want to risk losing one of those guys.
However, they are currently carrying three catchers, with Johnny Monell called up earlier this month to add another left-handed bat to the mix. He's seen just four plate appearances so far, though, and has not played in a week.
While he's not a left-handed bat, the team may be better off using that roster spot on Alex Castellanos, who is raking in Triple-A right now. The 28-year-old is hitting .323/.411/.720 with nine doubles, eight home runs and 25 RBI in 25 games.
While his home stadium in Las Vegas is well-known as a hitter's paradise, he's been productive on the road as well, posting a 1.032 OPS with five home runs and 15 RBI. He's also crushed right-handed pitching, with a .352 average and 1.286 OPS, so his platoon splits would make him the next best thing to a left-handed bat.
Philadelphia Phillies: Trade SP Cole Hamels
19 of 30
This has been said to death, but we'll say it again here: The Philadelphia Phillies have nothing to gain by holding onto Cole Hamels any longer.
You can make the argument that his value will be highest at the trade deadline, but what if Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Samardzija and Yovani Gallardo are all available as well—and at a lesser cost in terms of talent?
No, it would seem that an early season trade would be the best way to maximize his value, and to do that, the Phillies might need to settle for a really, really good package of players instead of that perfect package of players they seem to be holding our for.
The team finally appears ready to rebuild, but that's hard to do when you're completely lacking in young talent with which to build around.
Trading Hamels is the answer to that problem, and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.
Washington Nationals: Promote SP Joe Ross to Triple-A
20 of 30The Washington Nationals are not off to the start many envisioned, but they have done a nice job piecing the team together through some early injuries and dealing with a scuffling Stephen Strasburg.
Getting Anthony Rendon healthy remains their top priority, and until that happens, there is no clear move to be made at the big league level.
Instead, the Nationals' internal focus right now should be on solidifying their starting pitching depth, as there remains a very real chance they could lose both Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister in free agency this coming winter.
One prospect who could potentially step into the rotation in the near future is right-hander Joe Ross—the brother of San Diego Padres All-Star Tyson Ross—whom the team acquired in the three-team Wil Myers trade.
The Nats sent Ross to Double-A to open the season, and he's been terrific so far, going 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA, 1.282 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 39 innings. A few more strong starts could be enough to earn a bump up to Triple-A, putting Ross in position to potentially contend for a rotation spot next spring.
Chicago Cubs: Designate RP Phil Coke
21 of 30
Reliable left-handed relief pitching is hard to find around the league, but it's time for the Chicago Cubs to put an end to the Phil Coke experiment. The team added the veteran to the mix during spring training, and he won a roster spot with 10 scoreless appearances spanning 8.2 innings.
He began the season as the team's only left-handed reliever, but Zac Rosscup and James Russell, both of whom have been more effective, have since joined him.
As it stands, Coke has a 6.52 ERA, 1.759 WHIP and 13.0 H/9 mark in 15 appearances. He will likely be gone once Neil Ramirez returns from the disabled list, if not sooner.
Cincinnati Reds: Keep SP/RP Raisel Iglesias on the Big League Roster
22 of 30
Whether he remains in the rotation or assumes a key role in the bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds need to keep Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias on the active roster.
The Reds recalled the 25-year-old from the minors Wednesday to make a spot start, and he wound up taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He allowed two hits and one earned run in eight innings of work when all was said and done.
"We're all proud of him," manager Bryan Price told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "He did a real nice job, his composure was excellent and hopefully it's a sign of things to come."
For the time being, he remains on the active roster, and whether the team decides to keep him in the rotation in place of Jason Marquis or Michael Lorenzen or eventually slides him into the bullpen, he's made it clear he can help out at the big league level.
The Reds currently rank dead last with a 5.21 bullpen ERA, so whichever starter winds up getting bumped from the rotation should be able to help out in relief.
Milwaukee Brewers: Recall SP/RP Tyler Thornburg
23 of 30
It's still very early in the 2015 season, but it's relatively clear that the Milwaukee Brewers won't be contending this season, and that means it's never too early to start evaluating their young talent.
One player who remains something of an enigma is right-hander Tyler Thornburg.
The 26-year-old was the team's No. 2 overall prospect heading into the 2013 season, according to Baseball America, and he turned some heads in his debut later that year. In seven starts and 11 relief appearances, he went 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA and 1.185 WHIP, as he looked like a solid piece of the long-term puzzle.
He found himself in the bullpen to begin last season, where he posted a 4.25 ERA and 8.5 K/9 in 27 appearances but struggled with his command (6.4 BB/9). Elbow problems sidelined him in June, and he wound up missing the remainder of the season.
After a handful of relief appearances earlier this season, he's back to starting in Triple-A. He has a 2.55 ERA through his first four starts, and he went a season-high six innings his last time out, allowing just two runs.
Whether the team opts to continue stretching him out and eventually gives him a crack at the rotation or he returns to the bullpen, the Brewers would be wise to give Thornburg an extended look.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Give IF Jung-Ho Kang Everyday Playing Time
24 of 30
Jung-ho Kang was one of the big mysteries of the offseason, but his early returns with the Pittsburgh Pirates have been promising, and he's earned himself a bigger role.
The first position player to make the jump from the Korean Baseball Organization to the majors, Kang hit .356/.459/.739 with 36 doubles and 40 home runs last season for the Nexen Heroes.
The Pirates gave the 28-year-old a low-risk four-year, $11 million deal and slotted him in a utility role to start the season, but he's quickly emerged as one of their most productive hitters.
Through his first 55 at-bats, Kang has hit .309/.361/.491 with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBI, and his playing time has increased as a result. Splitting his time between shortstop and third base, Kang has earned a start in four of the Pirates' last seven games.
Given the struggles of both Jordy Mercer (.188 BA, .463 OPS) and Josh Harrison (.181 BA, .538 OPS), as well as the team as a whole (.236 BA, 3.82 RPG), Kang has done enough to see everyday at-bats between the two positions moving forward.
St. Louis Cardinals: Promote SP Alex Reyes to Double-A
25 of 30While they wait on the continued progress of Jaime Garcia and Marco Gonzales to sort out who will be the No. 5 starter moving forward, the St. Louis Cardinals don't have any glaring roster moves they need to make at the big league level.
Looking to their minor league system, right-hander Alex Reyes is quickly becoming one of the game's top pitching prospects, and he could be ready for a new challenge after dominating High-A hitters through six starts.
Reyes grew up in New Jersey but moved to the Dominican Republic prior to his senior season of high school, making him eligible as an international free agent.
The Cardinals gave him a $950,000 bonus in December 2012, and he has quickly emerged as the team's most promising pitching prospect. He currently has a 1.95 ERA, 1.052 WHIP and 52 strikeouts in 32.1 innings (14.5 K/9) in six starts for High-A Palm Beach, so a promotion to Double-A could come in the near future.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Promote RP Jake Barrett to Majors
26 of 30
While the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation has been surprisingly effective this season, the same can't be said for their bullpen. The relief corps currently ranks 23rd in the league with a 4.45 ERA, and it has converted just two out of eight save chances after blowing another one Wednesday.
There are a handful of different moves the team could make to reshape the bullpen, but promoting right-hander Jake Barrett could be the best way to make an immediate impact.
A third-round pick in 2012 after closing for Arizona State, Barrett has remained in the ninth-inning role as a pro, saving 57 games over the past two seasons. Barrett is currently closing for Triple-A Reno, where he has eight saves with a 1.80 ERA, 1.067 WHIP and 10.8 K/9. He has also trimmed his walk rate from 4.4 BB/9 last year to 3.0 BB/9 so far this year.
With incumbent closer Addison Reed (7.20 ERA) struggling, calling up Barrett now would give him a chance to get his feet wet in middle relief, with an eye on potentially replacing Reed down the road if he continues to struggle.
Colorado Rockies: Trade SS Troy Tulowitzki
27 of 30
Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post recently reported that Colorado Rockies star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and his agent are kicking around the idea of requesting a trade—and really, can you blame him?
The Rockies have not had a winning record since 2010, and they are well on their way to another long season, as they enter play Thursday riding an 11-game losing streak.
The decision to trade Tulowitzki would be a big one for the Rockies, as he's the face of the franchise, and moving him would be a tough sell to an already disenchanted fanbase. However, there is something to be said for pulling the trigger quickly on a trade here in May as opposed to drawing things out and dealing with the daily questions for the next several months.
The New York Mets remain perhaps the most obvious fit, and they certainly have the pieces to pull off a deal.
Would the Rockies pull the trigger for a package of Steven Matz, Rafael Montero and 19-year-old shortstop prospect Amed Rosario if the Mets were willing to take on the bulk of the $98 million Tulowitzki is still owed?
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade RP Chris Hatcher
28 of 30
Trading Chris Hatcher might be easier said than done given his 6.55 ERA on the year, but the alternative would appear to be potentially losing him on waivers in the near future.
With All-Star closer Kenley Jansen set to return to the active roster sometime this weekend, the Dodgers will need to make a move in the pen, and Hatcher is the obvious choice to go.
The Dodgers bullpen has been fantastic so far this year, as it currently ranks third in the league with a 2.06 ERA. Hatcher is the only current member of the relief corps with an ERA higher than 2.16.
So why would anyone want to trade for him?
Despite his lofty ERA, Hatcher has a respectable 2.05 FIP and an attractive 12.3 K/9 mark, and he has the power arm that teams covet with a fastball that has averaged 95.8 mph, per FanGraphs.
Hatcher is out of minor league options, and sneaking him through waivers seems unlikely, so testing the trade market may be the Dodgers' best move.
San Diego Padres: Recall RP Nick Vincent
29 of 30
The bullpen has been a major strength for the San Diego Padres in recent years, but that has not been the case so far here in 2015, as it ranks 27th in the league with a 4.82 ERA.
Nick Vincent has been one of the team's most reliable arms over the past two seasons, posting a 2.93 ERA and 30 holds in 108 appearances. He broke camp with the team but struggled to a 6.14 ERA over his first seven appearances, earning him a quick demotion to Triple-A El Paso.
In 10 appearances down on the farm, he appears to have righted the ship, posting a 0.77 ERA, 1.114 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 11.2 innings of work.
Point proved—confidence regained. Time to call him back up to the big leagues.
San Francisco Giants: Bench 3B Casey McGehee, Promote 3B Adam Duvall
30 of 30
After failing to re-sign Pablo Sandoval, the San Francisco Giants acquired reigning NL Comeback Player of the Year Casey McGehee from the Miami Marlins. McGehee spent the 2013 season in Japan but returned stateside to hit .287/.355/.357 with 29 doubles and 76 RBI on a one-year, $1.1 million deal last season.
The Giants were hoping for similar production from the 32-year-old this season, but he's instead been one of the worst hitters in all of baseball. Through 87 at-bats, he's hitting just .184/.237/.287 with five extra-base hits and seven RBI, good for a minus-0.7 WAR.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old third baseman Adam Duvall is crushing Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .315/.353/.623 line that includes 11 doubles and nine home runs.
Duvall is also capable of playing first base and some corner outfield, so at the very least, he's played his way to a promotion, where he could push McGehee for playing time.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
.png?w=480)
