He wouldn't need to be on 40 man by 8/31, just in the organization by then. The loophole to the rule is you get extra slots by having someone on the 60 day DL And we have some easy slots to open for the 40 man IMO. But we'd need to open one for Ethier, Buehler, Verdugo and perhaps Wilmer Font.
Liberatore could also be back as he started his rehab last night. So that is potentially 5 spots, but I am not convinced that Ethier is a sure thing yet. 5-25, 2B and 7 K's in his rehab thus far. Yeah, guys they could DFA are Castillo Jankowski Ysla Ravin and 60 Day Eibner Dayton
There was also talk of bringing Kazmir up in the beginning of September. Ethier is somewhat redundant at this point, so I can see them leaving him on the 60-day unless there is an injury.
Kazmir is redundant, too. They have plenty of pitchers who spend as much time on the DL as the active roster.
I doubt Kazmir has any shot at making the postseason roster. But we can use pitchers to eat innings in September, plus if he shows anything we might be able to trade him in the offseason, even if just for scraps. Our starting 4 are probably down to a handful of starts each, and should get lots of rest. Management may want to get Ryu and Maeda some run out of the bullpen so they are ready for that role in the postseason. So there's room for Kazmir, McCarthy, Stripling, and Stewart to all get work in September. Those are the reasons I think the rumors of Kazmir returning may actually be true.
Very good analysis of something the nerds have not done but in the style of things they have done before and consistent with what their style in such a front runner position would do.
Speaking of MehCarthy. Brandon McCarthy made his first pitching appearance since his start against the Atlanta Braves on July 20th. McCarthy pitched three innings, throwing fastballs in 91-93 mph range (on the stadium gun) and also showing some off-speed pitches. McCarthy retired five of the first six batters he faced, and the one batter he walked was soon out as part of a double play. In the third inning, he walked two but got out of it unscathed. He did not give up any runs or hits. He had two strikeouts. It was reported from Dodger Stadium that he was going pitch four innings and/or about 60 pitches but after he finished up in the third, the Quakes had a long half inning (they scored five runs and batted around with a pitching change scattered in there). At some point during that inning, the Quakes warmed up a pitcher who did eventually come in to pitch the fourth inning.
Dustin May has been promoted to Hi A. Kid was rolling in LoA and is one of the more interesting pitching prospects in the system.
May made his HiA debut last night and he continues to roll along 6IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 K's. Gave up 2 unearned runs after 3 errors behind him. This kid is impressive and what stands out most is how late in games the team has him working. 6 IP with 3 errors and he still only made 85 pitches (60 strikes). I am DYING to get a report on this kid.
Found one from May and June. FB was rated +, while 2 seam was rated above average with + potential as did the slider. Change is rated as average and not projected well. Same thing is said, with his current control and his projectable frame, he could leap up prospect lists with the addition of a couple MPH's.
Not sure what the deal is as Buehler shoulda thrown last night, though the other 3 guys that pitched are also all candidates to be on the 40 man roster.
Wilmer Font was having a good Monday as he was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Team. Font leads the league in strikeouts, ERA, WHIP and batting average against. He leads all of Triple-A with his 178 strikeouts. On Monday, he had his best start since June, pitching six scoreless innings and giving up three hits and one walk while striking out eight.
AFL Rosters have been announced: Matt Beaty: Texas League POY DJ Peters: Cal League MVP Yusniel Diaz: Solid year across HiA and AA Will Smith: Needs the innings after the broken hand Andrew Sopko: Likely future reliever as he's fizzled Isaac Anderson: Currently a nonprospect after 2 straight bad seasons. Shea Spitzbarth: Reliever that put up ok numbers in AA Michael Boyle: Looks like someone that they're trying to convert to a pen arm.