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The AL East is perhaps the most balanced division in baseball, and the National League East looks to be a two-horse race between the Nationals and Braves. Here is the latest #EastCoastBias from MLB Daily Dish.
Rays acquire Jeff Beliveau
The Rays acquired left-hander Jeff Beliveau from the Rangers for cash considerations today, and placed Jeff Niemann on the 60-day disabled list. He should provide the team with left-handed relieving depth, and the Rays are typically good at finding cheap relievers. The Ranger DFA'd him earlier, so it is not surprising that they decided to trade him.
Beliveau average over 10 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A last year, so he has a chance to be effective at higher levels. It is yet to be seen what the team will do with him.
Joel Hanrahan to the DL
The Red Sox closer inconsistencies continue, as the team has placed current closer Joel Hanrahan on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. He blew a save earlier this year to the Orioles, and it was hoped that he will bring stability to the closer spot for Boston that has been so inconsistent since the departure of Jonathan Papelbon.
This deal gives Andrew Bailey a chance to re-win the job, which he held last year before getting hurt. This is a good chance for Bailey to redeem the fact that he was part of one of the more lopsided trades of a few off-seasons ago.
Mets injury update
The Mets received some news on Frank Francisco and Shaun Marcum today, and it was mostly-positive. Marcum will be activated from the disabled list possibly as soon as next week, and Francisco will soon begin a rehab assignment.
With the Mets off to a surprisingly-decent start, it would be a shame for the team to struggle because of pitcher injuries. Marcum will help eat innings and keep the team in games, while Francisco could offer another option for Terry Collins at the end of games.
