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The MLB Daily Dish is a daily feature we're running here at MLBDD and rounds up roster-impacting news, rumors, and analysis. Have feedback or have something that should be shared? Hit us at @mlbdailydish on Twitter.
Good morning baseball fans!
The Cubs placed outfielder Jorge Soler on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, and have called up prospect Albert Almora in his place.
Pittsburgh, obviously trying to one up their division rivals, are calling up starting pitching prospect Jameson Taillon and he will make his major league debut today against the New York Mets.
Here's a question that might not have an easy answer: can the White Sox be fixed? Our own Mike Bates dug deeper into their issues.
After struggles early in his career, Addison Reed has found comfort in the 8th inning for the Mets.
A year ago at this time, the Mets were an inconsistent club playing second banana to the powerhouse Nationals. Then they caught fire in the late summer and never looked back. Reed epitomizes this transformation pretty handily: While he doesn't have the impressive resume of some of his peers, he's looked like the pitcher Kevin Goldstein said had "everything it takes to be a big-league closer." Perhaps when he hits the open market after 2017, he'll get a chance to prove it.
It's not easy being a Braves fan, and it's not going to get any easier. One of their only bright spots, Freedie Freeman, has been dealing with flu-like symptoms.
More draft Q&A's. On today's docket: Louisville closer Zack Burdi and Western Michigan left-hander Keegan Akain. A full list of these Q&A's can be found here.
Jose Altuve has found himself to be a complete all-around hitter.
Batters heat up and batters cool off, and they do that in part because pitchers change how they pitch. If pitchers sense that Altuve is cheating too much to cover the plate away, they’ll come back in. Then Altuve might take a few days or weeks to adjust tothat, but then he’d be looking at pitches in his power zone. Which could take us right back to April. Which all leads to the realization that Jose Altuve is tremendously difficult to pitch to. He can hit for power now when he has the chance, and when he doesn’t, he can hit for contact and singles. That puts pitchers in a bind, because it’s a no-win situation. There’s not much left for Jose Altuve to figure out.
Here is a roundup of news from around the National League West.
The Phillies are closing in on a decision between Tommy Joseph and Ryan Howard.
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Today in Baseball History: In 1970, players and management agree to a new standard player contract, ending their labor dispute.