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Needing to fill multiple holes in their injury-depleted starting rotation, the Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Jhoulys Chacin from the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported the trade, later adding the Braves will receive a minor league pitcher from the Angels in return for Chacin. 

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported the Braves are receiving left-hander Adam McCreery from the Angels. The Braves announced the trade on their official Twitter account. 

This season, while still early, has been a disaster so far for the Angels. They own the third-worst record in the American League at 13-19 entering play Wednesday. 

Pitching has been a big part of the problems in Los Angeles. The Angels rank 23rd in starters’ ERA (4.67), 25th in innings pitched (171.2) and 29th in opponents’ OPS (.828). 

Those issues have been compounded due to significant injuries in the starting rotation. Garrett Richards, who is the Angels’ No. 1 starter, will likely need Tommy John surgery that would keep him out until the middle of 2017, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. 

Left-hander Andrew Heaney opted to rehab his UCL instead of having Tommy John surgery, but he’s on the 60-day disabled list. C.J. Wilson has been on the disabled list since spring training with a shoulder problem. 

The Angels’ official depth chart only listed three starting pitchers—Jered Weaver, Hector Santiago and Nick Tropeano—before the acquisition of Chacin. The 28-year-old has struggled so far this season with a 5.40 ERA in five starts, but he does have 27 strikeouts in 26.2 innings. 

Right now, the Angels just need healthy bodies to try and make it to the summer months without completely wearing down their bullpen. Chacin isn’t a difference-maker, but he at least gives manager Mike Scioscia someone to work with every fifth day. 

Stats via ESPN.com. 

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Kansas City Royals prospect Raul Mondesi has been suspended 50 games for violating the joint drug agreement. 

Major League Baseball confirmed Mondesi’s 50-game suspension Tuesday on Twitter. Joel Sherman of the New York Post added that MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to decrease his punishment from 80 games “after he showed substance in cold medicine.”

Sherman noted that Mondesi’s argument in his favor to get the suspension reduced came under the “No Significant Fault or Negligence” provision that was resolved before an appeal to the positive test was filed.

ESPN’s T.J. Quinn wrote that Mondesi is the first player to successfully receive a reduced suspension “under the unintentional ingestion provision” that was added to the previous joint drug agreement.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore issued a statement after Mondesi’s suspension was announced, via Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports:

Mondesi also released a statement through the MLB Players Association, via MLB.com’s Cash Kruth:

Today, I agreed to accept a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball. It is by far one of the hardest moments I have had to face in my life, but it is a decision that I accept and one that I take full responsibility for as a professional.

I took an over-the-counter medication [Subrox-C], which I bought in the Dominican Republic to treat cold and flu symptoms. I failed to read the labeling on the medication or consult with my trainer or team about taking it and did not know it contained a banned substance. I tested positive for that banned substance, with a minuscule amount of Clenbuterol in my system, which could not have possibly enhanced my performance on the field, and now must face the consequences of that mistake.

I apologize to my organization, my teammates, the fans and everyone who has supported me in my career. Never did I intend to take a substance that would give me an unfair advantage on the field. It is solely my mistake and there are no excuses for my carelessness in not being fully informed of what I put in my body. My goal is to work through this setback and make it back in time to help my organization compete for another World Series title.

MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reported that Mondesi will be eligible for this year’s playoffs and any potential tiebreaker games the Royals might play. 

Baseball America‘s J.J. Cooper noted that Mondesi’s suspension is coming at a bad time for him based on his current performance at Double-A:

The 20-year-old made history last October when he became the first player in history to make his MLB debut in the World Series, striking out against New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard in Game 3. 

MLB.com ranked Mondesi as the Royals’ No. 1 prospect coming into 2016. Kansas City has aggressively pushed him through the minors, as this is his second full season in Double-A. The team signed him as a non-drafted free agent when he was 16 years old in July 2011. 

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Toronto Blue Jays minor league pitcher Clinton Hollon has been suspended 50 games for a positive drug test. 

Shi Davidi of Sportset.ca reported Tuesday that Hollon received 50 games following his second failed test for a drug of abuse.  

The 21-year-old Hollon was previously suspended 50 games after a failed drug test for an amphetamine last August. He has not yet pitched in 2016 while finishing up his previous suspension, which Davidi noted ended Monday night. 

Hollon’s latest suspension goes into effect Tuesday, making him eligible to return on July 1. The right-hander is currently playing in Low-A for the Lansing Lugnuts. He posted a 3.38 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 58.2 innings in 12 starts across two levels last season. 

ESPN’s Keith Law did note when Tuesday’s suspension was announced that there were “makeup and medical concerns” with Hollon before the draft, though he added there is talent “if he can get on the field.” Hollon had Tommy John surgery in March 2014 that caused him to miss the entire season. 

The Blue Jays took Hollon in the second round with the 47th overall pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

MLB.com listed Hollon as Toronto’s No. 11 prospect coming into 2016, noting he can sit  “92-93 mph and touched 96 with his fastball while flashing an above-average slider and a quality knuckle-curve.”

An electric arm like Hollon’s should be a huge asset for the Blue Jays, either for the future in their starting rotation or as a potential trade chip. Unfortunately, his inability to stay on the field due to multiple suspensions renders his talent useless for the team.

Hollon is still young and has time to turn things around, but time is running out for him.

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New York Mets pitcher and internet folk hero Bartolo Colon added to his legend Saturday against the San Diego Padres by hitting the first home run of his 19-year Major League Baseball career.  

MLB on Twitter provided video of Colon’s triumphant moment:

Since baseball is a sport of numbers, let’s examine some of the stats that accompanied Colon’s big blast, which came off James Shields in the top of the second inning at Petco Park. 

MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo noted Statcast clocked Colon rounding the bases in a brisk 30.6 seconds to celebrate his first homer. 

DiComo also sent out a GIF of Colon getting mobbed by his Mets teammates in the dugout:

MLB.com’s Darren Willman provided all of the Statcast information from Colon’s homer:

Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports noted Colon’s newfound power would put him in the upper tier of hitters on another National League East club:

Newsday’s Marc Carig was able to tie in Colon’s jog around the bases with Saturday’s other big sporting event:

Sticking with the Kentucky Derby, ESPN Stats & Info provided this little gem connecting Colon and Nyquist:

The legend of Colon has only grown as he’s gotten older. The fascination with a 42-year-old who looks like your favorite uncle but can still get MLB hitters out is off the charts. He came into Saturday’s game with 225 career at-bats and just two extra-base hits—both doubles.

Colon hasn’t had many opportunities to hit throughout his career, not having spent much time in the National League before joining the Mets in 2014. He did have a brief stint with the Montreal Expos in 2002 but has otherwise been an American League pitcher.

Colon has been part of many impressive feats, both individually and as part of a team. He won the Cy Young Award in 2005 and played in the World Series last year, but Saturday’s long ball was one of the most unique accomplishments of his career.

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Jacoby Ellsbury‘s injury woes have cropped up again as the New York Yankees star outfielder left Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox with a hip injury. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field. 

Continue for updates. 

Girardi Comments on Ellsbury’s Injury, Recovery Timeline

Saturday, May 7 

Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters Ellsbury is “sore” and noted there is no plan to put him on the disabled list at this point.  

Ellsbury Out vs. Red Sox

Saturday, May 7

Ellsbury did not play Saturday against Boston.

Injury-Prone Ellsbury Still Productive for Yankees  

Ellsbury was plagued by injuries in 2015. He suffered a sprained right knee May 19, 2015 in a game against the Washington Nationals that landed him on the disabled list before he was able to return on July 8. He was able to stay healthy for the rest of the season, but he only played 111 total games. 

The 32-year-old outfielder has had injury problems in the past, playing fewer than 100 games in 2010 and 2012 as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He struggled in his first two seasons with the Yankees, posting a .265/.324/.387 slash line, and he was off to a slow start in 2016 entering Friday (.216/.315/.380). 

Ellsbury’s defense has also suffered because of injuries and playing center field into his 30s. FanGraphs‘ metrics indicate he’s cost the Yankees four runs with the glove since 2014, after posting positive runs saved totals each season from 2010-13. 

The Yankees came into 2016 with high expectations following a playoff appearance last season, but the core of this roster is old with players like Ellsbury, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Brian McCann all over 30 years old. Rodriguez and CC Sabathia were placed on the disabled list this week. 

Ellsbury’s health will be a key component for them keeping up with Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East because of his ability to change a game with his legs on the bases and in center field.

Right now though, the Yankees would settle for him being able to stay on the field. 

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New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman said he would be willing to play for the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. 

Chapman told ESPN.com’s Marly Rivera that if Team USA manager Jim Leyland were to invite him, he “would love to” wear the U.S. uniform. The left-hander added that he “can close, but I can also go to the bullpen and throw the seventh or the eighth inning, whatever they need.”

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New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner suffered an elbow injury in Wednesday’s win against the Baltimore Orioles and missed Thursday’s game. However, he’s ready to return to the field.

Continue for updates.

Gardner Active vs. Red Sox

Friday, May 6

Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal reported Gardner will play left field and bat second against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

Gardner Gives Yankees Valuable Spark at Top of Lineup

Gardner was inconsistent in 2015, posting a .259/.343/.399 slash line.

He was particularly inept after the All-Star break, hitting a paltry .206/.300/.292 in 69 games, yet he still played in 151 games total and helped lead the Yankees to a wild-card berth.

There were injury concerns for Gardner in spring training. He suffered an injury to his wrist late in 2015 that lingered to the point where he was limited to hitting off a tee and at soft tosses when the Yankees opened camp in February, per the Associated Press’ Mark Didtler.

Despite those issues, Gardner was able to start the season with the Yankees. He looked more like his usual self, hitting for average, getting on base and picking spots to steal bases.

The 32-year-old is a key piece of New York’s lineup, able to set the table for the middle-of-the-order hitters with his speed and on-base ability. He’s also added some thump to his bat, hitting a combined 33 homers over the last two seasons.

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As Major League Baseball’s investigation into an alleged domestic violence incident continues, Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera reportedly had his paid leave extended on Wednesday. 

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported MLB extended Olivera’s leave.

On April 13, Jeff Goldberg of ABC 7 in Virginia reported that Olivera was arrested for a domestic dispute that took place in Arlington, Virginia. 

The Braves released a statement regarding the situation involving Olivera the same day his arrest happened, announcing they’d placed him on the restricted list:

We are extremely disappointed and troubled to learn of the allegations involving Hector Olivera. We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts. Major League Baseball has placed Oliver on Administrative Leave effective immediately.

Goldberg later reported that Olivera had been charged with one count of misdemeanor assault and battery. On April 19, MLB announced that it was extending Olivera’s paid leave by two weeks through May 3 while it continued to investigate the matter. 

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported on April 24 the Braves were attempting to trade Olivera, but one executive for a team they called said “I can’t believe they even asked” about their interest. 

MLB’s domestic violence policy gives Commissioner Rob Manfred authority to issue punishment as he sees fit following an investigation. New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman was suspended for the first 30 games of this season for allegedly choking his girlfriend and firing a gun eight times in the garage of his Florida home. 

The 31-year-old Olivera was acquired by the Braves in July 2015 as part of a package that sent pitcher Alex Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s signed through 2020 and has only played 30 MLB games, hitting .245/.296/.378 with two home runs. 

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have suspended troubled infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena for the remainder of the 2016 season. 

Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler announced Arruebarrena’s suspension Wednesday “for repeated failure to comply with the terms of his contract,” per Eric Stephen of True Blue LA. Barry Lewis of Tulsa World noted this is the second time in less than one year the Dodgers have suspended Arruebarrena.

Arruebarrena’s career with the Dodgers has been a disappointment basically since he signed with the team. The 26-year-old received a five-year, $25 million contract in February 2014 and was expected to be their shortstop of the future. 

Stephen broke down the remaining money that Arruebarrena is owed for his contract with the Dodgers:

After spending six weeks in the minors during the 2014 season, Arruebarrena was called up to the big leagues on May 23 while Hanley Ramirez sat out a few games due to injuries. He played a total of 22 games in his debut season, hitting .195/.244/.220 in 41 at-bats. 

Arruebarrena’s most infamous moment in 2014 came on July 26 while playing with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He started a brawl with the Reno Aces that led to 10 total ejections. The Dodgers designated him for assignment that winter, but he wound up reassigned to the minors after no team claimed him. 

On May 21, 2015, the Dodgers placed Arruebarrena on the suspended list for not complying with his contract. He filed an appeal of the suspension with Major League Baseball, and the Dodgers ended up reducing his punishment to 30 days.

The Cuban star played 17 games with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers this season before being suspended. He was hitting .182/.224/.400 in 55 at-bats. 

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As the Atlanta Braves make their way through a long rebuilding season in 2016, the future of manager Fredi Gonzalez is sure to be a hot topic of conversation. 

Continue for updates. 

Gonzalez Not Expected Back Next Year

Wednesday, May 4

According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, even though no decision has been made about Gonzalez at this point, former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black is considered a “heavy favorite” to take over in Atlanta next season.  

Nightengale added in his full report that Braves management is “embarrassed over their horrific start this season” and “internally discussing” whether or not to fire Gonzalez. 

There’s no way to classify Atlanta’s 7-19 start as anything but bad, though it’s also prudent to add context. The front office put Gonzalez in a no-win situation this year by trading away Andrelton Simmons, Cameron Maybin, Christian Bethancourt and Shelby Miller over the winter. 

Everyone expected the Braves to be bad this season because the front office was going to start building through the farm system. 

The Braves’ faith in Gonzalez dating back to 2015 has been interesting, to say the least. He was given a contract extension around the All-Star break last year that guaranteed his salary for 2016 and includes an option for 2017. 

At the time, Gonzalez had managed the Braves to a 42-47 record. It was not a great mark, but last year was also seen as the start of a rebuild for the franchise after Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel were traded during the offseason. 

Put together a team of the seven major players Atlanta has traded over the last two years, and it would at least be competing for a playoff spot. Whether you believe Gonzalez is a good manager or not, he’s potentially going to be made the scapegoat for a situation in which no one could succeed. 

Fortunately for the Braves, Gonzalez is only under a guaranteed contract for 2016, so they won’t have to pay him for a long time to go away if they opt to fire him during the season.

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