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Only a few days remain before the MLB trade deadline Monday. Yet there are probably still a couple front offices around the league surveying the market and the tight-knit playoff race to determine whether they should be buyers or sellers leading up to Aug. 1.

Those on the fringe may ultimately lean toward selling. Since there are so many teams with a legitimate chance at the postseason thanks to the presence of two wild-card spots, there are a select number of teams already looking toward the future and thus willing to part with major league talent.

With that in mind, let’s check out some of the latest rumors from around the league. That includes a breakdown of what the potential deals would mean for the players and teams involved.

Matt Moore Likely on the Move

Moore isn’t yet all the way back to the level he reached before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2014. In his final full season before the major injury setback, he went 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 150.1 innings to emerge as a legitimate ace.

He’s posted a 4.08 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 21 starts so far this season. While those numbers are nothing special, they represent plenty of improvement from his limited action last year. Yet despite the progress, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported there’s a good chance the Tampa Bay Rays will trade him by Monday:

He could represent a nice value buy for a contender. Not only are his stats trending in the right direction, but his velocity is right in line with where it was before the arm problems, with his fastball capable of reaching the mid-90s, according to FanGraphs.

At 27, Moore should also be entering his peak seasons at the same time he gets all the way back to full strength. If he can rediscover his command down the stretch, he’d be a perfect mid-rotation addition for a championship hopeful.

David Robertson Available as Teams Seek Bullpen Help

A lot of high-profile relief pitchers could find new homes before Monday. Help in the final three innings seems like the one thing just about every team could use. Robertson is one of the latest players who fits the bill to pop up in the rumor mill.

The Chicago White Sox closer hasn’t been quite as effective this season. His 4.25 ERA is the highest mark since his rookie campaign. So, while he’s still converted 24 of 28 save chances, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reported he could be on the move:

The biggest key for him getting back in top form for the final months is control. His walk rate has jumped from 1.85 last season to 4.68 during the current campaign. That’s the main reason his ERA has increased, and it could give interested teams some pause.

That said, the demand for quality relievers far outweighs the supply right now. So the White Sox should still be able to acquire a couple promising assets from a desperate team like the Washington Nationals if they do decide to move Robertson.

Price Tag High on Ervin Santana

Santana seems like the prototypical trade candidate. He’s a veteran starting pitcher with a strong track record and is enjoying a solid season, posting a 3.78 ERA through 19 starts. Add in the fact the Minnesota Twins have one of the worst records in baseball, and it’d make sense to deal him.

Apparently, they aren’t eager to send him packing with an eye toward the future, though. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the Twins are planning to keep the 33-year-old right-hander unless another team blows their socks off with an offer before Monday:

Maybe putting that idea out there is merely Minnesota’s way of trying to drum up interest in Santana. Even though Spotrac notes he’s under contract through 2019, he’ll be far removed from his peak by the time the Twins are ready to make a serious charge up the standings.

So it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he does end up getting traded before the deadline. He’s not a top-tier starter a contending team would want to lean heavily on during the final months, but he’s more than capable of filling a No. 3 or No. 4 role to bolster a rotation.

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez is one of the most intriguing names being talked about leading up to the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Continue for updates.

Rangers’ Pursuit of Velasquez Reportedly Falling Short

Saturday, July 30

The door may be open for other teams to get involved in the sweepstakes, with Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reporting Saturday a deal between the Phillies and Texas Rangers is now viewed as “unlikely.”

Velasquez is enjoying a breakout campaign in Philadelphia with a 3.32 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 97.2 innings across 18 starts. The progress is encouraging after an up-and-down rookie season with the Houston Astros in 2015 before getting dealt to Philly last winter.

His high strikeout rate (9.95 per nine innings) makes him a coveted target. The biggest question is whether he’ll be able to continue getting a lot of swings and misses when he starts attacking the zone more, which will be necessary to lower his elevated walk rate (3.32).

He’s handling the situation well for a 24-year-old player who already went through one move in the past calendar year.

He told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that he tries not to get too emotionally invested in things he can’t control, like the constant trade talk:

At first when I got traded from the Astros it was kind of tough for me, but you have to move on and make the best of what you’ve got. If things happen, just let it happen. If I go to another team, then I’ve got to make the best of what I’ve got there. There’s a lot of things that are in the future. I don’t know what to expect is what I’m saying. Again, all I can do is live in the present and live another day tomorrow. If something happens, something happens. I’ve got to make the best of what you’ve got today.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports previously reported the Rangers were “all over” Velasquez, but he also noted there was no agreement on the horizon.

While the Phillies’ asking price is unclear, that’s probably the sticking point. They are likely demanding a sizable package in return for the starter based on his age, early results and the fact he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season, according to Spotrac.

For a team like Philadelphia, which is in the middle stages of a rebuild, trading a promising young starter like Velasquez seems like a step in the wrong direction. Perhaps the right combination of prospects could change the outlook, though.

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The 2016 MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching and front offices around the league are being forced to make final decisions about whether to buy or sell before Aug. 1. It’s a decision complicated by the hotly contested playoff races in both leagues.

There are still six teams with a realistic shot of claiming the two wild-card berths in the NL. And the group is even more crowded in the AL, where as many as eight teams could still make a legitimate case about their postseason hopes.

So it should be a nice market for sellers with so many organizations looking to bolster their rosters before the stretch run of the regular season. Let’s check out some of the latest buzz and analyze what it could mean for the teams and players involved.

Texas Rangers Chasing Chris Sale

Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale remains one of the most impactful potential additions on the market despite the recent bizarre clubhouse incident that resulted in a five-day suspension. The 27-year-old left-hander is 14-4 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while striking out 133 batters in 139 innings across 20 starts this season.

A lot of pitchers have been bantered about in the weeks leading up to the deadline, but none compare to Sale, who’s been a true ace for the past five years. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Rangers are the most active team trying to pry him away from Chicago:

It’s no surprise the White Sox are asking for a lot in return. Not only is Sale one of the best starters in the league, but he’s also under team control through 2019, according to Spotrac. So a team is trading for three-plus years of the lefty, not just a few months like a rental trade.

The Rangers would be a terrific landing spot for Sale if he does get moved. They already feature one of the AL’s top offenses and a strong one-two punch in the rotation with Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels. Another top-tier starter would make them perfectly built for the playoffs.

Several Teams Targeting Mark Melancon

Mark Melancon has been lights out since arriving to the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the 2013 season. He’s posted a sub-2.00 ERA twice and is on pace to do it again this year while striking out around a batter per inning. Being able to have that type of confidence in a closer is invaluable.

Given the fact so many contending teams could use bullpen upgrades, it’s no surprise his name has recently popped up in the rumor mill. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported there are at least three teams involved in the talks, including the Washington Nationals:

Exactly what the Pirates want in return beyond another reliever isn’t clear. That said, their demands can only go so high because Melancon is set to become a free agent this winter, per Spotrac. So they risk losing him for nothing if they don’t move him.

The Nats‘ urgency to find help for the back end of their bullpen has likely risen over the past week. Jonathan Papelbon has struggled mightily and they don’t have a clear option to replace him already on the roster. Melancon would immediately fill the void.

Could Prized Prospect Lucas Giolito Get Moved?

Washington Nationals pitcher Lucas Giolito hasn’t enjoyed a ton of success over his first three starts in the majors. He posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP while tallying more walks (nine) than strikeouts (five) in 11 innings. However, those numbers aren’t representative of what’s to come for the 22-year-old rising star.

He’s rated as the No. 4 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com. His numbers in the minor leagues, which include a sub-3.00 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning, suggest those type of lofty rankings and expectations are within reason.

So if the Nationals are looking to make a major splash before the deadline, putting Giolito on the market would certainly make that possible. Jon Morosi of MLB Network provided the details of at least one idea that’s been tossed around:

Giving up one of baseball’s top prospects for a closer would be a risk. That said, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the Yanks wouldn’t even do the deal straight up. It will be interesting to see whether it could be the foundation of an even bigger blockbuster, though.

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Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mark Melancon is reportedly generating interest from “multiple teams” ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline. 

Continue for updates.

Pirates Looking for Big Haul on Melancon

Saturday, July 30

The Pirates would consider trading Melancon “if they can get [Aroldis] Chapman type deal,” reported Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Multiple Teams Interested in Melancon

Friday, July 29

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Friday the Washington Nationals were among the organizations considering a deal for Melancon in the coming days.

Rosenthal added the Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants are also in the mix with the Pirates wanting a “seventh-inning type” reliever as part of the return.

Melancon Enjoying Strong ’16 Season 

Melancon has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable bullpen weapons since the Pirates acquired him ahead of the 2013 campaign. He has posted a 1.80 ERA and an 0.93 WHIP across 267 appearances for the Pirates, tallying 130 saves and 41 holds in the process.

Pittsburgh is one of several teams that are facing a tough decision about whether to buy or sell leading up to the deadline, though. It sits just two games out of the final wild-card spot in the National League, but it’s a crowded race with six teams battling for a pair of postseason berths.

The uncertainty could make the 31-year-old reliever available because he’s also in the final year of his contract, which is paying him $9.65 million this season, according to Spotrac.

Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald passed along comments Melancon made at the All-Star Game about understanding how quickly the outlook can change:

Nobody updates me because nobody really knows. [Pirates general manager] Neal Huntington probably knows and I don’t even know if he knows every second of every day. Like I said, wild card dependency, need dependency and then injuries and all that stuff, those things can happen so quickly. [Craig] Kimbrel obviously and [Brad] Ziegler, that happened really fast.

If the Pirates do decide to trade Melancon, the Nationals are a logical fit based on the recent struggles of Jonathan Papelbon.

The Nats’ current closer has allowed seven earned runs over his last three outings, totaling just a single inning. It’s caused his ERA to rise from 2.56 to 4.41 and left the NL East leaders with a lot of uneasiness about who’s going to get the final three outs.

Few pitchers in baseball have done that better than Melancon in recent years. The key questions over the next few days will be how much teams are willing to give up for a possible rental acquisition and how desperate the Pirates are to move him with free agency looming.

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About two-thirds of the teams around Major League Baseball are still within striking distance of a postseason berth heading into the Aug. 1 trade deadline. It should make for an entertaining couple of days as teams seek a deal to bolster their chances.

The lack of front offices already looking ahead to the future should be great news for teams that are definitively in selling mode, too. They should be able to demand top dollar for their assets to acquire pieces that can help next season and beyond.

With that in mind, let’s check out some of the latest buzz from around the league and analyze what it could mean for the teams and players involved.

Red-Hot Jay Bruce on the Block

Jay Bruce is crushing the baseball right now. The outfielder has tallied six home runs over the last five games to bring his season total to 25. That power along with an on-base percentage that’s returned to a more respectable .323 after a couple of down years could make him a game-changing addition.

In turn, it’s hard to imagine the Cincinnati Reds will ever be able to get more for him than they could in the next few days. He’s in the middle of his prime at age 29, he’s on fire at the plate and he’s under club control for another season beyond 2016, according to Spotrac.

It’s always easier for a team to trade a highly touted prospect at the deadline when it knows the player it’s acquiring is more than a rental for a couple of months. And Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reported that’s exactly what Cincinnati is asking for in Bruce talks:

The Reds are at least a couple of years from getting back into contention, so it makes sense to take the best offer available for Bruce. It wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams get involved in the discussions with other targets such as Melvin Upton Jr. already being moved, further shrinking the market.

Wade Davis Targeted by Los Angeles Dodgers

The Kansas City Royals have one of the toughest decisions to make over the next few days. They currently stand at 49-51, which leaves them 6.5 games out of the second wild-card spot in the American League. But they are also the reigning World Series champions, which makes it tougher to concede the season is lost.

If they do decide to sell, Wade Davis should attract plenty of attention. Numerous contenders could use upgrades in the bullpen. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reported the Dodgers are one such team that’s showed interest in the closer:

Baseball president Andrew Friedman is doing his thing, putting together an excellent no-name pen. But word is, the Dodgers are still looking around for a pen piece, and if they get a great one like Davis—with whom Friedman is familiar from their shared time in Tampa Bay—perhaps they can counteract all their rotation questions borne of injury trouble.

It’s not the most obvious fit on the surface since the Dodgers already own the league’s best bullpen ERA at 2.97, per ESPN.com, and have a top-notch closer in Kenley Jansen. But, as Heyman explained, they could be trying to cover up some issues with the rotation by creating a dominant pen.

Davis would go a long way in helping that cause. He’s posted a 1.60 ERA through 35 appearances this season, and that’s actually his highest ERA since 2013. Between him and Jansen, Los Angeles would lock down the final innings and take a lot of pressure off the starting staff, but Davis won’t come cheap.

High Price Tag on Jonathan Lucroy

Jonathan Lucroy is enjoying a bounce-back campaign for the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s hitting .300 with 13 homers at a catcher position where it’s getting tougher to find reliable offensive contributors. So, while those numbers are solid for anybody, they’re more valuable coming from someone behind the plate.

The Brewers are apparently trying to cash in on that scarcity, but they haven’t found a taker yet. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the New York Mets—one team that’s talked with Milwaukee about a potential deal—believe the price is simply too high.

“At the moment, they believe the Brewers are ‘overreaching’ in their asks for Lucroy, one source said,” Rosenthal wrote. “And they, too, are reluctant to trade top prospects, particularly after thinning out their system last season.”

Rosenthal also listed the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers as potential fits for the veteran backstop. He noted most of those teams have bigger needs elsewhere on the roster they will likely try to fill before giving up a key asset for him, though.

All told, it sounds like the Brewers may be forced to drop their asking price a bit in order to facilitate a trade in the coming days. But they should still be able to land a promising prospect or two with an eye on further upgrading an already-strong farm system since their playoff hopes quickly faded.

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The Chicago White Sox officially reinstated starting pitcher Chris Sale on Thursday after he served a five-day team-imposed suspension. 

MLB Roster Moves confirmed the change in Sale’s roster status. The ace is scheduled to start for the White Sox Thursday night against John Lackey and the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs.

The reinstatement brings an end to one of the season’s most bizarre stories. Tommy Stokke of Today’s Knuckleball first reported the details of the “clubhouse incident,” which saw Sale cut up all of the team’s throwback jerseys because he didn’t want to pitch in them.

Katie Strang of ESPN.com passed along a statement from White Sox general manager Rick Hahn about the situation and subsequent suspension Sunday: “Chris has been suspended for violating team rules, for insubordination and for destroying team equipment. While we all appreciate Chris’ talent and passion, there is a correct way and an incorrect way to express concerns about team rules and organizational expectations.”

Sale explained his decision to destroy the jerseys during a conversation with Scott Merkin of MLB.com on Monday. He stated the uniforms would have caused a negative impact on the team and wasn’t happy with how the team handled his concerns:

When I saw that there was something in the way of that 100 percent winning mentality, I had an issue. I tried to bring it up and say, ‘Hey listen, these are my thoughts and concerns,’ and they got pushed away because of the business deal that was set in place. I’ll never understand why we need to do something on the business side on the field that might impede us winning a game.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who’s been the focus of trade rumors leading up to the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, noted the incident didn’t change his long-term outlook.

“I want to win a championship in Chicago. That’s been my goal from Day 1,” Sale told MLB.com. “It has never changed. I only get more passionate about it because I know that it’s not easy winning a championship. There’s a lot that goes into it.”

The White Sox sent down Anthony Ranaudo, who allowed three earned runs in 6.2 innings as part of an 8-1 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday, to clear the necessary spot on the 25-man roster, per Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Meanwhile, if Chicago does plan on at least entertaining offers for Sale, Thursday night’s start will mark his final audition before Monday’s deadline. It’s going to take a king’s ransom to pry him away from the South Siders, however, even when taking his recent antics into account.

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Dominant Kansas City Royals closer Wade Davis is reportedly generating interest ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline as the team is forced to make a tough decision about whether to buy or sell.

Continue for updates.

Nationals Reportedly Have Interest in Davis

Friday, July 29

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the Washington Nationals are talking to Kansas City regarding Davis’ availability.

Dodgers Emerge As Potential Davis Landing Spot

Thursday, July 28

Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reported Wednesday that the Los Angeles Dodgers are one team interested in potentially acquiring Davis. He also noted that the reliever would prefer to remain in Kansas City with “all things being equal,” though.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, citing sources, reported that the Royals “are trying to package Ian Kennedy” in a potential Davis trade. Passan noted that the Dodgers are a “strong match” and that the team wants Davis and can take on Kennedy’s salary.

Davis Would Be Outstanding Bullpen Option for Contending Team

Davis is enjoying another outstanding season at the back end of the Royals bullpen. He’s posted a 1.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP while striking out 32 batters in 33.2 innings. And amazingly, those are his worst numbers since 2013, which showcases how terrific he’s been since moving to the pen full time.

The Royals’ struggles could make him expendable over the next few days, though. They own a 49-51 record at the 100-game mark. That leaves them 8.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central and 6.5 games behind the final wild-card spot.

Typically, that type of deficit combined with a 7-15 record in July would lead a team to sell. The decision is a bit more complicated for Kansas City because it’s more difficult for the reigning World Series champions to give up on a title defense before the trade deadline.

On Monday, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star passed along comments from Royals general manager Dayton Moore, who’s not taking anything off the table.

“I wouldn’t categorize any player as untouchable—never have,” Moore said. “We’ll always evaluate somebody’s level of interest and what their level of interest may mean to the improvement of our team, in terms of players that they would be willing to part with. That’s what you do.”

If Kansas City ultimately decides to move some key pieces, Davis figures to become a top asset and should demand more return now than he would in the offseason or at next year’s deadline. That’s because he’s under team control for another year, per Spotrac, eliminating the risk of a rental acquisition.

The Dodgers represent a unique fit because they already lead MLB in bullpen ERA at 2.97, according to ESPN.com. They are looking to bolster that aspect of the team further thanks to concerns about the starting staff, highlighted by Clayton Kershaw’s back injury.

All told, the Royals haven’t fully committed to selling quite yet, and it sounds like Davis wants to stay with the organization, if possible. But if the decision is made to start looking toward the future, the Dodgers figure to face plenty of competition for the high-end closer on the trade market.

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Newly acquired closer Aroldis Chapman lived up to the hype in his first appearance with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night. He struck out two Chicago White Sox players in a scoreless inning as part of an 8-1 victory over the team’s crosstown rival.

Afterward, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reported the flame-throwing left-hander initially told the Cubs’ public relations staff he wasn’t going to speak with the media. He eventually decided to provide brief comments with catcher Miguel Montero, who served as his Spanish translator.

“The adrenaline was pretty good even though it wasn’t a save situation,” Chapman said. “It was fun to hear the crowd cheer for me.”

It’s been a rocky start to the relationship between Chapman and the Chicago media. He struggled to answer questions about the organization’s expectations for him during a press conference Tuesday, which Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago described as “awkward.”

Mooney also declared it a “completely tone-deaf performance” even when considering the additional hurdle of trying to work through a translator. The closer, who received a 30-game suspension earlier in the year for domestic violence, downplayed any lingering backlash, according to Mooney:

My confidence right now is coming from within. Everything is going to be fine. I’m just going to be the best person I can be. I understand what I went through. And I’m a better person now.

The Cubs acquired the reliever from the New York Yankees on Monday in exchange for veteran pitcher Adam Warren and three prospects. They hope he’ll solidify a bullpen that ranks 13th in ERA, per ESPN.com, and create a dynamic one-two punch with Hector Rondon in the late innings.

It will be interesting to see how his relationship with the media develops, though. Like New York, Chicago is an intense sports market, and the spotlight is going to shine brightly on Chapman if the Cubs make a serious charge toward a championship in the coming months.

Things certainly haven’t gone smoothly over the past couple of days. But his electric on-field performance Wednesday night showed why the Cubs were willing to take a chance on him.

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Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields could reportedly be moved for the second time this season before the Aug. 1 trade deadline.  

Continue for updates.

Shields Back on Trade Block as Deadline Looms

Wednesday, July 27

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Wednesday the White Sox, who acquired Shields from the San Diego Padres in early June, have made him available following a recent hot streak.

Shields struggled to meet expectations in San Diego after signing a monster four-year, $75 million contract ahead of the 2015 campaign. He ended up posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 44 starts with the organization.

The White Sox acquired him in an effort to bolster the rotation following the team’s strong start to the season. The early returns were disastrous, however, as he allowed at least six earned runs in each of his first three starts with the South Siders.

The 34-year-old right-hander has been better since that point, though. He’s gone seven straight outings without giving up more than three runs. And it’s probably no mistake that rumors of his availability come the day after he pitched 7.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

After Tuesday’s strong effort against the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, the player who’s been given the moniker “Big Game James” talked about his love of the big moments, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.

“I always love those kinds of atmospheres,” Shields said. “It gets me kind of fired up. It was a good atmosphere. I haven’t known the kind of rivalry between the Cubs and White Sox, but I do now, and it’s kind of special.”

Meanwhile, manager Robin Ventura talked about how much better Shields has performed as of late compared to his early days with the White Sox.

“Confidence-wise, he’s much different right now,” Ventura said, per Kane. “You could feel it even toward the end of the game. He was outstanding the whole night. When he needed the big pitch, he got it.”

His contract is likely to remain an obstacle in trade talks despite the on-field improvement. Scott Merkin of MLB.com reported Chicago agreed to pick up $27 million of the starter’s remaining contract, which Spotrac notes runs through 2018 with a club option for 2019, in the deal with San Diego.

The White Sox would probably need to retain some of that salary to make a trade happen. But they have faded to .500 after starting 23-10, so trying to move Shields after he’s rebuilt at least some trade value is probably the right move for the long run.

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Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte was placed on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from mononucleosis.

Continue for updates.

Marte’s Timeline Uncertain After Being Placed on DL

Saturday, July 23

Greg Johns of MLB.com passed along word of the roster move Saturday morning. The team called David Rollins up from the minor leagues to fill the void on the 25-man roster.

Injuries have prevented Marte from trying to build off a promising rookie campaign. He previously spent time on the disabled list with a sprained left thumb. He also dealt with a minor ankle problem about a week before the mono setback.

The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native got his first taste of the majors last year and posted a .351 on-base percentage to go along with eight stolen bases and two home runs in 57 games. His OBP has dipped to .299 in 74 appearances so far this season, though.

Rollins, 26, will provide some additional bullpen depth for the Mariners. He’s the owner of a 4.05 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in eight outings with the big club in 2016. His numbers in the minors have been far more promising, accumulating a 2.05 ERA and 0.72 WHIP in 24 games.

Meanwhile, Shawn O’Malley should get most of the playing time at shortstop for at least the next two weeks. He’s hitting just .220 with three steals in limited action this season, but he’s solid defensively.

Marte is likely to step right back into the starting lineup after being given a clean bill of health. Seattle will hope he’s able to put this year’s injury woes behind him once that happens.

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