Call it an All-Star split doubleheader.
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New York Yankees RHP Dellin Betances said he was shocked after the organization traded closer and LHP Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has blocked his proposed trade to Cleveland after the teams had reached a preliminary agreement on a deal sending the two-time All-Star to the Indians.
“There were some circumstances that came up that made me void it, obviously”, said Lucroy.
I won’t lie, I’m jealous of those teams. “That’s why I think it’s important to go in on a positive note”.
The right-hander underwent an MRI exam earlier Sunday, and a Grade 1 strain was discovered. The last player listed in the trade was outfielder Clint Frazier.
Milwaukee general manager David Stearns said the Brewers would move on after Lucroy refused to waive the no-trade provision in his contract.
Frazier, the highlight of the deal, was Cleveland’s No 1. prospect.
Lucroy’s decision would have been a huge blow to the Indians if not for the addition of Miller, who will help Cleveland manager Terry Francona shorten games and give the Indians a legitimate shot at winning their first World Series since 1948.
The Indians come into the Minnesota series having just swept a three-game series with Oakland.
“I was shocked, but ultimately, when everything settled in, I knew I was coming to a good place, a good team”, Miller said during a news conference August 2.
Francona would not say what role Miller would fill, but closer Cody Allen (2-4, 2.58 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities) has already said he is open to a change. Cleveland sent four minor leaguers, including highly touted outfielder Clint Frazier, to NY in exchange for the 31-year-old. Prior to the season, he signed a two-year contract with Arizona as a free agent. The two had grown close during their almost two seasons together, Betances serving as Miller’s set-up man in 2015 and as the seventh-inning man to Miller’s setup man for Aroldis Chapman this season. These teams right now are looking for players like Andrew Miller who can be a game changer for them. I’m watching walking cadaver’s on the field trying to get one more chance at glory. Though they might carry a heavy salary cap but if it means getting into the World Series then it might have been a great gamble on their part.
Simultaneously, New York dealt pitching prospect Vicente Campos for reliever, Tyler Clippard, who they will add to the bullpen along with Adam Warren (from the Chapman deal) to help replace the innings left by Chapman and Miller.
After trading Miller, they made a 1 for 1 deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, acquiring Tyler Clippard for Jose Vicente Campos, a 23 year old right handed starting pitcher now playing in AAA.
These moves show that the Indians are apparently going “all-in” on this season, bolstering both their bullpen and offense.
Adam Warren is heading back to NY after struggling during his time in Chicago. He has posted a 3.78 ERA, 1.375 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 in 19 starts this season.
Luis Severino pitched two hitless innings out of the bullpen Sunday, walking one batter and striking out two.
Seattle received left-hander Ariel Miranda. The Cuban pitcher has spent most of the year with Class AAA Norfolk.
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“Anyone that’s seen him toe the rubber every five days – this is a high-electric, left-handed arm that’s also a former No. 1 pick like Frazier that gets up to 95 [and] has a three-pitch mix”, Cashman said.
