Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, the biggest trade chip on the market, will be on the mound tonight against the Royals. If the schedule holds, he’ll make one more start before the deadline.
1. Carroll the triples champ
Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll recorded his league-leading 12th triple on Thursday against the Cardinals. He now has 55 three-baggers for his career, tied for the most among active players (h/t the D-Backs on X). Veteran outfielders Starling Marte and Mike Trout also have 55 triples. Carroll matched them in just 587 games. As noted by Sarah Langs of MLB.com, the only other big leaguer to reach 55 triples and 85 home runs that quickly is Lou Gehrig. Carroll hasn’t offered as much power and speed as he did in last year’s 30/30 campaign, but he’s been 24% better than league average as a key cog in Arizona’s lineup.
2. Schlittler moved up, Warren pushed back
The Yankees shuffled their rotation for an intriguing weekend series against the Phillies. Right-hander Cam Schlittler will start tonight instead of Sunday. He’ll get the ball on regular rest against lefty Jesus Luzardo. Fellow righty Will Warren was pushed back to the weekend. New York used Warren in relief during Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Notably, it was his first appearance out of the All-Star break, in the club’s sixth game. The Yankees got lefty Max Fried back this week. Once Carlos Rodon is ready to return, someone will be bumped from the rotation. Warren’s recent usage suggests he might be the odd man out.
3. AL West showdown
The Mariners will head to Texas for a crucial four-game series that kicks off tonight. Seattle is a half-game behind the Rangers, who sit atop the division. The club is two games out of the final Wild Card spot. With the Red Sox putting together a red-hot stretch, the AL West might be looking at just one postseason bid. This weekend could go a long way toward deciding the division. The Rangers swept the Mariners at home in early April. Seattle took two of three at home later that month. The clubs will meet for the final time in early September.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images
