Royals trade 2-time All-Star to Nationals
Getting a jump on the trade deadline to add talent to the back of their bullpen, the Washington Nationals picked up right-hander Kelvin Herrera from the Kansas City Royals on Monday for three minor-leaguers.
The Nationals sent infielder Kelvin Gutierrez, outfielder Blake Perkins and 17-year-old pitcher Yohanse Morel to Kansas City in the deal announced during Washington’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees.
Herrera, 28, is playing on a one-year contract. He helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series. A two-time All-Star, he has 14 saves and a 1.05 ERA this season.
“It’s just a moment you don’t want to see,” Herrera said about leaving K.C. “It’s always hard. I was born and raised (as) a player here.”
The Nationals avoided parting with any of their highest-regarded prospects. They said former A’s All-Star Sean Doolittle will remain their closer.
Angels optimistic about Ohtani:Angels manager Mike Scioscia says the club is “very optimistic” about Shohei Ohtani’s progress in his recovery from a sprained ligament in his right elbow.
The two-way star has been simulating swings with a bat in his left hand and participating in strength training and running for the past three to four days. A right-handed pitcher and lefthanded batter, he won’t throw for at least two more weeks.
“We’re not quite there yet,” Scioscia said. “But I think within the two- or three-week range from now, when he’s evaluated, we’ll certainly have an idea of what you can add to his workload, what he’s able to do.”
Ohtani, who turns 24 next month, hasn’t played since June 6, when he left a start after four innings due to a blister.
Kershaw nears return:Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has taken another step forward in his recovery from a strained lower back. Kershaw threw a three-inning simulated game before Los Angeles’ series opener against the Cubs, later postponed. He said he felt really good and plans to pitch somewhere in four or five days, either in a minor-league rehab start or for the Dodgers.
Briefly: Javier Baez said he could return to the Cubs’ lineup from his bruised elbow as early as Tuesday . ... The Indians activated first baseman Yonder Alonso from the family medical emergency list and optioned outfielder Greg Allen to Triple-A Columbus. Cleveland also signed reliever Marc Rzepczynski to a minor-league deal and assigned him to Columbus, and outfielder Melky Cabrera, designated for assignment by the team last week, cleared waivers and elected free agency . ... Activated from the DL: Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus and Mariners reliever Juan Nicasio . ... The Phillies optioned former closer Hector Neris to Triple-A . ... The Astros extended the contract of general manager Jeff Luhnow through the 2023 season.