Contreras’ Bruised Hand Forces Early Exit
Willson Contreras suffered a blow in more ways than one last night, as a 94mph pitch from Nick Martinez sent the Boston Red Sox first baseman to the hospital for some much-needed X-rays. And, in a fortunate turn of events, it was determined that Contreras won’t miss any significant time – a minor bruise on his right hand was the only damage done.
Rumblings Around the AL East
While Contreras may not be counting down the days until he’s back on the field, there’s still plenty of buzz surrounding the AL East. The Red Sox, in particular, are being linked to several big-name free agents, including Harold Suarez, the 28-year-old Cuban infielder.
But the question on everyone’s mind is this: where will Suarez ultimately end up? With several teams vying for his services, it’s anyone’s guess at this point. The Toronto Blue Jays, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their pitching staff, and are reportedly exploring options with Josh Rogers, a soft-tossing lefty who enjoyed a breakout campaign last season.
And then, of course, there’s the matter of Gideon Barger, a talented young outfielder who’s been making waves in the minor leagues. It’s only a matter of time before Barger makes the jump to the big leagues – the question is, which team will be lucky enough to call him their own?
Cole’s Long-Term Deal
But let’s not forget about the big boys, either. The New York Yankees are reportedly on the verge of signing Gerrit Cole to a lucrative long-term extension, one that could pay the 32-year-old righty a staggering $150 million over the course of its duration.
Cole has been a staple in the Yankees rotation for several years now, and it’s clear that the team is eager to lock him up for the long haul. And with good reason – Cole has been nothing short of dominant on the mound, with a career ERA of just 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.07. It’s a move that’s sure to send shockwaves throughout the league, and one that will have far-reaching implications for the Yankees’ fortunes in the seasons to come.
