2036.24 - The Long Beach Independent - Minor Moves & Injury Updates

[Lane]

ROTATION IN FLUX, BAILEY ON THE MEND

July 30, 2018
Long Beach, CA

To the surprise of no one familiar with his career, Mike Bailey has been on the shelf since July 6th due to elbow inflammation. In his third season with Long Beach, Bailey has been performing well, if not as well as his career best year in 2035. He's still a few weeks away from returning to the active roster, but surely management is eager to insert him back into a rotation that ranks 6th in starters ERA in the Frick League.

Irving Espinoza, in the middle of a league average-ish season is anticipated to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week in Santa Fe. Out with a herniated disk in his neck, he has been recovering in the comfort of him home rather than traveling with the team.

Felix Alvarado, out with a torn labrum since early May, is still about two months away from a return to the mound. There's a small chance that he returns to the team for an appearance in the playoffs (if the Surfers make it) but he is likely a non-factor for the rest of 2036.

2036 First Round Draftee Carl von Meister, 23, has been out since July 15th with a hernieated disk in his neck. The Surfers front office is excited about von Meister, who appears to be no less than a 4th outfielder with excellent defense at all three OF positions. He's slated to return to A ball next week, and is expected to move up the Surfers minor league system with some speed, as he just celebrated his 23rd birthday.

Speaking of draftees, 2028 7th round draftee Alejandro Soto was traded to the Hunstville Phantoms today in exchange for minor league second baseman Jim Fountain, a 2036 15th round drafteee. Soto, a 24 year old lefty, was excellent in 13 starts in 2033, but was underwhelming in 4 starts last year. Huntsville finds themselves in need of pitching, and was willing to send Fountain in return. He's a right handed hitter with a plus split vs LHP and should be an above average fielder after some more time in the minor leagues.

[RonCo]

I was sorry to see Alvarado get hurt. Not that the suits need more arms.

[Lane]

It was a tough one for me. I thought I did well to get Alvarado and Dillon Young on 1 year deals to really fortify the bullpen but it's not really been a good return.