The MLB hot stove has cooled off now that the non-waiver trade deadline has passed. However, there are still some rumblings around the MLB, especially with waiver trade deadline of August 31st approaching. With that in mind, here are all the latest MLB rumors and news you need to know.
Phillies Won't Trade Ryan Howard?
It appears that the Phillies won't be trading first baseman Ryan Howard. Since July 1st, Howard is hitting a robust .338 with eight homers. But MLB.com reports Howard will stay in Philly.
But Howard, despite his recent play, is expected to finish the season with the Phillies. The Phillies might see more value in having the iconic first baseman finish the year with them and continue to mentor the team's young players than give him to a contender for a minuscule return.
That said, the Phillies are expected to exercise the $10 million buyout on Howard's $25 million club option for next season.
Howard is 36 years old and will be 37 in November. Once he plays his final game for the Phillies, there's a chance he won't play again in the NFL.
Rich Hill To Start Next Week?
When the Dodgers landed Rich Hill from the A's before the trade deadline, they knew he'd miss time with a blister. But, it appears Hill is close to getting back on the mound. The OC Register reports Hill is set to Wednesday, following a simulated game Thursday.
"Everything felt great," Hill said. "The ball came out really good, the velocity maintained, breaking ball was really sharp."
With the Dodgers' injury issues on the rotation, they need Hill healthy. And ideally, they'll be getting Clayton Kershaw back soon.
When Will Kershaw Be Back?
Before he was injured, there wasn't a better pitcher in the MLB than Clayton Kershaw. But he has not pitched since June 26th and there is no timetable for his return. However, there is some positive news on the Kershaw front.
Clayton Kershaw said he felt "100 percent" during bullpen session today. #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 20, 2016
Ideally, Kershaw is able to make a few regular season starts so he can shake off the rust before the postseason. The Dodgers will need him at his best in they're going to win the World Series.
Rangers Adding Gomez
Released earlier this week by the Houston Astros, Carlos Gomez has found his next MLB team. The Texas Rangers have signed him and he'll report to Triple-A to start.
.@Rangers sign OF Carlos Gomez to @MiLB deal, assign him to Triple-A Round Rock. #MLBOnTheMove pic.twitter.com/0s7IsQv09z
— MLBRosterMoves (@MLBRosterMoves) August 20, 2016
Gomez will help replace Shin-Soo Choo, who is out for most, if not all, of the year with a broken arm. Gomez is only 30 years old, but his play dropped significantly this year. He was hitting just .210 before the Astros dumped him. A change of scenery might help Gomez find his old form.
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