The Opener: Paxton, Musgrove, Betts

Listed below are three issues we’ll be watching round Main League Baseball immediately:

1. James Paxton goes for MRI, Pink Sox roster strikes incoming:

Pink Sox starter James Paxton exited his begin yesterday within the first inning with a right calf strain. The left-hander will go for an MRI immediately, after which the workforce could have a greater understanding of his damage. Nonetheless, it appears all however sure the veteran will likely be positioned on the 15-day IL earlier than tonight’s sport in opposition to the Rangers. He exited the sphere in vital ache on Sunday and used crutches to stroll across the dugout after the competition.

In accordance with supervisor Alex Cora (as reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive), Boston plans to make a number of further roster strikes immediately. For one, right-hander Brayan Bello will return from the paternity listing to begin tonight. As well as, lefty Brennan Bernardino has already been optioned to Triple-A (per Cotillo), though the workforce has but to formally announce the transaction. Bernardino gave up 4 earned runs in 1 1/3 innings of labor yesterday.

2. Joe Musgrove returns to the Padres:

All-Star right-hander Joe Musgrove will likely be reinstated from the 60-day IL to begin tonight in opposition to the Pirates. Earlier than he’s activated, the Padres might want to open a spot for him on the 40-man roster. They may accomplish that by transferring Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL, contemplating the celebrity is unlikely to return till September.

Musgrove has not performed for San Diego for the reason that finish of Could, nursing irritation in his throwing elbow. He received off to a tough begin this 12 months, pitching to an uncharacteristic 5.66 ERA over his first 10 begins. Nonetheless, his 4.23 SIERA is a bit more promising, and his observe file is that of a front-line beginning pitcher. Over his first three seasons with San Diego from 2021-23, Musgrove put up a 3.05 ERA and three.61 SIERA in 78 begins. The Padres will hope to have that model of Musgrove again of their rotation. Whereas they’ve performed exceptionally properly as of late (8-2 of their final 10 video games, 20-10 of their final 30), they’ve been counting on Randy Vásquez (4.63 ERA, 4.88 SIERA) as a fifth starter. Musgrove may present an enormous enhance because the Padres battle for the NL West down the stretch.

3. Mookie Betts again in proper area for the Dodgers:

Mookie Betts will likely be again within the Dodgers lineup immediately, batting second and taking part in proper area – not main off or playing shortstop. Supervisor Dave Roberts relayed the information to reporters (together with Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic) final week. The workforce goes to stay with Shohei Ohtani within the leadoff spot, whereas second baseman Gavin Lux and shortstop Miguel Rojas will play the center infield. Betts will cut up up Ohtani and Freddie Freeman on the prime of the lineup and return to the place the place he has gained six Gold Gloves.

The eight-time All-Star has been out since mid-June with a fractured hand. Whereas his lengthy absence has dashed his possibilities of profitable the NL MVP, Betts will return in loads of time to assist because the Dodgers try to safe what could be their eleventh NL West title prior to now 12 years. L.A. at present holds a 3.5-game lead over Arizona and San Diego.