Luke Weaver looks to build on a solid first start for the D-backs

http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , as he makes his Cactus League debut."I wonder how much pressure Luke Weaver is feeling, having been part of the return for the best position player in Diamondbacks franchise history? He and Carson Kelly will certainly be under scrutiny from Arizona fans, even though it’s likely the trade will end up favoring the team in terms of long-term production. That’s simply down to playing time: one year of Goldschmidt got us five years from both Weaver and Kelly, and that’s not even counting any production from minor-leaguer Andy Young, or the draft pick. If those two average anything more than half a win a year, the D-backs come out ahead. But it must be admitted, things probably would not feel that way. If Weaver can become the pitcher we hope - and he was a top 100 prospect in baseball before the 2017 season - then things will seem considerably better. His first start for the D-backs involved a pair of scoreless innings Bobby Jenks Jersey , but it would obviously be incredibly premature to try and draw and conclusions from that. After a disappointing 2018, Weaver is looking to change up his repertoire, with a better curveball being seen by the pitcher as playing an important role in his arsenal this year. While “Pitcher with a new pitch” is certainly on everyone’s card for Spring Training Bingo, Weaver feels mechanical adjustments over the winter have improved the pitch. This afternoon will be his formal debut for the Diamondbacks. Weaver’s first outing was on a backfield against a squad of Korean players from the NC Dinos. He pitched two scoreless innings on a hit and a walk, and used the curve to induce a double-play ball. Something to keep an eye on today. Though by “keep an eye,” I really mean third-party reports, since there’s no apparent broadcast stream to be found for this one! Touki Toussaint will start Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader in Cleveland"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Talking Chop User’s GuideTalking Chop PodcastAround the NL EastBaseball Analysis PrimerBraves News: Washed out in Cleveland http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , Kimbrel draft pick compensation and moreNew,29commentsTouki Toussaint will start Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader in ClevelandEDTShareTweetShareShareBraves News: Washed out in Cleveland, Kimbrel draft pick compensation and moreBrett Davis-USA TODAY SportsAtlanta Braves NewsBraves-Indians postponed due to rain; will play doubleheader on SaturdayFriday’s series opener between the Braves and the Indians was rained out which will result in a doubleheader on Saturday. Julio Teheran will get the start in Game 1 against Corey Kluber while Touki Toussaint will start Game 2 against Trevor Bauer. Ken Rosenthal on idea of lost draft pick preventing Braves from signing Craig KimbrelThe Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal discussed the Braves and free agent Craig Kimbrel in his Friday notes column. While Alex Anthopoulos indicated on Wednesday that Atlanta would look at both internal and external candidates to help in the bullpen, the idea persists that the team is reluctant to pursue Kimbrel because signing him would cost the team its second round pick and the associated slot money that goes with the selection. Rosenthal acknowledges that the international penalties are a factor but points out that the Braves would likely have to part with a much better prospect to receive bullpen help on the trade market. From golf course, Smoltz has a few choice words for BravesThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Steve Hummer caught up with John Smoltz as he discussed his recent appearance at the PGA Tour’s Champions event and also got his thoughts on the Braves’ start to the season. Smoltz discussed Craig Kimbrel and what he thinks Atlanta must do to remain in contention this season. From The Diamond - Ep. 10 - Braves Bullpen Struggles Amidst .500 StartGrant McAuley and Nick Green discuss the latest on the Atlanta Braves, including what can be done to help fix the struggling bullpen.MLB NewsMets’ Jacob deGrom to have MRI on right elbowNew York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom is on his way back to New York and will undergo an MRI exam on his ailing right elbow. DeGrom felt discomfort in the elbow after playing catch on Friday. He was scheduled to start Saturday’s game in St. Louis but will hit the injured list instead. The Mets and deGrom agreed to a five-year, $137.5 million contract extension back in March. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow back in 2010. Diamondbacks acquire Blake Swihart from the Red SoxThe Arizona Diamondbacks acquired catcher Blake Swihart from the Boston Red Sox on Friday in exchange for outfielder Marcus Wilson and international bonus pool money. Swihart was designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier this week. The Diamondbacks have a number of ties to Boston including manager Torey Lovullo who served as the team’s bench coach from 2013-2016 before joining Arizona. MLB To Issue Suspensions Stemming From Royals/White Sox AltercationMajor League Baseball handed down suspensions to several players following this week’s brawl between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox. Royals right-hander Brad Keller was hit with a five-game ban while Tim Anderson and White Sox manager Rick Renteria were each hit with one-game bans. Red Sox Place Eduardo Nunez On IL Carlton Fisk Jersey , Promote Michael Chavis, Designate Erasmo RamirezBoston was busy on Friday as they also placed infielder Eduardo Nunez on the injured list due to a mid-back strain and called up their top prospect in infielder Michael Chavis. Yankees Sign Logan MorrisonWith injuries piling up, the New York Yankees are adding some more veteran depth after agreeing to a minor-league contract with first baseman Logan Morrison. Morrison’s deal includes a July 1 opt out according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.