The Cleveland Guardians reported that right-hander Shane Bieber (1/$42) underwent an MRI on his right elbow/forearm last Friday and will be shut down for two weeks while hitting the IL. The injury could open up more possibilities for Spokane Fightin' Fish President of Baseball Operations Michael Tirabassi to dip back into the trade market according to sources.
Having already acquired Zack Wheeler (3/$25), Aaron Nola (2/$43), Jose Abreu (3/$37), Dansy Swanson (3/$10), Teoscar Hernandez (3/$10), C.J. Cron (3/$8), Taylor Ward (2FA/$5), Oscar Colas (1/$4) and Scott Barlow (2/$5), the Fish have been bumping up against the in-season $325 Salary Cap on a weekly basis. With Bieber likely on the shelf and Abreu under-performing, the Fish could create significant flexibility in the cap number to make another addition before Tuesday's RDBL Trade Deadline.
That could mean Las Vegas Aristocrats right-hander Corbin Burnes (1/$73) could be in play according to sources. Burnes was dominant in his latest start, working six shutout innings while striking out 13. He owns a 3.73 ERA on the season.
The Fightin' Fish have already parted with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Round Picks. Termarr Johnson (Minors) could be one potential candidate to be moved if Tirabassi jumps back into the trade market. Johnson was drafted by the Fightin' Fish in 2021 but has already been moved to the Mission Viejo Maulers and Maltese Falcons before coming back to the Fish in an early June deal. The second baseman has been on fire of late.
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad, Baseball America's 68th ranked prospect, could also garner interest and is reportedly available in talks as of Monday evening. After enduring two years plagued by medical issues and injuries, Kjerstad has thrived in his first full healthy season as a professional. He’s held his own at Triple-A, showing a strong hit tool and plus power. His .970 OPS on the season ranks 5th among all RDBL hitting prospects.
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