The Mission Viejo Maulers have received multiple inquiries on reliever Mark Melancon (1FA/$5) according to league sources. Melancon leads all relievers with 71.0 points entering play on Sunday thanks to seven saves in as many chances. He has worked 10.0 innings, allowing just one run and three hits without a walk.
Among the clubs interested, the Honolulu Hammerheads and Las Vegas Aristocrats appear to be the most interested in Melancon. The Hammerheads have struggled to find any production behind Liam Hendricks in their bullpen and appear to be fully invested in 2021 as they look to ride the dominant 1-2 combo of Jacob deGrom and Corbin Burnes through the summer.
Around the RDBL
- While the club has received inquiries, the Heads appear more focused on activating shortstop Jazz Chisholm in Period 6 rather than using him in a trade according to team sources. Chisholm continues to impress with a .293/.391/.586 line through 58 at-bats this season.
- The Cloverdale Clovers are facing mounting pressure to address their struggles on the mound. The Clovers are the only club with an ERA over 4 (4.68). Period 6 could be a turning point for GM Chris Shelley as Michael Kopech (starting Sunday) and Alex Reyes could provide impact depth to the staff but the planned return of Mike Soroka appears to be far off at this point as he works through shoulder soreness.
- Maulers right-hander Aaron Civale (1/$14) has been an early name mentioned in trade circles. Civale holds a 2.42 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over four starts coving 26.0 innings. Kwang Hyun Kim (1FA/$5) is another name that could be moved quickly as he re-establishes his value coming off an injury in Spring.
- The Fringe could dangle at least one starting pitching this week to address concerns on offense (.232/.304/.392 as a team). The pitching depth stands out this week as their bench has 155.5 points with a group of arms that allowed just 12 hits and and one run in 29 2/3 innings this period. Ryan Weathers (1FA/$5) is a name to watch after two dominant starts against the Dodgers to start the season.
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