Clay Buchholz: “This time of year, you don’t expect anybody to be 100 percent”

2 Comments
By Bill BaerOct 26, 2013, 7:15 PM EDT

Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz has been dealing with tightness in his right shoulder, but manager John Farrell said he will start Game 4 of the World Series anyway. Today, Buchholz reiterated to the media that he isn’t feeling 100 percent, but “this time of year, you don’t expect anybody to be 100 percent.” (via Jayson Stark)

Buchholz said there was also “a little bit of rust” during his bullpen session today. The problem, though, isn’t pain, but rather mechanics:

As for the Cardinals, they will be sending out Lance Lynn to start Game 4.

Francisco Rodriguez is being sued by his former landlord

David Maxwell/Getty Images
7 Comments
By Bill BaerJul 27, 2017, 7:10 PM EDT

John Wisely of the Detroit Free Press reports that current free agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez is being sued by his former landlord for damage to the rented property as well as missing artwork. The landlord is asking for $80,000 after having kept Rodriguez’s $15,000 security deposit.

The lawsuit says that Rodriguez damaged a bedroom TV, a crystal floor lamp, glass shelves in the bar, glass tiles in the master bath, and a Moroccan mirror in the powder room. Additionally, the suit claims that the bedding is stained and paint has chipped, as well as other damages. And the piece of art that is allegedly missing, which depicts a tiger, is valued at more than $10,000.

Rodriguez has not yet been served with the suit, but the landlord has been speaking to his managers.

The Nationals released Rodriguez, 35, two weeks ago after having signed him to a minor league contract in late June. He started the season with the Tigers, but struggled to a 7.82 ERA over 25 1/3 innings before being released.

Report: Rays acquire Lucas Duda from the Mets

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
17 Comments
By Bill BaerJul 27, 2017, 5:40 PM EDT

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports that the Rays have acquired first baseman Lucas Duda from the Mets. The Mets will receive pitching prospect Drew Smith in return, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

Duda, 31, is batting .246/.347/.532 with 17 home runs and 37 RBI in 291 plate appearances for the Mets this season. He’ll provide a potent bat in the Rays’ lineup as they attempt to overcome their current 2.5-game deficit in the AL East.

Smith, 23, is the Rays’ No. 30 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He ascended from High-A to Triple-A already this season, posting an aggregate 1.60 ERA with a 40/9 K/BB ratio over 45 innings across four stops with High-A Lakeland (Tigers), High-A Charlotte (Rays), Double-A Montgomery, and Triple-A Durham.