Nick Swisher has lost 15 pounds during the off-season

By Bill BaerJan 23, 2015, 7:20 PM EDT
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The words “best shape of his life” weren’t used, but MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reports that Indians 1B/DH Nick Swisher has lost 15 pounds during the off-season. Apparently, Swisher is feeling “stoked” about the 2015 season.

Per Bastian, Swisher also mentioned that he let some of the negative things written about him last year affect him, so he’s going to be a happy-go-lucky guy from now on.

Swisher, 34, has been relegated to DH duties after the Indians brought in Brandon Moss in a trade with the Athletics early in the off-season. Swisher batted a paltry .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 401 plate appearances last season. The Indians have appeared interested in trading Swisher but finding a taker will be difficult given his age, declining production, and the fact that he’s owed $15 million in each of the next two seasons. He also has an option for 2017 worth $14 million which vests with 550 plate appearances in ’16 and a clean physical.

Report: Nationals to call up prospect Carter Kieboom

By Bill BaerApr 25, 2019, 6:42 PM EDT
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Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reports that the Nationals will promote middle infield prospect Carter Kieboom to the majors ahead of Friday’s game against the Padres. The Nationals are currently dealing with injuries to shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon, so the club hopes Kieboom can help the team tread water at the very least.

Kieboom, 21, was selected by the Nationals in the first round (28th overall) in the 2016 draft. MLB Pipeline currently rates him No. 2 in the Nationals’ system and No. 37 overall. Kieboom has played both second base and shortstop this season after exclusively playing shortstop previously in his professional career.

With Triple-A Fresno to start the 2019 season, Kieboom hit .379/.506/.636 with three homers, 18 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 83 plate appearances.