3 call-ups who could come to the rescue for contending teams
While the talk of the baseball town is all about which trades are going to be made by whom with the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaching, a number of teams may not have the option of acquiring a front-of-the-rotation pitcher like the Chicago Cubs did when they traded for Jose Quintana.
But, never fear, this is what farm systems are for, and with more than 20 teams still looking like potential contenders to make the postseason, some may have to dip into the minors to find that special piece to give their club life rather than acquiring something similar on the trade front.
With that in mind, here are three players who could come to the rescue from the minors for a contending team and put them over the top in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Francisco Mejia, C, Indians
Although the Cleveland Indians lead the division in the American League Central, one season after just narrowly losing to the Cubs in the World Series, they could use an upgrade at catcher. Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez have combined to belt seven home runs, have a total of 63 hits, and own a terrible OPS of .622. Mejia, who is crushing Double-A pitching to the tune of .336/.385/.552 could be the answer. The 21-year-old was responsible for the longest minor-league hit streak (50 games) in 62 years last season.
Lewis Brinson, OF, Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are already pretty stacked in the outfield with Ryan Braun, Keon Broxton, and Domingo Santana, but Brinson is expected to be one of the next big things among National League outfielders. The 23-year-old, who was acquired in the Jonathan Lucroy trade last season, struggled to a .097/.200/.161 slash line with 13 strikeouts during a 14-game call-up earlier this year, but he's mashed Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .986 OPS. With manager Craig Counsell stating that Braun is day to day for the remainder of the season with potential calf issues, Brinson may be the savior when it comes to a Brewers playoff spot.
Brent Honeywell, P, Rays
Anyone who watched the Futures Game earlier this month knows what Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Brent Honeywell is capable of doing on the hill. The Futures Game MVP looked impressive in a starting role for the U.S. team, striking out four and allowing a lone hit during two innings of work, which included some filthy stuff. With the Rays reportedly looking for a right-handed arm - in addition to a left-handed reliever - to take the workload off Alex Colome, Tommy Hunter, and Brad Boxberger, a call-up of Honeywell could be the answer. The 22-year-old has combined for a 4.68 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, striking out 11.6 hitters per nine.