A new Rebel has been added to the professional ranks as pitcher Jacob Waguesback inked a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, making 31 former Ole Miss Rebels on MLB payrolls. It wasn’t the only move, however, as Washington Nationals pitcher Aaron Barrett is off the Disabled List, and pitcher Matt Crouse earned a promotion to the AA ranks.
Jul 19, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) hits an RBI double in the ninth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Cubs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Coghlan, OF Chicago Cubs
It’s been a rough slide from Coghlan who went from a regular in the Cubs order to a platoon player with Chris Denorfia. His strikeout rate is up, his on-base percentage is down and the team is shopping for a big outfield bat that could limit Coghlan’s time significantly. With the Cubs still in the playoff hunt, Coghlan will need to regain his early season poise as the season nears its end.
Zack Cozart, SS Cincinnati Reds
Cozart began the season by asserting himself as one of the more powerful shortstops in all of baseball, racking up 10 doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBI in the first two months of the season. It all came to a crushing end as the Memphis native tore ligaments and a tendon in his right knee on June 10, effectively ending his season.
Seth Smith, OF Seattle Mariners
Smith has been up and down since coming over to the Mariners in the offseason. July has been a bit kinder to the former two-sport collegiate athlete. In the month, he has reached base in 16 of 18 games, with a .313 batting average and a pair of dingers. If he can continue the same consistency throughout the season, he will find himself firmly in the heart of the Mariner lineup come next Spring.
Aaron Barrett, P Washington Nationals
Barrett started 2015 on a rough note, entering the All-Star break with a 5.06 ERA and a spot on the 15-Day Disabled List. He has nothing except for stellar since returning, making six appearances, allowing three hits and no walks in 4.1 scoreless innings.
Jul 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (31) throws a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Lynn, P St. Louis Cardinals
One of the anchors of the Cardinal rotation, Lynn has been spectacular all year. Recently, he’s been even better than before. In his three starts since the break, he is 2-0, allowing just four runs in 20 innings while striking out 22. For the season, the tall righty is 8-5 with a 2.71 ERA.
Drew Pomeranz, P Oakland A’s
Since moving to the bullpen in early June, the former No. 4 pick in the draft has been much better for the Athletics. Pomeranz made 13 appearances in May, posting a 1.69 ERA while racking up five holds and a save. In July, he has a 2-0 record with a 2.61 ERA and a trio of holds. It remains to be seen what the long-term plans are for the southpaw but there’s no denying he’s been electric in his new role.
Rebels in AAA:
Alex Presley, OF Houston Astros
Cody Satterwhite, P New York Mets
Alex Yarbrough, 2B Los Angeles Angels
David Goforth, P Milwaukee Brewers
AA:
Matt Tracy, P New York Yankees
Bobby Wahl, P Oakland A’s
Matt Snyder, 1B New York Yankees
Stuart Turner, C Minnesota Twins
Chris Ellis, P Los Angeles Angels
Mike Mayers, P St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Crouse, P Detroit Tigers
Advanced-A:
Anthony Alford, OF Toronto Blue Jays
Auston Bousfield, OF San Diego Padres
Braxton Lee, OF Tampa Bay Rays
Aaron Greenwood, P Houston Astros
R.J. Hively, P Arizona Diamondbacks
Short-A:
Will Allen, C Detroit Tigers
Austin Anderson, 3B Baltimore Orioles
Jordan Henry, OF Greenville Drive
Hawtin Buchanan, P Seattle Mariners
Josh Laxer, P Detroit Tigers
Scott Weathersby, P Houston Astros
Jacob Waguespack, P Philadelphia Phillies
Rookie:
Christian Trent, P Milwaukee Brewers
Sikes Orvis, 1B Chicago White Sox