A bit of a shock getting Murphy, but in a way one can see the logic. Murphy can certainly hit although his fielding and range are questionable. After the Pirates series especially, this offense, unaccountably, has serious issues. I mean, four runs, all home runs, 33 left on base.
Obviously, they miss Bryant. Perhaps this indicates Bryant is not returning to the lineup until mid-September. My guess is that Russell goes to the DL to make room. He is obviously hurting.
In many ways this is a curious addition in that it provides the club with a sixth capable second baseman to go along with Baez, Zobrist, Happ, Bote, and LaStella. Murphy is best suited on the Cubs to the DH role, which makes it all the more curious in that the team has only four more DH opportunities left, the upcomong Detroit series and the road half of the White Sox series in late September. The World Series, should they make it, would be the big payoff for this acquisition.
On the putching front, the news on Darvish was disappointing. I’m not sure losing Darvish is that much of a disaster. Montgomery, who has taken most of his starts since May, has arguably been their best starter until they picked up Hamels. If Montgomery can return to the rotation Saturday, this setback is not that significant for the team even short term.
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