THURSDAY COMMENTARY – TRADE DEADLINE & COVID TIMES

(Listen daily for the Rod Pedersen Commentary on Cat Country 98 & Rock 98.5 FM)

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are starting to get busy before Friday’s 4 p.m. EDT cutoff.

The New York Yankees made Wednesday’s biggest splash, reaching a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. The 27-year-old has 25 homers this season.

The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers got All-Star third baseman Eduardo Escobar from the Diamondbacks for two prospects.

Wednesday’s other notable deals:The Reds acquired reliever Mychal Givens from the Rockies, and the Astros added reliever Yimi Garcia from the Marlins.

Nothing from the Blue Jays.

Meanwhile, in considerably deflating news, the Washington Nationals hope to play a doubleheader in Philadelphia, a day after their game against the Phillies was postponed when four players and eight staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

Washington manager Dave Martinez said all but one of those who tested positive have been vaccinated.

Martinez said. “It’s been a tough go; this doesn’t make it any easier.”

And one day after returning from the COVID-19 injured list, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was scratched from the starting lineup at Tampa Bay.

New York manager Aaron Boone said Judge had doctor appointments related to his return from the IL and didn’t arrive at the ballpark until less than an hour before the start.

Judge was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list before Tuesday’s game with the Rays and went 1 for 4.

In short, the Covid times continue.

THAT’S TODAY’S ROD PEDERSEN COMMENTARY