We’re 10 days removed from MLB’s trade deadline, which means trends have begun to emerge after a hectic stretch of transactions. At this time last week we only had a few games to analyze each team’s immediate usage, but the picture has since become clearer. Another wave of prospect promotions has arrived, and there could even be more on the way.Let’s get into it.Arizona DiamondbacksLars Nootbaar has started against every RHP (mostly hitting fifth) since being acquired but sat in his only opportunity against a left-handed starter. Tim Tawa and Ryan Waldschmidt have been everyday players since the deadline. Jordan Lawlar could be activated from the IL next week.AthleticsThis lineup is hurting with so many impact bats out injured. Jonah Heim has started all but one game since July 25. Zack Gelof has started every game this week since returning from the IL, and at three different positions. The injuries have opened up near everyday playing time for Lawrence Butler, including against lefties.Atlanta BravesAustin Riley keeps hitting in the bottom third of the order but has only sat three games this season. Lane Thomas’ playing time has cratered since leaving Kansas City, starting only three games, two against LHP. Jim Jarvis is still getting most of the starts at shortstop, with Ha-Seong Kim a strict bench player.Baltimore OriolesJackson Holliday has been hitting third against right-handers over the past week. Christian Encarnacion-Strand isn’t an everyday player after all, splitting the hot corner with Coby Mayo. Dylan Beavers recently shifted from leadoff to fifth against RHP.Boston Red SoxThe leadoff role continues to be a revolving door between Nick Sogard, Masataka Yoshida and (versus lefties) Jahmai Jones. One figures that spot will eventually go to Roman Anthony, who is reportedly getting closer to a rehab assignment. Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman hit third in his first two starts with his new club, bumping the red-hot Wilyer Abreu down to fifth. Andruw Monasterio continues to serve as the everyday shortstop.Chicago CubsThey continue to roll out the same primary starting nine. The only other note is they’ve been on fire lately and are up to the second-highest scoring lineup in MLB, having surpassed Pittsburgh.Chicago White SoxSam Antonacci has started against three straight lefties after sitting versus the previous five, though Chase Meidroth’s minor injury likely contributed. There’s some defensive shuffling to make it work but Luisangel Acuña and Randal Grichuk essentially platoon with Andrew Benintendi and Tristan Peters. Brenton Doyle is part of the weak-side platooning too, which is why Antonacci has recently been squeezed.Cincinnati RedsHéctor Rodríguez has been starting against righties and sitting vs. LHP since being called up on August 4. He’s taking playing time away from Noelvi Marte in right field. Matt McLain is back to starting at second base every game. JJ Bleday has struggled lately but has only sat once since July 2.Clevelan
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