The Dodgers Have Money To Burn And Other MLBullets

The latest from around the League as we round into the weekend...

• The Dodgers' new ownership continues to flex their financial muscles. After locking up Andre Ethier to an expensive, long-term extension, the Dodgers reportedly just dropped a record $42 million (over seven years) on Cuban prospect Yasiel Puig. The 21-year-old outfielder was far less heralded than fellow Cuban outfielders Yoenis Cespedes or Jorge Soler, but, thanks in part to the Dodgers' largesse, Puig ends up with the highest initial guaranteed payment (obviously Cespedes is getting more per year, and Soler's deal reportedly allows him to opt into arbitration, which could net him quite a bit more than the $30 million he's currently guaranteed). For now, no one seems to know whether the huge money Puig received is merited by his talent, alone (plus the impending CBA spending limitations, which kick in on July 2), or if the Dodgers overpaid for some positive PR. The Dodgers know more about Puig than we do, but until the deal was announced, the thinking was that Puig was going to receive closer to $10 million.

• The New York Yankees are going to have to scramble to figure out a temporary fix in their rotation after CC Sabathia went down with a groin strain a day before Andy Pettitte took a line drive off the ankle, which broke. Sabathia is expected to miss a couple starts, but Pettitte is going to be out significantly longer - the Yankees have already gone ahead and put him on the 60-day disabled list.
• There were a couple of big-time pitcher debuts last night (one a career debut, and one a debut as a permanent fixture in the Padres' rotation) from Trevor Bauer and Andrew Cashner. The latter went 6.1, giving up two earned, and striking out nine, while the former was able to throw just four innings, giving up five hits, three walks, and a couple earned runs.
• Speaking of the Diamondbacks, they're going to need Bauer to step it up, because starter Daniel Hudson has a complete tear of his UCL. That almost certainly means Tommy John surgery, and a whole lot of missed time.
• On the positive side of the injury coin, the Phillies, who just got Chase Utley back for the first time this year, might finally have Ryan Howard back soon, as well. The big first baseman has successfully started a minor league rehab assignment, and could be back with the Phillies in mid-July.
• To the contrary, the Rays don't sound like they're expecting Evan Longoria back any time soon. The third baseman was on a rehab stint for an injured hamstring last week when he felt some discomfort. Since then, he hasn't played, and Joe Maddon says he doesn't think there will be much to say on Longoria's front in the near term.
• Al says Nyjer Morgan should be suspended for shoving a fan after Morgan unsuccessfully tried to catch a ball in the stands. I have to agree with Al, and not just because I strongly dislike Morgan.
• The Giants have tossed four straight shutouts, which is crazy.

Brett Taylor is the Lead Writer at Bleacher Nation, and a Contributor here at Bleed Cubbie Blue.