What It Means:

Jonathan Papelbon's recent poor play has provoked the Nationals to upgrade their artillery for the ninth inning, as they were also one of several teams who were in pursuit of Aroldis Chapman, prior to him being traded to the Chicago Cubs. This is the first time Robertson has popped up in trade rumors, while the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have both expressed interest in Davis. Robertson's name is currently preceding his performance, however, recording an ugly 9.39 ERA across 7 2/3 innings in July.

Robertson has converted on 24 of 28 save opportunities for the White Sox this season, recording a 4.35 ERA (highest since his rookie year) and 27.62 strikeout percentage (second-lowest of career) across 41 1/3 innings. Among the 157 relievers with at least 30 major league innings pitched this season, Davis ranks 13th with a 1.60 ERA (33 2/3 innings). However, he owns a 23.70 strikeout percentage this season, a significant dip from the 35.28 percent rate that he averaged the previous two seasons.