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Tuesday gave us a full slate, with a couple of doubleheaders to boot, while MLB is still in the business of altering baseball. Let’s get into it!
Today’s Headlines
MLB is back in the lab
While most baseball fans may agree that the rule changes implemented for 2023 have been positive, MLB is trying to maximize that momentum by announcing further experimentation toward having more of them. In an official statement, the league announced that the independent Atlantic League, which has a partnership with MLB, will serve as a testing ground for two potential huge changes: a designated pinch-runner that could enter the game at any point without an official substitution, and the “double hook” DH rule that would remove the DH position from a team if their starter fails to pitch five innings. These are experiments that still need to be reviewed and tested in other minor leagues over a few seasons but still could prove too controversial for the majors.
MLB is testing a 'Designated Pinch Runner' in the Atlantic League this season that can be subbed in and out of the game at any time pic.twitter.com/k7RhiCDcLB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 18, 2023
Ohtani crashes the House that Ruth built
In what was dubbed as the 100th anniversary of Yankee Stadium (at least the concept, I guess), two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani paid homage to Babe Ruth by hitting a homer in the first inning. The blast set the tone for the Angels, who prevailed in a 5-2 win over the Yankees, with Ohtani finishing the day with two runs, two RBI, and his jersey spotted in the home team’s official store. With Monday’s start cut by rain, Ohtani’s next pitching appearance has been moved up to Friday against the Royals.
Broadway Sho. pic.twitter.com/6Dih9QGTV1
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2023
Eduardo Rodriguez dominates, Tigers sweep doubleheader
In the second game of a frigid doubleheader against the Guardians, Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodriguez was masterful, needing only 99 pitches to toss eight shutout innings, scattering four hits versus 10 strikeouts. It marked the first time since 2016 with eight scoreless innings for Rodríguez, who led the Tigers to their fifth straight win. On another remarkable note, this game was completed in one hour and fifty minutes.
Eduardo Rodriguez cruises the @Tigers to a 5-game win streak. pic.twitter.com/7mhAzX7HiU
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2023
Braves trounce Padres, win eighth straight
With Spencer Strider starting the game with five hitless innings, the Braves extended their winning streak to eight games, thrashing the San Diego Padres by a score of 8-1. Strider finished his day with six scoreless innings, a single hit allowed, and nine strikeouts. He also had more than enough run support via homers by Sean Murphy, Ozzie Albies, and Matt Olson. Atlanta now has a 14-4 record with a +34 run differential, increasing their control over the NL East.
Make it eight! pic.twitter.com/bDrbgAb11j
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 19, 2023
Clayton Kershaw earns 200th career win
One batter into the game, Clayton Kershaw had a runner on third courtesy of a rare three-base error by Jason Heyward, but he settled to strike out the side and escape the inning unscathed. It all came easy after that, with JD Martinez staking him to an early lead by hitting two home runs, as Kershaw delivered a vintage performance to cruise to career win #200. He ended his day with seven shutout innings, allowing three hits, no walks, and striking out nine. The former MVP and four-time Cy Young winner has become the 121st pitcher in MLB history with at least 200 wins, and is only the fourth active hurler to do it, joining Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, and Max Scherzer.
Another incredible milestone in the career of @ClaytonKersh22. pic.twitter.com/HI2Vb1SPDU
— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Nick Ahmed channels his inner Vladdy
With Nick Ahmed off to a strong start in 2023, it seems that he can hit literally everything. With the bases loaded in a 2-2 game, Ahmed took his best cricket swing and hit a double that proved huge in another win for the Diamondbacks. It certainly provided flashbacks of Vladimir Guerrero, who is in the Hall of Fame because of hits like that.
How did Nick Ahmed hit this ball? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/MQBVUAdYHY
— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2023
A “Pesky” walk-off for Alex Verdugo
After falling behind 4-2 to the Twins in the tenth inning, the Boston Red Sox came all the way back to earn their fourth win over the last five games, climbing back to .500 after their tough start to the season. The winning hit came on a two-out, two-strike count by Alex Verdugo, on a trajectory that is probably only a fair ball in Fenway Park. The weird angle led to an anticlimactic call from Boston’s announcer.
Fair ball, game over, #walkoff winner! pic.twitter.com/ReP9Oo0bEY
— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2023
A mammoth homer in the Minors
Angels minor league Trey Cabbage, the owner of an impressive 1.174 OPS in AAA, completely destroyed a baseball for the Salt Lake Bees (and their epic team mascot). The distance was estimated at 487 feet, with the ball going over the right-field scoreboard.
😱 487-foot TANK by Trey Cabbage!@SaltLakeBees | @Angels pic.twitter.com/GhuvsPYtXk
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 19, 2023
Injuries
After leaving last Thursday´s game with an arm injury, Tampa Bay starter Jeffrey Springs is now confirmed to miss a significant amount of time, as he will undergo Tommy John surgery. While the Rays originally expected an inflammation diagnosis, tests revealed damage to his left elbow flexor. This comes as a huge disappointment for the 30-year-old, who had emerged as one of baseball’s top lefties and will end his 2023 season with a 0.56 ERA; the Rays recalled prospect Taj Bradley, who promptly earned his second win of the season.
The Mets announced starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco has been placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. Carrasco had a tough start to the season, sporting an 0-2 record with an 8.56 ERA, though his results were much better in his most recent start. He becomes the third member of New York’s rotation on the IL, joining Justin Verlander and José Quintana.
Adding another injury to San Francisco’s miserable start to 2023, lefty starter Alex Wood left today’s outing with a hamstring pull. This happened while making an awkward defensive play in the bottom of the third inning, as Wood had to be replaced in a game the Giants eventually lost. The team will provide an update after further testing, as this could become another big loss for the scuffling Giants.
Before today’s game against the Angels, manager Bret Boone confirmed that Giancarlo Stanton will miss at least six weeks with his latest injury—a strained left hamstring. This marks the 11th official trip to the IL for Stanton in his 14-year career, as he has not played a full season since 2018.
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Luis Arráez was Born in a Flame – Mike Baumann, Fangraphs
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