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It sure seems like everything is heating up a little bit earlier than usual. Maybe it is the balanced schedule in MLB this season creating less monotony between teams in the same division. Whatever it is, May has certainly brought us some terrific moments so far.
Today’s Headlines
Gorman Gives Cardinals A Boost
Could the St. Louis Cardinals have fixed whatever was ailing them? Who knows, but for now, count the Cards as on a roll. Nolan Gorman crushed a three-run homer that broke a 3-3 tie with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning as St. Louis beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5. The blast off Victor González came after an intentional walk to Paul Goldschmidt and was the second home run for Gorman off a left-hander this series, the only times he has gone deep off a lefty in his brief career. Speaking of which, Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of Gorman making his MLB debut. The Cardinals have won nine of their last 12 and Gorman has an 11-game hitting streak.
GO-AHEAD GORMAN! pic.twitter.com/aTmRMI9iOQ
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 21, 2023
Urías Latest Dodgers Pitcher To Hit IL
If you had the Dodgers facing a starting pitching crisis less than two months into the season on your bingo card, you just might have won a jackpot. In a surprise move, the Dodgers placed left-hander Julio Urías on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. Urías was roughed up Thursday by the St. Louis Cardinals, but no physical issues had been revealed. The move comes days after right-hander Dustin May went on the IL with a forearm strain that could sideline him five to seven weeks. Of the 26 pitchers on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, 10 are currently on the IL. One of the three in the minors, right-hander Gavin Stone, is expected to slot into May’s spot in the rotation, but beyond that, the Dodgers are facing questions. They lost right-hander Dylan Covey on a waiver claim to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, while also reportedly signing former MLB closer Ken Giles to a minor-league contract.
Orioles Stun Jays
In case you thought the Baltimore Orioles were just a cute little story from last year, think again. These young Birds look to be here for a while. The Toronto Blue Jays found that out the hard way as Ryan O’Hearn cranked a three-run, game-tying homer off closer Jordan Romano in the eighth inning. The Orioles went on to win in 10 innings as Ryan Mountcastle scored when he was hit by a throw by three-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman Matt Chapman.
RYAN O’HIM pic.twitter.com/GF4RIyYj4W
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 20, 2023
Hicks DFA’d By Yankees
The writing has been on the wall for this move for quite some time. Outfielder Aaron Hicks was designated for assignment by the New York Yankees in order to make room for outfielder Greg Allen, acquired Friday in a rare trade with the Boston Red Sox. Hicks, who has three years and almost $30 million remaining on his contract, was slashing .188/.263/.261 with one homer and five RBIs in 28 games this season. Once a fixture in left field, his playing time has dwindled and he openly wondered if he wouldn’t be better off with a different team.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Vlad The Rewarder
A little kindness goes a long way. While a young Toronto Blue Jays fan’s sign was intended for Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. saw it and made sure the kid didn’t go home empty-handed.
The young fan's "I beat cancer" sign caught Vladdy's eye.
Vladdy made his day 🥹 https://t.co/hEb8GJ4Oau pic.twitter.com/zQv3zRRW3h
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 20, 2023
Surprise Appearance
Ivan Rodriguez pulled the old switerchoo. And it was terrific.
Heartwarming first pitch 💗
Catalina Villegas, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for MLB, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
She was surprised by longtime friend @Pudge_Rodriguez for today's first pitch. pic.twitter.com/y3QxvjuS6F
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 20, 2023
Injuries and Other Moves
Minnesota Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco (left hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day IL. Second baseman Edouard Julien was called up from Triple-A to replace him.
Oakland A’s right-hander Drew Rucinski (stomach illness) landed on the 15-day IL. Right-hander James Kaprielian was recalled from Triple-A.
The Philadelphia Phillies claimed right-hander Dylan Covey off waivers from the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Jared Walsh (headaches, insomnia) was activated from the 10-day IL and outfielder Brett Phillips was DFA’d.
The Chicago White Sox will promote outfielder Clint Frazier before Sunday’s game.
Articles You Should Read
Should the Giants hold territorial rights in South Bay? Uncovered doc raises questions — John Shea, San Francisco Chronicle
Red Sox’s Refsnyder plays part-time, yet has a big role — Pete Abraham, Boston Globe
Jackson Holliday, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, is having a banner week — Brandon Samson, MLB.com
Defense a primary reason for Angels not doing better — Sam Blum, The Athletic
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
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