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Today’s Headlines
Miggy’s Historic Season Continues
Miguel Cabrera continued his tour around the MLB record books Saturday night, this time making a pit stop in the doubles category. Facing Astros starter Framber Valdez in the top of the second, Cabrera pulled a low curveball just over the reach of Alex Bregman and down the left field line. Two runners came in to score on the hit, and as the throw came into home just behind the second, Cabrera pulled into second base with the 600th double of his career.
Miggy being Miggy.
Two runs and double the fun for the lead. pic.twitter.com/ERXtEFYhtH
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 7, 2022
The hit was historic for several reasons. Cabrera becomes just the 18th player in major league history to record 600 doubles, and his next will tie Barry Bonds on the career leaderboard. That second run scoring on the play was his 1,813th RBI, passing Hall of Famer Frank Robinson for 21st all-time. The double was also his 1,120th extra-base hit, passing George Brett for 18th place on that leaderboard (that’s another Hall of Famer for those counting at home). He now sits just one hit (of any kind) behind Wade Boggs at 3,010 (yep, also him).
Of course, with those 3,000 hits, the 500th home run he hit last summer, and now this 600th double, Cabrera joins Hank Aaron and Albert Pujols as the only players in history to reach those marks. Just another day for the future Hall of Famer.
Umpire Apologizes after Bumgarner Ejection, Controversy
Earlier this week, the baseball world was captivated by a strange event – veteran Madison Bumgarner was thrown out after pitching a relatively uneventful first inning. First-base umpire Dan Bellino issued the ejection after a commotion erupted following his (now routine) illegal substance check on Bumgarner as the lefty walked back towards the dugout.
However, video soon emerged of the encounter. In the clips below, Bellino can be seen staring directly at Bumgarner while he feels his hands for an extended length of time, far longer than the check performed on the opposing starter.
The ump was staring directly at Bumgarner during the entire hand check 🧐pic.twitter.com/zudVB0eUXf
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 4, 2022
The difference between the substance check on Bumgarner and the other pitcher is astounding pic.twitter.com/qooWg31SNA
— Welcome to the Ump Show (@umpjob) May 4, 2022
After the game, Bumgarner responded to questions saying, “You guys have seen the video. I don’t know if I could say anything that would make the situation better.”
Yesterday, Bellino issued an apology – a rare occurrence from an umpire.
(2/3) Bellino: "When I began my MLB career almost 15 years ago, I received some good advice. I was told to umpire every game as if my children were sitting in the front row. I fell short of those expectations this week."
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 7, 2022
(3/3) Bellino: "While I can’t go back and change what happened, I take full accountability. I will learn from this incident, and I sincerely apologize."
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 7, 2022
Top Pitching Prospect Kirby to Debut for the M’s
George Kirby, the Mariners #3 overall prospect, will debut today versus the Rays. Kirby, who was the 20th selection in the 2018 draft, features excellent command and a 70-grade fastball that averaged 97 MPH in 2021. The right-hander has dominated AA this season to the tune of a 1.82 ERA, striking out 32 hitters in 24.2 innings while only walking five.
George Kirby was dealing today. Final line: 5IP, 4H, 2R, 0BB, 7K, 77 pitches, 51 strikes. pic.twitter.com/oG58WJOOFK
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 1, 2022
Kirby joins the big league roster following the demotion of Matt Brash back to AAA. Brash, who captured tremendous attention due to his stuff, was ultimately not polished enough for the majors, walking 17 in just 20 innings. The Mariners are expected to work with Brash in hopes of him returning to Seattle later this season in a bullpen role.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Buster Posey Day in San Francisco
The Giants honored longtime catcher Buster Posey yesterday with a pre-game celebration. Posey played his entire 12-year career in San Francisco and was an instrumental part of their World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Beloved by the Giants organization and respected across the league, he announced his retirement at the end of last season.
STANDING OVATION FOR BUSTER 🥺 pic.twitter.com/pQChDXa69X
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 7, 2022
Some other Bay-area athletes you may have heard of contributed their praise as well:
“You’ll be a legend forever”
Steph and Klay have a message to share on Buster Posey Daypic.twitter.com/TS9ERhl0B1
— NBC Sports Bay Area & CA (@NBCSAuthentic) May 7, 2022
And finally, while most honorees throw a ceremonial first pitch, that obviously wasn’t right for a ballplayer who spent most of his 1,371 games not in front of the plate, but behind it:
A special end to a special ceremony 🥹 pic.twitter.com/LaoLG7wyZD
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 7, 2022
VanMeter Makes First Professional Appearance at Catcher
Just like the aforementioned Posey, Josh VanMeter is a catcher. His path to the position was just a bit more…unorthodox. VanMeter is actually a second baseman for the Pirates, and he started there for yesterday’s double header versus the Reds. However, when backup catcher Andrew Knapp was ejected for arguing balls and strikes, and starting catcher Roberto Pérez went down with a hamstring injury, VanMeter was called in to play a position he hadn’t seen since he was 14.
This is Josh VanMeter's 1st appearance at catcher at ANY professional level (MLB or MiLB) pic.twitter.com/hyHTiIZGRr
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 7, 2022
Per MLB, VanMeter was wearing Knapp’s gear and using Pérez’s glove. He also happened to be catching for Wil Crowe, whose stuff is probably a little tougher than what VanMeter caught in high school.
Wil Crowe was untouchable. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dkFPtJygjk
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 10, 2022
Injuries
J.P. Crawford left Saturday’s game with back spasms and is unlikely to play today.
Byron Buxton left his game with a right hip tightness.
Brandon Belt was activated from the COVID list ahead of Saturday’s game but left in the 8th inning with neck stiffness.
Sonny Gray returned from the IL and threw four scoreless innings vs. the A’s.
Articles You Should Read
2022 MLB Power Rankings: Week Five – Colin Fong
Jorge Lopez’s Sinker Renaissance – Kevin O’Brien
Which Teams Spend the Most on Free Agency? – Adam Sloate
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)