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The Rangers unveiled their “City Connect” jerseys on Monday morning. I’ll wait to hear Renee’s take on them before coming to a final judgment, but I’m not a fan. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge proponent of teams trying anything new and different, and I’m sure the good people of Arlington love them. For my personal taste, this is too little weekend rec league-y.
A jersey for all of Texas.
The @Rangers City Connect uniforms honors the history of baseball in the Lone Star State. pic.twitter.com/ZHeke7DeGy
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2023
Today’s Headlines
Hotlanta
Atlanta stays hot, winning their MLB-leading seventh game in a row over the Padres. Max Fried returned from the IL and was excellent, throwing five innings with four strikeouts and no runs. For their part, the Padres are getting Fernando Tatis Jr. back from suspension soon, as he has ended his minor league rehab assignment and is back working out with the team. He’s expected to play on Thursday.
Get Paid, Pablo!
Pablo López is in line for a four-year, $73.5 million extension with the Twins, according to MLB.com. It’s a nice deal for the Twins and the newly-acquired López, who was traded in the offseason from the Marlins in exchange for Luis Arraez.
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2023
Patriots’ Day in Boston
The annual 11 AM first pitch on the day of the Boston Marathon reminds us that there should be day games every day. This year’s tilt saw the Angels edge out the home Red Sox, 5-4 in a game delayed by rain and then later interrupted by it after Shohei Ohtani threw two innings and struck out three.
Angels beat writer Jeff Fletcher reported after the game that the Angels may consider changing up the timing of Ohtani’s next start since this one was shortened by the rain delay. The Angels shouldn’t do this, and not just because Ohtani is in line to start when he comes to my hometown in a couple of weeks. It doesn’t have anything to do with that, ok!
Zach Neto also got his first career hit in the game and his friends saved the ball for him, which is nice.
ZACH NETO WITH HIS FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE HIT.
Let's GO!! #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/Z2hVN2h2C2
— AngelsWin.com (@AngelsWin) April 17, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Pavin Smith Salami
After a 1-1 game in the seventh, Arizona turned it on first with a solo shot from Ketel Marte, and then later in the inning, a grand slam from Pavin Smith. The Diamondbacks would go on to win 6-3 and have won seven of their last ten contests.
Pavin the way in grand fashion. 💥
(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/41OpCDtSic
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2023
86-homer Pace
Just as we all predicted, Patrick Wisdom leads all of baseball with 8 bombs in the early going.
Patrick Wisdom is on fire. 🔥
He’s tied for the league lead with 8 homers! pic.twitter.com/6u2zVXEr4Y
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2023
Freeman Goes Deep…Twice
Freddie Freeman's second dinger ties the game! pic.twitter.com/RNIraAHtnw
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2023
Injuries
Cue up the Michael Scott “nooooo” gif.
Corbin Burnes left his start in the sixth inning, calling for the trainer after a deep flyout from Julio Rodríguez. Burnes appeared to be grabbing at the left side of his chest. Sounds like Burnes may be able to make his next start, but it’s worth keeping an eye on over the coming days.
Jacob deGrom was absolutely dealing against Kansas City on Monday night until he was taken out after four scoreless innings with “right wrist soreness.” At this time, the Rangers are calling it “precautionary,” and deGrom said he hopes to make his next start this weekend.
Giancarlo Stanton was placed on the 10-day IL on Sunday, and now it seems there’s additional clarity around the time he’ll miss. Stanton is expected to be out the next four to six weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Hunter Greene threw three innings of shutout ball on Monday but was hit on the shin on a comebacker. Greene went into the clubhouse after he finished the frame, and it appeared the Reds were waiting to see if he would come back out for the fourth but ultimately he did not return to the game. X-rays were negative, according to the Reds.
New t-shirt idea: injuries stink.
Articles You Should Read
Celebrating this Year’s Projected MLB Full Pension Earners – Gabe Goralnick, Pitcher List
Drag Drops to 2020/2021 Levels – Robert Arthur, Baseball Prospectus
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
The List: Top 100 Starting Pitchers- Week 3
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Week 3
Expected SP Schedules: Who Has the Best Matchups in Weeks 3-4
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)