Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.
Today’s Headlines
Kapler gets bounced
During the finale of a four-game series between the Dodgers and the Giants, Gabe Kapler took issue with the way umpire Phil Cuzzi handled a situation involving Jarlín García and James Outman at the end of the sixth inning.
García appeared to mimic the Dodgers’ home run gesture (where players rounding the bases bang their first on their helmets). Mookie Betts didn’t appreciate the move and exchanged words with García as the benches trickled out of the dugouts. The umpiring crew warned both clubs, but Kapler didn’t like that at all and was ejected while he was expressing his frustration.
Gabe Kapler is HOT. This is his first time being ejected as the Giants manager pic.twitter.com/gokT7Jwef2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 4, 2022
Merrifield confirms COVID-19 vaccination
After Whit Merrifield was acquired by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, he confirmed his vaccination status, which will allow him to play with the club during home games. Merrifield was one of the 10 Royals who were placed on the restricted list ahead of last month’s series in Toronto.
Merrifield made his Blue Jays debut on Thursday against the Twins in center field and batted eighth.
Whit Merrifield tells us that he has been vaccinated and will be in Toronto when the #BlueJays are.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 4, 2022
Kershaw exits with back pain
Clayton Kershaw left his start with a team trainer, citing lower back pain. Kershaw started feeling discomfort while warming up in the bottom of the fifth inning and pointed to the dugout, appearing to be in pain.
“Just felt something kind of lock up there in the fifth and couldn’t really throw after that,” Kershaw said. “Something in my back again.”
Kershaw saw a doctor and should know more about his condition today.
Clayton Kershaw, Public Enemy #1. #RIPVinScully pic.twitter.com/Oat5zxVJoL
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 4, 2022
The Pirates sweep the Brewers
Since trading Josh Hader, the Brewers have lost four straight and were swept by the Pirates in a three-game series. The Pirates won after Bryan Reynolds ran home on a wild pitch in the 10th inning, making it 5-4 Pirates.
A wild ending to the series. pic.twitter.com/8y1f3qNCVP
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 4, 2022
Phillies release Gregorius, Red Sox release JBJ
After a tough season, Didi Gregorius was released on Thursday. Gregorius had only hit one home run with a .567 OPS over 63 games this season. Second baseman Jean Segura was reinstated.
“It’s a difficult decision, but I think it was the right decision,” interim manager Rob Thomson said.
The Red Sox released veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. after his second stint with the team. Bradley spent eight years with the Red Sox before signing a deal with the Brewers in March 2021 and was reacquired by Boston in the offseason.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Vlad Jr knocks one out of the park
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tattooed a ball at 115.4 mph for a three-run home run against the Twins.
.@27vladdyjr hits one out at 115.4 mph 😱 pic.twitter.com/2xYFAHCZck
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2022
Hosmer receives a warm welcome in KC
Just days after Eric Hosmer was sent to Boston, he received a standing ovation in Kansas City. This was Hosmer’s first time in Kauffman Stadium since 2017.
The Royals welcome Eric Hosmer back to Kauffman Stadium. pic.twitter.com/nkOIvPDWAa
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) August 5, 2022
Sho-Time
Shohei Ohtani hits two home runs against the Athletics as the Angels tied an MLB record with seven solo home runs. The Angels are the first team in the majors to hit seven solo home runs and score no other runs in the game. They still lost to the A’s in an 8-7 game.
Two for Ohtani today! pic.twitter.com/xuT02cZi1O
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2022
The Mets like Naquin
After recently being acquired by the Mets on Tuesday, Tyler Naquin homered twice in his new home ballpark during his debut in a Mets uniform. The Mets pulled off a 6-4 win against Atlanta after Naquin’s two home runs and back-to-back home runs from Pete Alonso and another new face to the Mets clubhouse, Daniel Vogelbach.
Naquin, AGAIN!! pic.twitter.com/WE0hHvIg3K
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 5, 2022
Injuries
Kyle Tucker was removed from Thursday’s lineup due to an illness.
Edward Olivares was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a quadriceps injury.
Chris Rodriguez and Griffin Canning have been ruled out for the rest of the 2022 season.
Clayton Kershaw will have tests done today for his lower back pain.
Omar Narváez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left quadriceps strain.
Kyle Garlick was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right ribcage contusion.
The Pirates placed both Dillion Peters (left elbow inflation) and Tyler Heineman (right groin strain) on the injured list.
Dennis Santana (left ankle sprain) and Kole Calhoun (right heel irritation) were added to the injured list.
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Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)