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It was a short schedule on a Monday travel day with only 14 teams in action. No shortage of injuries, unfortunately, but some good news on a former MVP’s return headline Monday’s notes.
Today’s Headlines
Verdugo Walks it Off (Again)
Incredibly, Alex Verdugo hit his third walk-off…of the season. On May 1. That’s 17.6% of the Red Sox wins! Boston beat Toronto and has now won four in a row.
THE GAME IS OVER WHEN DUGIE SAYS IT'S OVER. pic.twitter.com/0Sv7XreNnx
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 2, 2023
Guardians Win a Tight One
Rough night for the Yankees, who have now lost four in a row. Domingo Germán threw a great game, going a scoreless 8 and a third before giving up a single and getting a quick hook from Aaron Boone. Closer Clay Holmes came in and after two hits and an error, Wandy Peralta was brought in and walked in the go-ahead run.
Removing German after 88 pitches was not received well by the Yankee crowd, and was largely the talk of the game.
R̶A̶T̶ BAT CZAR!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/zDUYtL23UW
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 2, 2023
Bryce Back!
Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL in November, and received clearance to play yesterday. It’s expected the two-time MVP will DH for the Phillies in tonight’s game against the Dodgers.
Bryce Harper Cleared To Return To Phillies https://t.co/Pns3oogjuZ pic.twitter.com/ypX8PzvsGX
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 1, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Ha-Seong Kim Breaks It Open
Ha-Seong Kim broke open the game for the Padres against the Reds. Tied at three apiece, Kim hit one of the pulliest homers you’ll ever see pulled to put the Friars ahead 6-3. San Diego demanded a curtain call, and Kim obliged the home fans.
A frozen rope blast from Ha-Seong Kim. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/DAlUV4PozD
— MLB (@MLB) May 2, 2023
Nats Break Out New Celebration
There may be a point where I tire of these city-specific homerun celebrations, but that day is not today. Good stuff from the Nationals.
The @Nationals are taking us back to colonial times with this HR celly. pic.twitter.com/SnlQtpIJEv
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 1, 2023
Injuries
I hate this section more and more every week. Hate it!
Ronald Acuña Jr. hit an absolute blast in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Mets yesterday, but had to leave Game 2 after being hit by a pitch in the first inning. Thankfully, initial x-rays were negative and Atlanta is calling Acuña “day to day.”
Aaron Judge took batting practice before Monday’s game, but ultimately the Yankees decided to put him on the 10-day IL with a right hip strain. He’s first eligible to return on May 8, not that he’s on my fantasy team and I’m desperately counting or anything.
Luis Garcia exited Monday’s start after just eight pitches due to elbow pain and is scheduled for an MRI. This after the Astros officially put José Urquidy on the 15-day IL after leaving Sunday’s start with shoulder discomfort.
Tough going in San Francisco, where the Giants placed both Brandon Crawford and Mike Yastrzemski on the 10-day IL. Brandon Crawford clarified with media that he thought the stay would be the minimum for him, and that Yastrzemski’s was a less-severe strain.
Articles You Should Read
Why baseball’s next unionization effort could come from front offices – R.J. Anderson, CBSsports.com
Strider cementing ace status in 2023 –Brent Maguire, MLB.com
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The List 5/1: Top 100 Starting Pitchers in Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Week 5
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Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)