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Today’s Headlines
Best of the Best
Zach Eflin pitched seven scoreless innings against the Pirates helping the Rays to a three-game sweep. The Pirates have now lost four straight games after starting off hot. Both teams remain in first place in their respective divisions. Pirates’ pitcher Vince Velasquez left the game after just three innings with elbow discomfort. Velasquez’s career-best winning streak of 19 1/3 innings also ended after allowing the Rays one run and two hits.
10Ks, no walks?
Pretttyyy pretttyyy Eflin good pic.twitter.com/8h9ZHIwido
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 4, 2023
The Return
Justin Verlander was welcomed back to Detroit by Tigers fans before giving up back-to-back home runs during his Mets debut. Riley Greene and Javier Báez hit solo homers off Verlander, and the Mets offense didn’t provide any assistance. The Tigers beat Verlander and the Mets 2-0.
The @Tigers take charge with back-to-back jacks! pic.twitter.com/zJBKGg3VJl
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2023
Struggles In Cleveland
The Guardians optioned right-hander Zach Plesac to Triple-A Columbus. Plesac has been off to a rough start, owning a 7.59 ERA and 4.58 FIP over five starts and 21 1/3 innings. Most recently, Plesac gave up five runs, eight hits, and walked one in 3 1/3 innings, only earning one strikeout against the Red Sox. Peyton Battenfield will get his Friday start against the Twins.
Roster move
+RHP Zach Plesac optioned to AAA Columbus
+Rotationf for the weekend is Peyton Battenfield (Fri.), Logan Allen (Sat.) and Cal Quantrill (Sun.)— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) May 4, 2023
Down Bad Up North
The Blue Jays have lost five in a row, four of those from a four-game sweep by the Red Sox. Boston won its sixth game in a row to eke out a spot just ahead of the Blue Jays in the AL East. Toronto moves on to face the Pirates, who also have a losing streak at the moment.
In 19 games last year, the Blue Jays outscored the Red Sox 125-55.
Over this four-game series, the Red Sox outscored them 32-19.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) May 5, 2023
Acuna Jr. Piles Up Injuries
Ronald Acuña Jr. was pulled in the sixth inning against the Marlins after he fouled a ball off his left knee. He was on the ground clutching his knee for a while before returning to the four-pitch at-bat. This comes just days after he was removed in the second game of a double-header against the Mets. Acuna was hit by a 93 mph fastball from Tylor Megill. He left the game with a bruised left shoulder.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Raffy Blast
Rafael Devers drives two in on a double during a five-run inning for the Red Sox.
Raffy caps off a 5-run 2nd for the @RedSox. pic.twitter.com/mOnWkW5dzR
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2023
Call Me Later
Alex Call launched a game-winning home run to start the series against the Cubs.
Alex Call(s) game!
(MLB x @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/ZSS9lTdZ9N
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2023
1000 Ks
Eduardo Rodriguez amassed his 1000th strikeout against Tommy Pham.
Congratulations to @eduardorod5 on his 1,000th career strikeout! pic.twitter.com/4EennzQeXr
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 4, 2023
The Force Was With Them
Sit back, relax, and watch all the best home runs from Thursday.
These ARE the home runs you're looking for. pic.twitter.com/3JztthIlAz
— MLB (@MLB) May 5, 2023
Injuries
Jake Burger is on the 10-day IL with left side discomfort.
Kyle Isbel was removed from Thursday’s game against Baltimore with a left hamstring strain.
Vince Velasquez is considered day-to-day after exiting Thursday’s game with right elbow discomfort.
Nolan Gorman is considered day-to-day after being removed from Thursday’s game due to lower back tightness.
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