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Today’s Headlines
Shane McClanahan and the Rays are unstoppable
It’s hardly news at this point but McClanahan shoved last night against the Orioles and held them scoreless through six innings. The lefty improved to 7-0 on the year and the Rays are now 29-7.
Shane McClanahan joins Matt Moore (2013) and Charlie Morton (2019) as the only @RaysBaseball starters to win each of their first seven decisions in a season. pic.twitter.com/83vsqf711u
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 9, 2023
The Willson Contreras not catching thing continues to be a peculiar story. Regardless, he delivered a big hit in his return to Wrigley Field, a booming go-ahead double to deep center off Marcus Stroman in the sixth that plated Lars Nootbaar. Chances are the ball would’ve gone out on a different night but it was one of those nights in Chicago with the wind blowing in. Either way, it was enough to key a 3-1 win for the Cardinals who now have their first win streak since April 11th-12th.
#STLCards RHP Adam Wainwright on meeting with Willson Contreras: “What we did was we sat down yesterday and just poured into him. We love this guy. We’re glad he’s here and we want him to be our guy. I think he took it well. Honestly, I don’t know if anyone’s ever told him that.”
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) May 8, 2023
Willson Contreras is at it again pic.twitter.com/MOpaGKZNFD
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 9, 2023
Mitch Keller goes the distance
Keller’s breakout season continued last night. He blanked the Rockies en route to recording the first complete game shutout from a Pirate in 370 games.
Mitch Keller ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/dx8pMGHgAU
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 8, 2023
Logan Gilbert dominates but loses
The 26-year-old righty shoved the Rangers around last night and had a perfect game cooking through six. But Marcus Semien broke it up with a leadoff single in the seventh before Josh Jung brought home the game’s first run on a sac fly. A two-out single from Jonah Heim brought home the Ranger’s second run. Gilbert ended the night with ten strikeouts but was unjustly saddled with a 2-1 loss.
Seven CONSECUTIVE Ks for Logan Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/LZXwCxyic0
— MLB (@MLB) May 9, 2023
Jon Gray twirls a gem
Gilbert was great but he was outdone by Jon Gray who turned in his best start of the year, the only blemish was a first-inning home run off the bat of Ty France. The Rangers came away with a 2-1 win and remain atop the AL West at 21-13, two games ahead of the Angels.
Jon Gray masterclass. #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/1Reg6BfJ0M
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 9, 2023
Best Moments from Yesterday
Wrigley Field homecoming
Last year, Contreras was one of the last members of the iconic 2016 championship team still with the team. The Cubs saluted him last night with a tribute video before the game.
Willson Contreras was emotional as the Cubs welcomed him back to Wrigley pic.twitter.com/C8T5tS2Zs6
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 8, 2023
Aaron Hicks finally hits one out
He’s been jeered by Yankee fans for a long while now. Let’s just say his seven-year contract with the team, which runs through 2025 with a club option for 2026 will not be remembered as one of GM Brian Cashman’s finest moments. But Hicks received a small reprieve with his first home run of the year bringing his OPS up to .439. Baby steps.
Aaron Hicks – New York Yankees (1)
pic.twitter.com/aDiyWjYjGd— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 9, 2023
Injuries and Transactions
Ramón Laureano left last night’s game in the first after crashing into the wall while making a catch. He’s in the concussion protocol.
Michael Brantley returned to the Astros last night but was not activated before the game. He should be returning soon.
Nolan Arenado was a late scratch with neck stiffness, it seems precautionary.
Nico Hoerner left last night’s game with hamstring tightness. He got hurt running the bases and it set to undergo further tests.
Corey Seager has been on the IL since 4/12 with left hamstring tightness, however, he’s on his way back and is scheduled to start a rehab assignment on Thursday.
J.P. Crawford was a late scratch last night with lingering soreness after fouling a pitch off his knee in Sunday’s game.
Ramón Urías left last night’s game with a strained left hamstring.
Articles You Should Read
Meet the 56-year-old rookie: His big break in The Show took 30 years. – Daniel Brown, The Athletic.
The long, strange history of the baseball cap. – Michael Clair, MLB.com
The pitcher who got players ejected through ventriloquism. – Matt Monagan, MLB.com
Fantasy Baseball
The List 5/8: Top 100 Starting Pitchers – Week 6 Fantasy Baseball 2023
Expected SP Schedules: Who Has the Best Matchups in Weeks 6-7
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)