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
Best in the West
It’s clinchin’ season. Five days after the Dodgers laid claim to the N.L. West crown, the Houston Astros became the second team to punch their ticket to the 2022 postseason on Monday. They sealed the deal by beating the Rays 4-0, clinching the A.L. West for the fifth time in six seasons.
For the 5th time in 6 years, the @astros are AL West CHAMPS. #CLINCHED pic.twitter.com/qj2rTRYJLA
— MLB (@MLB) September 20, 2022
The Astros currently sit 15 games ahead of second-place Seattle — if that stands, it would be their largest division-winning margin since 2017, when they lapped the second-place Angels by 21 games. We know how that one ended. There wasn’t much suspense with this race, but that doesn’t make the celebration any less sweet:
There is something truly wrong with you if you don’t love Dusty Baker pic.twitter.com/EYhEKMdpnV
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 20, 2022
Now get that man a cigar and some aspirin.
Max Efficiency
Monday’s feature showdown was a clash of aces: Corbin Burnes for Milwaukee, facing off against Max Scherzer and the Mets. But the New York offense clearly didn’t get the memo:
Absolutely CRUSHED! #LGM pic.twitter.com/jpuleAbFbU
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 20, 2022
The Mets would go on to hang five earned runs on Burnes, the third time he’s allowed that many in his last five starts. Meanwhile, Scherzer was literally perfect:
Mad Max exits after 6 perfect innings in his return from the IL pic.twitter.com/BWUplpSiZs
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 20, 2022
That’s 18 up, 18 down, for those scoring at home. But Scherzer was pulled in the seventh, being as he was fresh off the IL. The Mets bullpen wasn’t able to keep the perfecto alive, but they did enough to lock up the win — and a playoff ticket for the first time in six long years.
The 2022 Mets are headed to the postseason! pic.twitter.com/0pZlU6OKQo
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 20, 2022
Slamtana, M’s Banish Angels
No other teams clinched the Playoffs last night, but we know at least one more who won’t be joining the fun. After Monday’s 9-1 loss to Seattle, the Los Angeles Angels are officially sitting out of October for the eighth straight year.
The Angels have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/YckoVRUCCh
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 19, 2022
Another year, another grand disappointment for the Halos. But with a Wild Card spot in their sights, the Mariners look ready to exorcise some serious demons…
Rye bread. Mustard. Grand Salami time. pic.twitter.com/SzsFlHF4hz
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 19, 2022
Carlos Santana had two home runs on the day, and Logan Gilbert struck out 11 in six solid frames. Thanks to Baltimore’s loss, the M’s Wild Card lead stands at five today.
Best Moments from Yesterday
The French Connection
Speaking of those scrappy Mariner men, Santana wasn’t the only one to leave the yard on Monday. Ty France sent this ball out to left center with pizzazz:
Ty France dingers are always a good time 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/j5ZdQ7lfps
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 19, 2022
But the real question is, was he aiming for the flag? The world may never know.
Ty France's homer just now sailed right over an ad with a 🇫🇷 flag here at Angel Stadium … Can't make it up. pic.twitter.com/OXYVV5qjIn
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) September 19, 2022
Burly Birds of a Feather
Back in the Flushing, SNY got a kick out of the Rowdy Tellez-Daniel Vogelbach convergence:
"It's like Vogelbach left and they needed somebody to take over his uniform" 😭 pic.twitter.com/OPXWoVhTMc
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 20, 2022
Here at Pitcher List, we love all of our Extra-Chunky Adult Sons equally.
Masters of the Blade
Meanwhile in Atlanta, the defending champs were not about to start the week losing ground in the division. Eddie Rosario socked this ball well into the Cobb County evening to help the home team…
Eddie Rosario into the seats 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QXrOYcZa5H
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 20, 2022
Back in the dugout, he was rewarded the only way that makes sense in this cruel, confusing world: a sword-fight with Guillermo Heredia.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2022
Atlanta did manage to hold on for the win, keeping them within one game of first in the N.L. East.
Hustle Don’t Stop
Finally, that brings us to our play of the day: this ball boy, laying out to snag a foul ball.
Get him a Gold Glove Award ASAP! pic.twitter.com/3Bhv83PV5S
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 20, 2022
10/10, no notes. A true student of the game.
Injury News
- Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers is officially shut down for the season, after injuring his leg during Saturday’s start.
- In addition to Scherzer, who returned from the 15-day IL on Monday, the Mets reinstated Tylor Megill to the active roster. Megill hasn’t pitched since June while dealing with shoulder soreness.
- Miguel Cabrera was activated from the 10-day IL on Monday, no doubt invigorated after seeing what Albert Pujols is up to lately.
Articles You Should Read
Jason Delay almost left baseball behind. It’s a good thing he didn’t — Justice delos Santos, MLB.com
Yandy Diaz is an Outlier — John Foley, Pitcher List (Going Deep)
How MLB’s New Rules Will — and Won’t — Change the Game — Jayson Stark, The Athletic
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)