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Today’s Headlines
Nito-ryu
The reigning AL MVP shut down the Mariners through seven innings and lowered his ERA to 2.43. And, yes, he drove in one of the Angels’ two runs and scored the other. He continues to do things we haven’t seen before.
And the scary thing is, it feels like he’s only getting better, especially as a pitcher. His slider was the hero last night as he tossed it 51 times, and it returned ten whiffs on 3o swings.
Players with 500+ PA *AND* 500+ batters faced, single season since 1900:
2022 Shohei Ohtani
2021 Shohei Ohtani
1919 Babe RuthOhtani is at 596 PA, 593 BF. Whenever he reaches 600 of each, he will be the 1st player since 1900 to do so with both in a season
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 18, 2022
Scott Servais on Shohei Ohtani’s wide-ranging slider tonight:
“He just changed the shapes. … The focus on Ohtani is you’ve got to get the ball up. He throws 100 mph, but he doesn’t [have to]. He gets you out with all the sliders.” pic.twitter.com/QRqk5eGBAJ
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) September 18, 2022
The Guardians keep rolling
They swept yesterday’s double-header against the Twins and now find themselves with a five-game lead in the AL Central over the White Sox. Jose Ramirez hit a home run on his birthday. And Amed Rosario had a day to remember with eight hits and sealed Game 2 with a walk-off on an error.
Not to be outdone, Shane Bieber tossed eight innings and allowed just one run, four hits, and no walks in the first game.
A birthday bomb for JRam! ? pic.twitter.com/CVQwCyBF49
— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2022
Players with a 4+ hit game in both ends of a doubleheader, divisional era (1969):
Amed Rosario, Today
Andy Van Slyke, 5/8/94
Manny Mota, 7/8/69— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 18, 2022
Athletics Call up Jordan Díaz
Signed by the A’s as an international free agent in 2016, the 22-year-old corner infielder is ranked as the team’s eighth prospect. In 120 games with Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas, he slashed a combined .326/ .366/ .515 with 19 home runs. Billed with above-average power, he’s also routinely posted K rates south of 20%.
That’s a two-run bomb for Jordan Díaz and your Aviators lead 4-1 ? pic.twitter.com/VTUWtPfZQl
— Las Vegas Aviators (@AviatorsLV) September 17, 2022
Welcome Back, Hunter Greene
The rookie right-hander returned from the IL in the second game of the Cards/Reds doubleheader and gave us a reason to believe in fire-breathing dragons as he set a record for pitches thrown over 101 with 30 (!!). The previous record holder had been Jordan Hicks, with 26 in 2019. He finished with a career-high 11 K’s over six scoreless innings.
Most 100+ mph pitches in a game (pitch-tracking era):
? Hunter Greene: 42 and counting
Most 100+ mph strikeouts in a game:
? Also, Hunter Greene: 8 and counting
(h/t @SlangsOnSports) pic.twitter.com/SX6TavDDnL
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 18, 2022
Hunter Greene, 101mph and 102mph ⛽️
5Ks thru 2. pic.twitter.com/ep4M2Siyw8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 17, 2022
Playoff Standings
Atlanta won 4-3 over the Phillies, and the Mets beat the Pirates 5-1 as the two teams remain tied in the loss column as their battle for first place in the NL East continues. The loser will have to settle for the top WC spot.
The Blue Jays beat the Orioles 6-3 and now hold the top WC with a two-game lead.
The Rays beat the Rangers 5-1 and hold a nominal half-game lead over the Mariners after their 2-1 loss to Ohtani last night for the second WC spot. The Orioles are the first team on the outside looking in at five games back.
The Brewers beat the Yankees and are now just a single game behind the Padres for the last WC spot in the NL. The Phillies hold a half-game lead for the second spot after their loss last night to Atlanta.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Willy Adames Sets a New Record
He hit his 30th home run last night off Jameson Taillon and broke the franchise record for shortstops previously held by Hall of Famer Robin Yount. The three-run shot ended up being the difference in a 4-1 win over the Yankees. He tied the record on Friday night, which just so happened to be Yount’s birthday.
ADAMES HAS THE MOST HOMERS IN A SEASON FOR A BREWERS SHORTSTOP IN TEAM HISTORY!!#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/hYV9R3Rn6k
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) September 18, 2022
Matt Wallner’s First Hit
The Twins basically had what was left of their playoff hopes crushed. But, as a consolation prize, one of their top prospects had a moment he’ll never forget; His first career hit, a home run off Shane Bieber. Not a bad way to debut.
Matt Wallner makes his first big league hit one to remember.
The @Twins‘ No. 5 prospect goes yard in his debut. pic.twitter.com/Y8h9a0uOhj
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 17, 2022
Injuries
Julio Rodríguez was a late scratch last night with lower back tightness.
Jorge Polanco had renewed soreness in his knee during a minor league game on Friday, and his return to rehab remains uncertain.
In just his second game back after returning from a broken foot, Ozzie Albies fractured his right pinky finger. He has a chance to return in the playoffs.
The Mariners placed Eugenio Suárez on the IL with a fractured right index finger.
Anthony Rizzo is expected to return today for the Yankees.
Frankie Montas is getting an MRI on his right shoulder.
Carlos Rodón should make his next start (blister).
Articles You Should Read
- Baseball’s Best Young Hitter and Pitcher Play in Japan. Ben Lindbergh, The Ringer.
- A radio host, Ken Griffey Jr. and a prospect’s 10-year trek to the majors. Nick Groke, The Athletic.
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)