It is always tough to say it was a slow night in MLB, but Friday might be one of those days.
Sure, Mookie Betts, Wander Franco and Aaron Judge each blasted a pair of homers and there were nail-biting finishes. But as far as things that would grab a headline, there wasn’t a ton of news as baseball enters its third weekend of action in 2022.
Still, there were a few things worthy of catching you up on:
3,000 Watch On Hold
Miguel Cabrera’s place in history is pretty well secured at this point. Now, the Detroit Tigers slugger is on milestone watch for his remaining time in an MLB uniform.
Unfortunately, his next entry in the history books—3,000 career hits—was delayed a day as rain washed out the Tigers’ home game against the Colorado Rockies. Cabrera will have extended shots at the mark Saturday as the Tigers and Rockies will square off in a split doubleheader. Game 1 starts at 1:10 p.m. ET.
Even Mother Nature intentionally passed on facing Miggy. pic.twitter.com/B91mOHWBYJ
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 22, 2022
Nationals Irked At Giants
For the second time in this early season, the San Francisco Giants dismissed baseball’s unwritten rules and another team got mad. This time, it was the Washington Nationals.
In the top of the ninth inning, leading 7-1 and with two outs, Thairo Estrada attempted to steal second base and tried to score on Brandon Crawford’s single. Estrada was thrown out, but the Nationals were not happy with Estrada running on the play, with shortstop Alcides Escobar and center fielder Victor Robles moving toward and gesturing into the Giants’ dugout.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said his team is going to play hard until the final out, while Nationals manager Dave Martinez said his players were upset with some things San Francisco did.
Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar and center fielder Victor Robles were not happy after Thairo Estrada attempted to steal second base and score on Brandon Crawford's single in the top of the ninth inning pic.twitter.com/90RdgRGUGz
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) April 23, 2022
Hall Makes Changes
Baseball’s Hall of Fame has downsized its committees that consider players and other personnel who do not make Cooperstown through traditional methods.
Now there will be three panels: Contemporary Baseball Era (player ballot, 1980-present), Contemporary Baseball Era (nonplayers), and Classic Baseball Era (all personnel before 1980). The three will rotate years for voting, with the Contemporary player ballot scheduled for December, followed by the Contemporary nonplayers, and then Classic. To be considered, individuals must be retired for more than 15 years.
Previously, there were four committees: Today’s Game (1988-2016), Modern Baseball (1970-87), Golden Days (1950-69), and Early Baseball (1871-1949).
The Hall of Fame has announced the restructuring of the Era Committee elections, along with changes to the Frick Award balloting and election processes.
Details: https://t.co/KMnjRGINph pic.twitter.com/XNohDl6yg9
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) April 22, 2022
Injury Roundup
Giants: Starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was placed on the 10-day IL with right ankle inflammation. The injury originally happened Aug. 18 and the Giants thought it was under control with cortisone shots. A timetable for DeSclafani’s return is not known. Outfielder Steven Duggar was placed on the 60-day IL with an oblique injury.
Dodgers: Reliever Blake Treinen went on the 10-day IL with right shoulder discomfort. Treinen, a key setup man, hadn’t pitched in eight days.
Padres: Reliever Pierce Johnson hit the 10-day IL with right elbow tendinitis.
White Sox: Center fielder Luis Robert is not expected to see action in this weekend’s series against the Minnesota Twins due to a minor groin strain. Following an MRI exam, manager Tony La Russa said Robert could return Tuesday.
Cubs: Outfielder Clint Frazier went on the 10-day IL due to appendicitis.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)