AL Central Odds Update: Twins Still Juiced, Guardians Rising
The Minnesota Twins are hanging onto a lead atop s weakest division, the tight AL Central, but multiple teams are still in the running for the division crown.Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with Minnesota Twins -250 (Last week: -550) The Minnesota Twins are leading the AL Central with a record of 31-32.
Liam Hendriks believes his current mindset could've transformed his starter days
Liam Hendriks is one of the most formidable mental athletes in baseball.A closer by trade, he thrives on pitching the ball with vigor and anger.Partner that mentality with an absurd amount of caffeine, and you get Hendriks -- one of the most dominant closers in baseball.Before the days of Hendriks striking out batters with intensity, using abruptly colorful language on the mound and fist-pumping his way off the bump after a save, he thought of himself as lesser, according to a story done by The Athletic.
Ex-Red Sox Pitcher To Be Honored By Mets Following Retirement
Longtime Major League pitcher Bartolo Colon has officially hung up his cleats and retired from the game of baseball, taking the mound for 11 different teams over the course of 21 seasons.According to MLB Insider Héctor Gómez, the New York Mets will honor the 50-year-old pitcher with a retirement ceremony on Aug. 26 when the club hosts the Los Angeles Angels at Citi Field.
Ranking MLB's 10 Biggest Disappointments So Far in 2023
Ranking MLB's 10 Biggest Disappointments So Far in 2023
8. Carlos Correa, SS, Minnesota Twins
There were four shortstops who combined to make nearly $1 billion this offseason in free agency, and none of the four is faring very well thus far.Of the Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Trea Turner quartet, though, only Correa agreed to deals with three different franchises before finally landing back with the one he played for in 2022-this after also turning down a $35.1 million to return to that team for 2023 in the first place.
The AL Central division champions, the Minnesota Twins, won with 87 wins in a season where no other team showed interest in challenging them.
The Cleveland Guardians have been inactive in the offseason, making only one major league deal, reflecting a lack of urgency to improve despite a projected weaker division. [ more ]
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Rays hold off Padres, Orioles crushed by Cubs
Friday night was, uh, less than ideal for the Yankees.Domingo Germán struggled on the mound and before you know it, the Yankees had allowed 10 runs to the Red Sox through three innings.Needless to say, a comeback was not on the cards after that.Taking a blowout loss to Boston is always bad enough, but let's check in on the Yankees' rivals and see if they added to the misery on Friday night.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Jays upset O's, rest hold serve
The Yankees fell in extra innings to the Mets, splitting the Citi Field portion of the Subway Series with their crosstown rivals.It's hard to complain after the comeback on Tuesday saved this from being a mini-sweep, but with the way that the seventh inning played out it sure felt like the Mets were trying to give that one away.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Shane McClanahan wins his 10th, Gunnar Henderson looks like a star
The Yankees played a weekend's worth of tight games against the archrivals, and frustratingly came out on the wrong end, with the offense looking like it desperately needed its captain back.They would look to the scoreboard to see it they'd get any help, as the rest of their rivals were also busy Sunday.
The Minnesota Twins had a successful 2023 season, making the playoffs and winning their first postseason series since 2002.
The team's performance in 2023 was boosted by strong offensive production from key players like Royce Lewis and an impressive pitching staff led by Sonny Gray and Pablo Lopez. [ more ]
Braves News: AJ Smith-Shawver set for first start, Ben Heller acquisition, and more
Atlanta Braves skipper Brian Snitker confirmed on Tuesday that rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver will make his first career start either Friday or Saturday against the Washington Nationals.AJ Smith-Shawver trajectory:2021 7th round pick (217th overall)2021 8.64 ERA in four Rookie Ball starts2022 5.11 in High A 2023 1.09 ERA in first seven minor league starts, 1 HR allowed in 33 innings, 12 walks, 45 strikeouts2023 Will make 1st big-league start this weekend.-
This Day in Braves History: Atlanta signs Dallas Keuchel
Braves Franchise History 1975 - Hank Aaron spoils Nolan Ryan's bid for a second consecutive no-hitter with a sixth inning single.However, Ryan will allow just one more hit in a 6-0 win.1986 - Padres manager Steve Boros is ejected before the first pitch of the game when he tries to give umpire Charlie Williams a video tape of a disputed play in the previous night's 4-2 loss to the Braves.
Twins Sign Jeff Brigham, Brian O'Keefe To Minor League Deals
The Minnesota Twins have announced their non-roster invitees to Spring Training, which includes players on minor league deals and several recently designated for assignment.
One of the invitees is right-hander Jeff Brigham, who is coming off a disappointing year with the New York Mets and was non-tendered by the team at the end of the season. [ more ]
Column: Chicago White Sox's ugly season could get uglier if Liam Hendriks is out for long
"Winning Ugly" became the mantra of the 1983 White Sox, a team that stormed back from being 8 games under .500on May 26 to win the American League West by 20 games.Despite a postseason reckoning, that '83 season was so special to Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf that the Sox wear the sartorially-challenged uniforms from that era during Sunday home games on the South Side.
Column: Chicago White Sox's ugly season could get uglier if Liam Hendriks is out for long
"Winning Ugly" became the mantra of the 1983 White Sox, a team that stormed back from being 8 games under .500on May 26 to win the American League West by 20 games.Despite a postseason reckoning, that '83 season was so special to Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf that the Sox wear the sartorially-challenged uniforms from that era during Sunday home games on the South Side.
White Sox: Not having Luis Arraez in the division anymore is so nice
The Chicago White Sox just wrapped up a series with the Miami Marlins over the weekend.All three games in the series were decided because of a lead change in the 9th inning.The first of three was won by the White Sox in walk-off fashion.Then, the Marlins won the next two which earned them a series win.
MLB power rankings: AL Central finds new low, with no winning teams, three ghastly ones
If Major League Baseball warms to the idea of relegation, it may want to consider an entire division instead of just a single team.Yes, it's getting that bad in the American League Central.None of its five teams has a winning record and, perhaps most alarmingly, three of them occupy the bottom five positions in USA TODAY Sports' MLB power rankings â a tricky feat given that the historically terrible Oakland Athletics have signed a non-binding agreement for the No. 30 spot.
Chicago White Sox give up 5 runs in the 9th to the Miami Marlins in 5-1 loss: 'It wasn't a good day for us'
The Chicago White Sox had escaped trouble several times throughout Saturday afternoon.Until the ninth, when the Miami Marlins scored five in the inning to beat the Sox 5-1 in front of 25,793 at Guaranteed Rate Field.The Sox were three outs from their seventh victory in eight games.But then came a ninth to forget, featuring two singles, a double, a pair of walks and a fielding error as a one-run lead became a four-run deficit.
The Twins have made significant moves in the offseason, including the Jorge Polanco trade and the signing of Carlos Santana.
There hasn't been much traction on a possible trade involving catcher Christian Vazquez due to his remaining salary and disappointing performance in 2023. [ more ]
Mariners Asked About Max Kepler In Trade Talks With Twins
The Mariners sought a larger trade involving outfielder Mitch Haniger, but the discussions were not successful.
There is a logic to adding another outfielder to the Mariners' roster, as Haniger has a history of injuries and the team may need depth in the outfield. [ more ]
The Twins traded Jorge Polanco to the Mariners for MLB players Justin Topa and Anthony DeSclafani, not coming at a significant financial cost.
The Twins plan to reallocate the payroll savings from the trade to improve the roster, potentially targeting a first baseman and a right-handed hitting outfielder. [ more ]
Chicago White Sox strike out 16 times for 2nd straight game in 3-2 loss - their 3rd 1-run defeat in their last 5 games
Andrew Benintendi entered the visiting dugout in the sixth inning Friday, where he momentarily received the silent treatment.The Chicago White Sox left fielder had just circled the bases after hitting his first homer of the season.Teammates eventually all greeted Benintendi with high-fives.Not only was the wait over, but the home run gave the Sox the lead.
Chicago White Sox strike out 16 times for 2nd straight game in 3-2 loss - their 3rd 1-run defeat in their last 5 games
Andrew Benintendi entered the visiting dugout in the sixth inning Friday, where he momentarily received the silent treatment.The Chicago White Sox left fielder had just circled the bases after hitting his first homer of the season.Teammates eventually all greeted Benintendi with high-fives.Not only was the wait over, but the home run gave the Sox the lead.
Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners FREE LIVE STREAM (6/16/23): Watch MLB on Apple TV+ | Time, TV, channel
The Seattle Mariners face the Chicago White Sox in an MLB regular season game on Friday, June 16, 2023 (6/16/23) at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington.SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH MLB ON APPLE TV+ HERE Fans can watch the game for free via a trial to Apple TV+.Here's what you need to know: What: MLB regular season Who: Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners When: Friday, June 16, 2023 Where: T-Mobile Park Time: 10 p.m. ET TV: N/A Live stream: Apple TV+ (free trial) *** Here's a recent MLB story from the AP: Apple TV+ will begin its second season of "Friday Night Baseball" on April 7.
Red Sox-Yankees Postponed Due To Weather; Doubleheader Set
BOSTON - After a season-best offensive showing to begin their three-game series with the Yankees, the Red Sox will patiently await the continuation of their American League East clash until Sunday.Boston's second of three with New York was postponed due to the expected heavy rainfall for Saturday night in the Fenway Park area.
Red Sox Notes: Boston's 'Outstanding Job' At Plate Doomed Yankees
BOSTON - The Red Sox flexed their offensive firepower and unloaded on the Yankees, handing New York an ugly 15-5 loss on its first trip to Fenway Park this season on Friday night.From the very get-go, the Yankees were doomed.Boston attacked the scoreboard and New York starter Domingo German, knocking the right-hander out after tagging him for seven earned runs through the first two innings of the game, forcing the Yankees' bullpen to put in some early work, including infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who pitched in the eighth inning.
Red Sox Wrap: Offense Goes Berserk To Begin Series Vs. Yankees
BOSTON - The Red Sox crushed the Yankees, 15-5, to open up their three-game series with New York at Fenway Park on Friday night.With the victory, the Red Sox improved to 35-35 while the Yankees dropped to 39-31 on their campaign.Check out the full box score here.ONE BIG TAKEAWAYBoston's offense ( quickly) gave the Yankees problems, setting the tone early.
MLB Rumors: Brewers Sign Recently Released Red Sox Outfielder
Raimel Tapia reportedly has found a new home.The 29-year-old signed with the Brewers on Tuesday and joined the team before Milwaukee's game against the Minnesota Twins, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.Tapia was designated for assignment by the Red Sox last week and cleared waivers, which made him a free agent.
Red Sox Vs. Guardians Lineups: James Paxton Opposes Shane Bieber
The Boston Red Sox kick off a six-game road trip by facing the Cleveland Guardians in their series opener at Progressive Field on Tuesday night.The Red Sox have lost each of their last two series and are in the midst of a three-game losing skid after a set against the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays.
Tanner Houck Found This 'Unacceptable' About Start Vs. Rays
There could have been many aspects of Tanner Houck's outing Sunday against the league-leading Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park that crawled under his skin.But tying his season-high with four free passes did the trick to irritate the 26-year-old right-hander.The walks from Houck did him in as three of the four batters he gave a base on balls to came around to score for the Rays in their 6-2 win, which dropped the Red Sox to just one game above the .500
John Walton tabbed by FS1 to do play-by-play of Congressional Baseball Game
John Walton, the radio voice of the Washington Capitals, saw his season of calling NHL games end in mid-April.But he's been become an incredibly busy guy over the last few weeks.Walton, formerly the voice of the Hershey Bears, has traveled with the Capitals' AHL affiliated team cross-country (and sit with peons like me in media row) as the Chocolate and White has made its deep postseason run.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Seager's career day powers Rangers over Rays
The Yankees struck back against Boston last night, securing a 3-1 win on the backs of the likely hero of late (Gleyber Torres) and the unlikely one (Willie Calhoun).Domingo Germán also shoved outside of one mistake to Rafael Devers, which he can hardly be blamed for seeing as how he torches anyone wearing pinstripes.
Miami Marlins score 5 in the 9th to top the Chicago White Sox 5-1: 'Just 1 of those days.'
The Chicago White Sox had escaped trouble several times throughout Saturday afternoon.Until the ninth.The Miami Marlins scored five in the inning to beat the Sox 5-1 in front of 25,793 at Guaranteed Rate Field.The Sox were three outs from their seventh victory in eight games.But then came a ninth to forget, featuring two singles, a double, a pair of walks and a fielding error as a one-run lead became a four-run deficit.
Welcome y'all, it's Country Music Night at the ballpark, as the White Sox (28-35) take on the Marlins (35-28) in the opener of this three-game series.The Sox split the doubleheader yesterday with the Yankees and are now in third place in the AL Central, only 3.5 games back of the now under-.500Minnesota Twins.
White Sox win on walk-off with unexpected help from umpire
The Chicago White Sox got help from an unlikely source for a walk-off victory Saturday.With the game knotted at 1-1, Detroit Tigers reliever Jose Cisnero loaded the bases in the bottom of the 10th, and Tim Anderson came to the plate.Cisnero fired a fastball at 96.4 mph that was up and in and apparently too hot for catcher Eric Haase to handle.
Chicago White Sox face a challenging June - 7 straight series against teams with winning records, Aaron Judge and more Shohei Ohtani
The Chicago White Sox were looking to end May on a good note.Instead they found themselves trailing by seven runs after four innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field.The Sox surrendered five homers - two by Shohei Ohtani - in the 12-5 loss."If you don't regroup and come back with some energy (Friday), this thing can linger on, so it's our responsibility to make sure we nip this in the bud and get back to work and bring some energy against Detroit and hopefully win a series," manager Pedro Grifol said Wednesday.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Guardians walk off 14-inning thriller over Astros
The Yankees offense continues to sputter in Aaron Judge's absence.They had a chance in the ninth to mount a comeback against the Red Sox, but Anthony Volpe popped out to strand a pair as New York dropped the series opener, 3-2.It was a baseball-packed Friday afternoon so let's jump right into the results of the other games involving the Yankees' AL rivals.
Toronto Blue Jays Cut Player Who Defended Anti-Queer Post
The Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass, 35, on Friday, after he drew backlash and boos from fans for reposting a video on Instagram that called Target and Bud Light evil and demonic for being supportive of the L.G.B.T.Q.community.The Blue Jays announced on Friday that they had designated Bass for assignment, effectively cutting him from the team, just hours before he was set to catch a ceremonial first pitch to kick off the team's Pride Weekend for a series against the Minnesota Twins.
Berrios makes quality start as Blue Jays edge Astros for 9th win in 11 games | CBC Sports
After an inconsistent year in his first full season with Toronto, Jose Berrios is playing like the reliable starter that the Blue Jays traded for in 2021 and later signed to a long-term deal.The right-hander made his seventh quality start of the season Thursday night, tossing six innings of four-hit ball in a 3-2 win over the Houston Astros.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Shohei Ohtani steadies Angels, while Rays down Red Sox
The Yankees went into their off-day with a nice win in Los Angeles, taking the series from the Dodgers.It'll be a quieter day today as the Yankees and many of their rivals travel, but as per usual Sunday was packed with great action.Here's what you may have missed across the Junior Circuit.The Rays aren't as red-hot as they were to open the year, but they're still cruising along playing good baseball.
Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Fan Of MLB Balanced Schedule
Major League Baseball announced a wave of changes to the game prior to the 2023 season, which most notably included the pitch timer, restrictions on defensive shifts and larger bases.But one other change was made to MLB moving forward with a balanced schedule.The new balanced schedule requires all teams to play each other every season, regardless of their league or division.
Dodgers News: Dustin May Elbow Surgery Was 'Initially' Considered Possibility
The Los Angeles Dodgers are due to be without Dustin May for at least two months after he was transferred to the 60-day injured list following a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat his right elbow strain.May pitched one inning against the Minnesota Twins before coming out of his start on May 17 due to what the Dodgers initially deemed right elbow pain.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Rays rally to split Fenway doubleheader
Other than Gerrit Cole cramping up after the sixth, the Yankees couldn't ask for a much more encouraging win last night at Dodger Stadium.They got contributions from the familiar (Aaron Judge, who homered and made a terrific catch), unfamiliar (Jake Bauers, who clubbed two homers), and fresh from the airport (Oswaldo Cabrera, who went deep as well).
Dodgers Roster: Phil Bickford Placed On Injured List, Tayler Scott Recalled
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Phil Bickford on the 15-day injured list due to lower back tightness and recalled Tayler Scott from Triple-A Oklahoma City roughly one hour before first pitch against the New York Yankees on Saturday.Scott was on the Dodgers' taxi squad Friday in the event the team needed to make a roster move.
Patrick Mahomes brings ridiculous throwing motion to the baseball diamond
Patrick Mahomes does stuff like this all the time for the Kansas City Chiefs, so it was only a matter of time before he showed off his ridiculous throwing motion in front of Kansas City Royals fans.For those who don't remember, Patrick Mahomes was an incredible high school baseball player.He was a middle infielder and had a promising MLB career.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: O's extend lead with late homer
The Yankees got blitzed by the Dodgers in their series opener, giving up six runs in the first inning.It was basically over from there, though Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton had good showings in their return to the lineup at least.Meanwhile, their rivals were active before things even kicked off on the West Coast - aside from the Rays and Red Sox, who got rained out.
Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Fan Of MLB Balanced Schedule
Major League Baseball announced a wave of changes to the game prior to the 2023 season, which most notably included the pitch timer, restrictions on defensive shifts and larger bases.But one other change was made to MLB moving forward with a balanced schedule.The new balanced schedule requires all teams to play each other every season, regardless of their league or division.
Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Hicks immediately productive for O's in loss
The Yankees couldn't quite pull off the sweep, getting shutdown by an impressive pitching performance from George Kirby before eventually falling in extras, 1-0.They're off to Los Angeles to open a much-anticipated series against the Dodgers on Friday, but before we get to that, let's recap the action involving the contenders in the AL.
Chicago White Sox offense picks up Lucas Giolito with a 5-run 4th in a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels
The Chicago White Sox had just taken a three-run lead.They needed a shutdown inning in the fifth.Lucas Giolito did just that, striking out Taylor Ward and Mike Trout and getting Shohei Ohtani to fly out to right.Giolito was the winning pitcher as the Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 on Tuesday in front of 22,135 at Guaranteed Rate Field.