The Reds’ 3-0 shutout of the Angels today saw five relievers combine for 8 1/3 innings of work, after a forearm bruise forced starter Frankie Montas out of the game in the first inning. Montas was struck by a Taylor Ward line drive and was still able to throw Ward out at first base, though he then left the mound after an examination from the team trainer. X-rays revealed no … [Read more...] about NL Central Notes: Montas, Alzolay, Cardinals
Which Hot Or Cold Starts Are For Real?
The 2024 season is just a few weeks old. There’s still a lot of time for narratives to shift and plenty of exciting or deflating changes are surely coming up over the horizon. Nonetheless, the games in April count just as much as the games in September. Some clubs have already banked some valuable wins while others have put themselves in a real hole. Looking at the FanGraphs … [Read more...] about Which Hot Or Cold Starts Are For Real?
2023 Rule 5 Update: April Edition
We’re three weeks into the 2024 season, and this year’s crop of Rule 5 picks has had an atypical amount of staying power. That’s perhaps in part due to the fact that only ten players were selected in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft, but as of this writing, only one Rule 5 selection has been returned to his original organization. For those unfamiliar, in order to be eligible for the Rule … [Read more...] about 2023 Rule 5 Update: April Edition
Whitey Herzog Passes Away
Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog has passed away at 92. The Cardinals announced the news on Tuesday morning. Herzog’s family provided a brief statement, as relayed by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale (on X): “Whitey spent his last few days surrounded by his family. We have so appreciated all of the prayers and support from friends who knew he was very ill. Although it is hard … [Read more...] about Whitey Herzog Passes Away
Central Notes: Grandal, Delay, Borucki, Gipson-Long, Edman, Martínez
Alex Stumpf of MLB.com offered a series of Pirates injury updates today. Yasmani Grandal is still a few weeks away from coming off the injured list as he recovers from plantar fasciitis. However, he seems to be making good progress, and Stumpf reports that he will begin baserunning in the coming days. He has already been participating in simulated games. The two-time All-Star … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Grandal, Delay, Borucki, Gipson-Long, Edman, Martínez