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Commercials for bet365 repeatedly pop up between innings while I watched games on MLB.tv today. On Thursday, Tyler O’Neill dinged the ad board for DraftKings above the Green Monster in Fenway Park. We all know that sports betting is not only legal but directly connected to the league via pervasive advertisements and a seemingly endless string of gambling stories. Here’s the News & Moments from June 5 about a lifetime ban and four suspensions. On June 9, Bob Nightengale from USA TODAY published a story on players receiving death threats from gamblers. Yesterday, we heard news about discipline for an umpire, in a season that started with a scandal that swirled around the sport’s biggest global name and his right-hand man.
This intro should be about sympathy for Patrick Wisdom and his incredibly shrinking home run at Wrigley. Or about the electric game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles that had fans dreaming of more from them in October. But gambling stories aren’t going away soon, and they’re connected to the integrity of the game, so we have to address it. Let’s get to it, then get back to baseball.
Today’s Headlines
Umpire Disciplined for Sports Betting
Major League Baseball announced that Pat Hoberg, one of MLB’s top-rated umpires, will be disciplined for violating the league’s sports gambling policy, according to a report by The Athletic.
That decision is currently awaiting review after the Major League Umpires Association appealed on Hoberg’s behalf.
BREAKING: MLB has disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league’s gambling rules.
Hoberg is said to be appealing the decision.
Full story from @Ken_Rosenthal and @EvanDrellich ⤵️https://t.co/jAiDXTyaui pic.twitter.com/QETIUOi6tF
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 14, 2024
In an official statement about the discipline, MLB said, “During this year’s Spring Training, Major League Baseball commenced an investigation regarding a potential violation of MLB’s sports betting policies by Umpire Pat Hoberg. Mr. Hoberg was removed from the field during the pendency of that investigation. While MLB’s investigation did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way, MLB determined that discipline was warranted. Mr. Hoberg has chosen to appeal that determination. Therefore, we cannot comment further until the appeal process is concluded.”
Hoberg responded in a statement: “I am appealing Major League Baseball’s determination that I should be disciplined for violating the sports betting policies. While that appeal is pending, it would not be appropriate to discuss the case. That said, I have devoted my adult life to the profession of umpiring, and the integrity of baseball is of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process, and I am grateful that the Major League Baseball Umpires Association is supporting me in the appeal.”
A year ago, Hoberg was the central figure in a USA TODAY profile with this sentence as the second line: “Only the perceived worst draw recognition.” Hoberg is regarded as one of the best, and he’s most famous for calling 100% of pitches correctly in Game 2 of the 2022 World Series according to Ump Scorecards.
🚨PERFECT GAME🚨
Umpire: Pat Hoberg
Final: Phillies 2, Astros 5#RingTheBell // #LevelUp#PHIvsHOU // #HOUvsPHI#PostseasonMore stats for this game 👇https://t.co/Ic52HanqPA pic.twitter.com/ZfTCNpLU5y
— Umpire Scorecards (@UmpScorecards) October 30, 2022
Hoberg denied betting on baseball. There’s been no timetable published for the resolution of the appeal.
Phillies Top Orioles in Thriller
The contest between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies warrants its own Best Moments section.
June Kyle Schwarber took Orioles starter Kyle Bradish deep for the first time this season to lead off the game.
Kyle Bradish hasn’t allowed a home run all season.
Kyle Schwarber: hold my beer
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) June 14, 2024
Phillies reliever Matt Strahm had given up two earned runs all season, but Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander pulled a fastball up and away over the Great Wall of Baltimore to tie the game in the eighth.
Tony Taters had a craving 🥔 pic.twitter.com/8E4MygWAtH
— MLB (@MLB) June 15, 2024
Cedric Mullins beat the perfect bounce back to Phillies catcher Rafael Marchán and snuck his left hand to the plate. Replay overturned the initial out call and the Orioles tied the game 3-3 with two outs in the bottom of the 10th.
The Phillies thought they won the game in the 10th inning but you cant escape Cedric Mullins @StoolBaseball @Barstooldmv pic.twitter.com/9pzRq2ViTA
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 15, 2024
After a rain delay in the 11th, Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm sent a ball just out of the reach of Orioles left fielder Austin Hays and the Phillies won 5-3.
Alec Bohm doubles to give the Phils a two-run lead in the 11th! pic.twitter.com/vnb0fbBBxI
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 15, 2024
Yankees Win 50th in Verdugo’s Return
No beard. “New York” on his chest. 24 in navy on his back. Alex Verdugo was expected to be greeted like a rival, and he embraced the role on the first pitch he saw as a visitor to Fenway. The former Boston Red Sox outfielder heard boos, enjoyed his home run trot, and went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs.
Alex Verdugo was HYPED after homering on his first pitch back at Fenway Park. pic.twitter.com/48dKjpoZ8f
— MLB (@MLB) June 14, 2024
The New York Yankees traded right-handed reliever Greg Weissert (28.2 IP in 29 appearances for Boston) and two current minor league pitchers for Verdugo in November. The 8-1 win moved the Yankees 14 games ahead of the Red Sox and made them the first team to reach 50 wins this season.
New York could add reinforcements soon: 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole struck out 10 in 4.1 IP in a Triple-A rehab start yesterday.
Astros Release Abréu
The Houston Astros released first baseman José Abreu. The 2020 American League MVP signed a 3-year, $58.5 million deal with the defending World Series champions before the 2023 season. He slashed .218/.275/.351 with a 74 OPS+ in 176 games with the Astros.
Thank you for everything, José. We wish you the best of luck! pic.twitter.com/fY5cVCpAyp
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 14, 2024
In nine seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Abréu slashed .292/.354/.507 with a 135 OPS+. He posted his third-highest bWAR total (4.3) the year before signing with Houston but couldn’t replicate his success. Houston still owes Abréu $30 million on a deal that runs through next season.
Mauricio Dubón played first base for the Astros in Friday’s 4-0 win over the Detroit Tigers. Jon Singleton leads the team in games played at first this season (38).
Best Moments From Yesterday
Coffee Mike
Bobson Dugnutt. Jon Dowd. Now, Mike Imanaga II. Someone has to be printing t-shirts right now.
Shota Imanaga’s locker in #Cubs clubhouse has a new name on it: “Mike Imanaga II”
Why?
Mike is his coffee name when he orders his cup of Joe because it’s easier than Shota.
And the “II”?
“It just sounds cool.”
— Andy Martínez (@amartinez_11) June 14, 2024
6-4-3
Bobby Witt Jr. ranged into short left field to turn a base hit into a spectacular double play on his 24th birthday.
Bobby Witt Jr. makes an incredible catch and the Royals get the double play! pic.twitter.com/ISVz3JCgTa
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 15, 2024
Pagés Turned
Rookie catcher Pedro Pagés broke a scoreless tie at Wrigley with his first career home run and the St. Louis Cardinals won the series opener 3-0 against the Chicago Cubs. Kyle Gibson gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out six over 7.0 IP for St. Louis.
Pagés into the basket for his first Major League home run! #ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/Y7fLgYusOi
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 14, 2024
Cubs first basemen Patrick Wisdom nearly answered Pagés in the bottom of the eighth, but the Wrigley weather turned a no-doubter into a stunning flyout.
Just your casual 111 mph flyout to the left-field wall into the wind at Wrigley Field. Patrick Wisdom looked stunned.
HR in 20 ballparks, and probably is here on another day. pic.twitter.com/06PBXNbcgN
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) June 14, 2024
If you're wondering by how much the wind affected Patrick Wisdom's shoulda-been-a-homer today, the fine folks at Statcast3D and @WeatherApplied have you covered.
It was only .. SIXTY TWO FEET, thanks wind. Sorry @cubs. pic.twitter.com/523QvqiD1h
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) June 15, 2024
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Michael Harris II left the game in the first inning with left hamstring tightness. The Atlanta center fielder pulled up as he approached third base.
⚾ Chicago White Sox designated hitter/outfielder Eloy Jiménez hit a home run and a double in his first rehab assignment action at the Arizona Complex League. They reinstated outfielder Tommy Pham from the 10-day IL, called up right-handed pitcher Chad Kuhl from Triple-A, and optioned outfielder Zach DeLoach and right-handed pitcher Jordan Leasure to Triple-A.
⚾ The Tampa Bay Rays released designated hitter/outfielder Harold Ramírez. He is able to sign with any team as a free agent.
⚾ The Pittsburgh Pirates traded left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations. Los Angeles optioned Hernandez to Triple-A and transferred right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier (right calf strain) from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL.
⚾ The San Francisco Giants reinstated shortstop Nick Ahmed from the 10-day IL. They reinstated infielder Marco Luciano and optioned him and infielder Casey Schmitt to Triple-A.
⚾ The Kansas City Royals traded catcher Logan Porter to the Giants for cash considerations or a player to be named.
⚾ The Toronto Blue Jays recalled utility player Addison Barger from Triple-A and designated designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach for assignment.
⚾ Jordan Wicks left his start for the Chicago Cubs in the second inning with an oblique injury.
⚾ The Boston Red Sox released first baseman Garrett Cooper. He is able to sign with any team as a free agent.
⚾ The Baltimore Orioles announced that top prospect Jackson Holliday is going on the Triple-A IL with right elbow inflammation.
⚾ Jake Cave was scratched from the Colorado Rockies lineup after being hit by a ball and suffering a cut on his head in batting practice.
⚾ Oneil Cruz was scratched from the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup with left ankle soreness.
Articles You Should Read
What’s Up With Kevin Gausman? — Tanner McGrath, Pitcher List
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurtwasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram)