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Inclement weather saw a game involving one of the league’s better teams (Atlanta) postponed for a second Thursday in a row, once again leaving the slate a bit bare with only eight games to pore over and little more than half a dozen winning clubs taking the field. The marquee matchup coming into the day saw the Chicago White Sox trying to avoid a sweep against the New York Yankees, while elsewhere the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets kicked off a three-game set between two of the league’s bitterest rivals. Let’s get into it.
Today’s Headlines
Pinch-Hit Benintendi Slam Lifts Sox
This was a super close affair between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees for seven innings, with each teams scratching across an early run leading to a 1-1 tie heading into the eighth inning. That’s when former Yankee Andrew Benintendi stepped up to the plate in a pinch-hit appearance with the bases loaded, and he delivered the decisive blow by depositing a grand slam into the right-field bleachers. The Yankees wasted a great start from LHP Ryan Weathers (6.1 IP, 1 ER, 8 K, 3 H, 1 BB) in this one, while on the other side the White Sox were able to capitalize on an excellent bulk outing from RHP Sean Burke (7.1 IP, 1 ER, 8 K, 5 H, 1 BB). The White Sox now travel to Detroit to take on the division-rival Tigers, while the Yankees stay in the Bronx to welcome the Cincinnati Reds to town.
Double Soto Dingers Propels Mets Past Phils
No would could accuse the Mets of having a good season coming into this week’s three-game series against bitter rivals Philadelphia, but these games always take on extra importance regardless of the current positioning in the standings. New York was able to take game 1 yesterday with a 6-4 victory thanks in large part to two home runs from superstar Juan Soto, while LHP Sean Manaea (5.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 K, 6 H, 1 BB) kept the Phillies’ bats relatively in check. This was the rare beginning, rather than conclusion, of a series on a Thursday, with a day off today due to World Cup scheduling. The rivalry will resume tomorrow.
By The Numbers
430. The longest dingers of the day came from New York Yankees 3B Ryan McMahon and Athletics‘ C Shea Langeliers, who each crushed 430-ft. blasts.
20. The most number of swing and misses on the day came, surprisingly, from Chicago White Sox RHP Sean Burke, who racked up 20 whiffs in his highly successful bulk outing against the Yankees.
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Best Moments From Yesterday
Salvy Still Got It
Kansas City Royals C/1B Salvador Perez is already a franchise legend, more beloved in Kansas City than just about any player in history, and he added to that legacy on Thursday with a franchise-record setting homer during the Royals 14-6 win over St. Louis. The blast was the 137th career home run for Perez at Kauffman Stadium, passing George Brett for the most home runs all-time at the Royals’ home park. Congrats, Salvy!
Derby Format Adjustment
The MLB announced on Thursday significant changes to the home run derby format, reverting the contest back to the swing-based version that had existed up until the 2014 season, rather than the time-based event that has taken place ever since. Rather than a certain amount of time on the clock to crank out as many swings as they can, each player will get 20 swings in round 1, and then 15 swings in each subsequent round. I’m not sure the change was necessary but it will be interesting to see how the format tweak impacts the quality of this year’s event.
Friendly Fire
Once or twice a season we get a case of friendly fire where a catcher hits his own pitcher with the ball, whether it be due to the pitcher not paying attention to a throw back, not getting out of the way of a throw down to second, etc. Some of these instances can lead to actual injury, but thankfully yesterday’s was just humorous as Seattle Mariners RHP Logan Gilbert got more scared by the ball than anything. The reaction on Adley Rutchman’s face is priceless as he ponders over his fellow catcher’s mistake.
Magic Moment for Marcus
The Milwaukee Brewers had the moment of the day yesterday by honoring 10-year-old Marcus Storm before the game. This brave soul was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer, six months ago and was just declared this week to be in remission. We’re all rooting for you, Marcus.
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Los Angeles Angels placed OF Mike Trout on the 10-day IL (right hamstring strain).
⚾ Kansas City Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr.. exited Thursday’s game in the fourth inning due to knee discomfort after making a sliding play in the field. Royals fans are anxiously awaiting further news here.
⚾ New York Yankees 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. Jr. exited Thursday’s game in the fourth inning due to groin discomfort after getting hit by a foul ball that ricocheted off the ground and into the player. The Yankees did not have an update on Chisholm’s status after the game.
⚾ Philadelphia Phillies SS Trea Turner exited Thursday’s game after the first inning after being hit by a pitch in the leg/knee area, resulting in a right calf contusion.
⚾ Philadelphia Phillies announced OF Adolis García will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn right lat tendon.
⚾ Chicago White Sox placed OF Everson Pereira on the 7-day IL with concussion symptoms after crashing into the center-field wall while making this absolutely outstanding catch in Wednesday’s game.
Articles You Should Read
“Playing Time Trends: Week 13” — Mark Steubinger, Pitcher List
“Big Kid Adds (Week 12)” — Jeff Zimmerman, FanGraphs
“We Should Account for Inherited Runners Better” — Ben Clemens, FanGraphs
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