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Today’s Headlines
First Derby For Bobby Witt Jr.
It was announced yesterday that the Royals young superstar would be putting on his derby cap and joining one of the most anticipated events of the All-Star Weekend in Texas. Witt is in the top-30 home run hitters in the league with fifteen long bombs so far this season, putting up career-high marks in slugging (.540) and ISO (.240) this season. Witt hit 30 home runs last season and will look to show off his power swing during the event.
Bobby Baseball is about to put on a show.
See you at the Home Run Derby! pic.twitter.com/zm1rPZsqhe
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 8, 2024
“It’s an honor just to be able to be asked to do that and kind of represent the Royals,” said Witt, who is sixth in barrels per plate appearance at 11.4%.
He’ll be joining Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Gunnar Henderson, and Marcell Ozuna as the cast thus far. There are some rule changes this year, including the knockout stages not starting til the second round, a pitch limit, and changes in structure to the bonuses and tie breakers.
And did you see the Derby Champ chain? Should be a fun event.
Behold: The 2024 Home Run Derby Chain 💎
The chain will be presented to the winner of this year’s @TMobile #HRDerby! pic.twitter.com/NfQSAnWTNT
— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2024
Rendon Returns
Anthony Rendon was activated off the injured list and hit leadoff for the Angels last night after missing three months due to a hamstring strain. He was out of a total of 68 games after playing the first 19. He is expected to still need some time at the designated hitter spot before being able to play at the hot corner on consecutive days.
Rendon said he only just started running the bases in the last week but was able to get through yesterday’s game just fine, contributing an RBI in the debut.
Well Known Rendon ✅
Angels Anthony Rendon singles & Mickey Moniak scores.
Rangers 9 – Angels 4 Bottom 7th
Credit: Ballys#TEXvsLAA #RepTheHalo #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/1W3v5hhgVe— Anaheim Sports (@AnaheimSports1) July 9, 2024
Injuries have long plagued the Angels and their top players, Rendon and Mike Trout have been in the lineup together only 118 times in 576 games since 2021. Trout is recovering from surgery and hopes to rejoin the Halos in late July.
It will hopefully be a turning point for the struggling club.
Atlanta Gives Ace, Rotation Extra Rest
No injury news to go along with the pushback of Chris Sale’s upcoming start, but more so a preemptive precaution as the team plays a full week of games leading into the all star weekend.
Atlanta called up Bryce Elder to man the mound last night, and he did so effectively against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sale will instead pitch today in a marquee matchup against Zac Gallen. With Sale expected to pitch again on Sunday, there is little to no chance we see him starting for the National League in the All-Star game on July 16th
Giants Hold Public Memorial For Willie Mays
San Fransisco did not play Monday night, but the field was still packed in celebration and memorial of the life of Willie Mays. Flowers adorned Mays’s statue at the park. Names such as Bill Clinton, Joe Torre, Rob Manfred, Dusty Baker, Reggie Jackson, Ricky Henderson, Bob Lurie, and more were all in attendance to pay their respects to one of the greatest of all time.
Here are some of the highlights:
"The effort is the prize."
Powerful remark from @BillClinton on the legacy of Willie Mays: pic.twitter.com/FzsqIIgrk8
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 9, 2024
A classic Willie Mays story from Dusty Baker pic.twitter.com/sxYo5cTAWz
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 9, 2024
Best Moments From Yesterday
Rece Hinds Tattoos One In Debut
First game, first home run absolutely crushed – welcome to the show Rece Hinds!
The Reds may have found a little extra pop for their lineup. Long known as a raw-power prospect, Hinds showed why; blasting this 91 MPH slider almost 450 feet into the second deck.
The solo blast gave the Reds a third insurance run against the Rockies, who they’d go on to defeat 6-0 behind a stellar effort from starter Andrew Abbott.
FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE FEET FOR HIS FIRST MLB CAREER HOMER@ReceHinds pic.twitter.com/FOMHyjV4cs
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 9, 2024
Matt Olson Flexes The Leather
What an evening in the field for Olson, the Atlanta first baseman stayed busy with two impressive plays.
First making a last-second adjustment to a near foul ball by fielding it behind his back…
"What?!"
Matt Olson fields this ball behind his back! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/n7YcRVzCc4
— MLB (@MLB) July 7, 2024
then making the over-the-back bucket catch and still having the composure to get the ball into the catcher to prevent the lead from being cut to just one.
WHAT A PLAY BY MATT OLSON! pic.twitter.com/OjDaTfCKtT
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2024
Take a bow, Matt! Wow.
Final Out Game Tying Slam
This game really had it all, including a skin of the teeth come-back victory for Atlanta. Diamondback fans, look away. Down to their final batter, Sean Murphy took Paul Sewald for a ride to deep right center to tie the game up and send it into extra innings.
Sean Murphy ties the game with 2 outs in the 9th! pic.twitter.com/F20z7Viko5
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2024
Both teams scored their ghost runner in the 10th, but Arizona ultimately failed to answer Atlanta in the 11th and would lose 5-4.
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Lars Nootbaar was activated from the 10-day IL
⚾ Javier Báez was activated from the 10-day IL and Parker Meadows was placed on the IL in a corresponding move for a hamstring strain.
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