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Today’s Headlines
White Sox Set Consecutive Loss Record Behind Flexen
There has not been a wider range of record chasing and breaking in an MLB season for as long as I can remember. We are witnessing a year where Aaron Judge chases his own American League home run record and Shohei Ohtani goes for a 50-50 year with incredible Cy Young and Rookie of the Year races. At the same time, however, we are also seeing the Chicago White Sox close in on being the worst team in the Modern Era by record, and certainly the least competitive baseball team within the lifetime of the vast majority of fantasy baseball players.
The @whitesox are 4-41 in their last 45, a winning percentage of .089. They've lost Chris Flexen's last 20 starts, an MLB record. They are 31-108. That's the most losses in franchise history and on pace to shatter the all-time loss record of 120 by the 1962 Mets.
— Dave Miller (@ChiSoxDave) September 3, 2024
On Monday, the Southside Sox lost their 20th straight game in which Chris Flexen started. Flexen has a 5.36 ERA this season to go along with a 4.83 xERA and 4.90 PLV. His fastball is in the 8th percentile by Pitch Level Value and while the cutter is a decent pitch, that’s about it for Flexen. The White Sox still have to go out and compete every day, no matter how bleak it gets, so while it’s a bit of an unsightly record, it’s still a testament to the mental fortitude breaking such an unsightly record requires.
The White Sox are, overall, 2-27 when Flexen starts. They won two games behind him early in the season, both against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Jacob DeGrom To Pitch Saturday?
That’s certainly the way it’s looking. To be clear, he has been pitching, he just made another Triple-A rehab start and struck out five batters on just 43 pitches, but instead of his final rehab start it looks like he will be with the big league club this weekend.
Jacob deGrom just told us that the Rangers are discussing him starting with the big league club this weekend, as opposed to making a final rehab start with Double-A Frisco
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) September 2, 2024
There’s no telling how many pitches he throws, but it’s likely going to be a limited effort. Nonetheless, baseball is better when DeGrom is pitching.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Returns from 60-Day IL
The San Diego Padres have been missing their star outfielder for over two months. Fernando Tatis Jr. had been out with a stress fracture in his right hip since June 21st.
The Petco Park crowd welcomes Fernando Tatis Jr. back after being activated off the injured list today 🫶 pic.twitter.com/B1NSgC3XLM
— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2024
White Tatis went 0-for-4 in his return, the Padres won 3-0 over the Tigers and it was the energy change in the Padres clubhouse that was felt the most. From players like ROY favorite Jackson Merrill to veterans and leadership alike, the boost that getting a player like Tatis back was palpable for San Diego. With a tight NL West race ahead of them in the next few weeks, there is not much of a better time to get back the former Golden Glove-winning outfielder.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Adames Ties Brewers’ Consecutive Home Run Record
Willy Adames has homered in 5 consecutive games, tying the longest streak by a shortstop since 1900 https://t.co/Oqc4nflLxg
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 2, 2024
29 years old and having his most productive season in the bigs yet, Willy Adames added to his impressive streak by hitting a home run in his fifth straight game. The shortstop position has long been void of power hitters who can help a team’s slugging, but Adames is part of the current wave of middle infielders that can do it all. He has 99 RBI which is fourth best in the majors and leads the next two National League shortstops by 18 (Lindor) and 31 (Cruz) in the category.
Ohtani Steals 45th and 46th Base
Stolen bases No. 45 AND 46 for Shohei Ohtani!
He's just 4 SB and 6 HR from the first 50/50 season in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/VVERY2ZsFo
— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2024
It’s starting to feel as though Shohei Ohtani is determined to break the 50-50 club’s walls down for the first time in MLB history. He’s just four stolen bases from the first half of the battle and six home runs away. Personally, I wouldn’t want to stand between this man and what he puts his mind to. I have full confidence that he will be able to get within a home run or two, the biggest issue is whether teams will continue to pitch to him if he has 49 home runs if they have any ability to avoid being the ones who allowed the final home run. We saw something similar with Judge a couple of years back.
Stanton Records 10th 25+ Home Run Season
There are plenty of opinions about Giancarlo Stanton, but one thing is undeniable: the man has elite power. On Monday, he became the only active player with 25 home runs in 10 separate seasons. He is closing in on 500 home runs, and, if he gets there, he is likely to make the Hall of Fame. Even in his older age he still is atop the bat speed leaderboards, the barrel per plate appearance leaderboards, and the distance leaderboards.
Giancarlo Stanton is the the only active player with at least 10 seasons of 25+ HR, breaking a tie with Mike Trout (nine seasons). https://t.co/xvJsRJU4lS
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 3, 2024
Langeliers Walks Off Mariners with Second Home Run
Shea Langeliers’ SECOND homer of the day and his first career #walkoff hit wins it for the @Athletics! pic.twitter.com/nNbSDU2X3G
— MLB (@MLB) September 3, 2024
Not exactly what Mariners fans want to see, as the A’s took the opening game of the series behind Langeliers’ big day. The Athletics catcher continues to have his best season yet, hitting an 111 OPS+ with 25 home runs.
Injuries and Other Moves
âš¾ Jordan Montgomery (ARI) took a comebacker off the leg on Monday which forced him to depart the game early.
âš¾ Gerrit Cole (NYY) exited early on Monday due to right calf cramping.
âš¾ Justin Steele (CHC) was scratched from his Tuesday start with elbow soreness, it is hoped to be a quick return for the Cubs pitcher.
âš¾ Byron Buxton (MIN) was sent for a rehab stint in Triple-A, he’s been dealing with right hip inflammation.
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