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Today’s Headlines
50-50 Watch: Ohtani Steals 47th Bag
We’re tiptoeing towards history for Shohei Ohtani with his race to join the 50-50 club just a few weeks from the clock striking midnight. The steals side seems all but locked up with 16 contests still remaining and the Los Angeles phenom sitting at 46-47, but a home run every four games will not be a simple feat. While it should be possible at the current pace, we’ve seen teams and pitchers shy away from being the ones to allow for records to be broken in the final games. Could we see Ohtani robbed?
Here’s the 47th steal:
Even Shohei Ohtani can't believe how close he is to 50/50 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZGnssy32Y4
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Kumar Rocker To Start Thursday
The Texas Rangers are promoting right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker to make his MLB debut on Thursday against the Mariners. Rocker, who starred at Vanderbilt and was drafted 10th overall by the Mets in 2021, faced setbacks including shoulder surgery and Tommy John surgery before being selected third overall by the Rangers in 2022. He has excelled in the minors this season with a 1.96 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings. With the Rangers unlikely to make the playoffs, evaluating Rocker’s potential for next season is a key focus.
Best Rangers pitching prospect I’ve ever seen. Maybe the best overall prospect. Here’s Kumar Rocker’s first 3 hitters tonight. 9 pitches, 7 strikes, 2Ks. Absolute beast. Get as excited as you want to ‘bout this dude. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/F20TIwSocA
— Tepid Participation (@TepidP) September 7, 2024
Skenes Breaks Pirates Strikeout Record
Adding to his already impressive rookie season, Paul Skenes set a new Pirates franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie with 143, surpassing the previous mark set in 1900. Skenes achieved this milestone during last night’s game against the Marlins, where he notched nine strikeouts (finishing with 151 so far on the year) and led the Pirates to a 3-2 victory. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has excelled with a 2.13 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 114 innings, showcasing his talent and exceeding all but the highest of high expectations. As the Pirates plan to be cautious with his remaining starts, Skenes’ performance offers hope for the team’s future.
Not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven, not eight .. pic.twitter.com/5zMfxvYtsm
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 10, 2024
Guardians Rookie Retires 20 Straight
Joey Cantillo delivered a standout performance at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday, pitching 6.2 perfect innings before allowing his first hit. Despite giving up an RBI single to the 21st batter, Cantillo’s near no-hitter earned him a roaring ovation from Cleveland fans and contributed to the Guardians’ 5-3 win over the White Sox, expanding their lead in the AL Central to 3.5 games. Cantillo, who has faced tough opponents in his brief MLB career, showcased his potential after battling injuries and adjusting his pitches.
Joey Cantillo retired the first 20 batters in a row and picked up his first Major League win. pic.twitter.com/VoMkGfwVuL
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Yankees Call Up Domínguez, Win Behind Wells
On a night of high anticipation, the Yankees’ top prospect Jasson Domínguez made his return to the major-league level, but it was Austin Wells who stole the show in a 10-4 win over the Royals. Wells hit a pivotal three-run home run in the seventh inning, giving the Yankees a lead they would not relinquish. Despite some early defensive mishaps and a challenging outing for Carlos Rodón, who was victimized by errors, the Yankees’ offense surged against the Royals’ shaky bullpen. The victory extends New York’s AL East lead to 1.5 games and showcases Wells’ growing Rookie of the Year credentials, with Domínguez’s debut adding to the team’s excitement as they continue their homestand.
All Too Wells (Austin's Version) pic.twitter.com/zcThgotHo4
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Best Moments From Yesterday
Refsnyder and O’Neill Go Back-to-Back Twice
You can’t really have a better evening if you’re the Boston Red Sox power duo. Rob Refsnyder and Tyler O’Neill put an emphasis on a big Boston win as they chase the final Wild Card spot in the American League with two sets of back-to-back home runs over the Baltimore Orioles.
This is NOT a replay.
Rob Refsnyder and Tyler O'Neill go back-to-back for the @RedSox for the second time tonight! pic.twitter.com/nsCBJ6fIIs
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Kody Clemens Walks Off Rays
Big moment for the Phillies as Kody Clemens delivered a walk-off hit with the bases loaded on Monday to beat the Rays in the bottom of the 9th.
Kody Clemens walks it off for the @Phillies 🔔 pic.twitter.com/262LW7140x
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
This game probably ends as 1-0 after the top of the ninth inning in the majority of scenarios, however, this especially weird home run from Brandon Lowe tied it up late. You have to see it to believe it. The outfielder essentially carried it over the wall himself…
Caught?
Nope.
Home run. pic.twitter.com/XlYGs1fJTw
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Anthony Santander Hits 40th HR
Santander has put up one of the quietest 40 home run seasons in baseball. Not hearing or talking about his performance more, outside of Baltimore fan spaces, speaks to the star power that the sport has across all thirty teams.
Anthony Santander is the first @Orioles player to hit 40 home runs in a season since Mark Trumbo in 2016 💪 pic.twitter.com/ebrwVWPDiz
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Paul Blackburn (back) is likely to miss the Blue Jays series.
⚾ Brusdar Graterol (hamstring) is likely to be activated before Wednesday’s game against the Cubs.
⚾ J.T. Realmuto (knee) could be ready to go for Friday’s series opener against the Mets.
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