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It was Jackie Robinson day on Monday, and players showed out in both their play and style! Big performances narrated the action: game shifting innings, impressive debuts, shut outs, web gems, home run streaks and more!
Today’s Headlines
John Sterling Retires as Yankees Voice.
John Sterling, the voice of the New York Yankees for the last 35 years, is retiring effective immediately after calling more than 5,000 Yankees games.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 15, 2024
The legendary Yankees radio voice announced on Monday that he was stepping down. A voice of generations, Sterling reportedly is “very happy” being able to depart after an illustrious career. Over 200 playoff games alone! He was the sound of Sunday afternoon rides for many in the New York City area. The 12-time Emmy winner and NY Broadcast Hall of Famer will be missed and rightfully celebrated on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
To put how incredible Sterling’s career was in perspective:
John Sterling called 29.5 percent of all games in #Yankees franchise history – this includes 49.9 percent of New York’s postseason games and 100 percent of Derek Jeter’s plate appearances.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) April 16, 2024
Sterling’s calls are some of the most iconic in baseball history. You can check out Sterling’s top-10 Yankee home run calls here.
The Yankees did not win their Monday night game in Toronto.
Busch Hits Home Run in Fifth Straight Game
Cubs rookie, Michael Busch, has now tied the Cubs’s franchise record for consecutive games with a home run! Busch got Chicago on the board early in Arizona in the second inning with a solo shot. He now ties Christopher Morel (2023), Sammy Sosa (1998), Ryne Sandberg (1989), and Hack Wilson (1928), with a chance to gain sole possession with a sixth straight dinger tonight.
MICHAEL BUSCH HAS HOMERED IN FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES! pic.twitter.com/8JTYkQO6nU
— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2024
Mitchell Parker: Dazzles in Debut, Earns Win against Dodgers
What a night for Mitchell Parker! The No. 21 prospect for the Nationals was tasked to make his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a tall order for the rookie. But he was unfazed, you’d almost never have known that he was facing one of the best lineups baseball has seen in the last few years.
Mitchell pitched five innings of two-run ball, notching impressive strikeouts over Mookie Betts (twice) and Shohei Ohtani.
First batter, first strikeout for Mitchell Parker as he gets Mookie Betts swinging! pic.twitter.com/kaiiiMwh70
— Talkin Nats (@TalkinNats) April 16, 2024
It’s always special to witness moments like this, dreams being realized as young athletes reach the pinnacle of sport is part of what makes it all so special. Said Parker’s mother, Wendy, “It’s the verification of a lifetime journey”
The Nationals were able to plate six runs against Tyler Glasnow to secure a victory in the first game of the series in LA.
Parker, without a doubt, will be a name to watch this season.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Cedric Mullins Makes Full-Stretch Catch!
Oh my god. This is one of those catches that just feels like it’s out of a video game.
The flyest guy around 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bZBlIAmUmW
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 15, 2024
101.6 MPH off the bat… this ball was in the air for less than three seconds and Mullins covered 66 feet to get there. One of the plays of the year so far.
Kyle Farmer lines out sharply to center fielder Cedric Mullins. (04/15/2024)
Hang: 2.9s | Fielder Distance: 66ft.Catch Odds: 27%
💎💎💎💎 Lineout#Birdland #MNTwins
🎥: https://t.co/GzKMXW6iyq pic.twitter.com/AgPz46uR9c— Outfield Bot (@OutfieldBot) April 15, 2024
Sonny Gray shuts down former team, extends scoreless streak
Gray dazzled in Oakland, the place where it all began for the righty. He was still on a pitch count, but that didn’t matter, Gray lasted six innings on less than 75 pitches and has now thrown 11 scoreless innings for the Cardinals on less than 130 total throws. Impressive.
If he keeps the slider working like this, the Cardinals may have found their ace in Sonny.
Sonny Gray, Wicked 86mph Back Foot Slider. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/4aj1tYq7an
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2024
Pitcher Line Scoragami?
I didn’t know this was a thing that we were keeping track of, but I’m here for it. Luis Gil threw an interesting game, to say the least. To allow 10 base runners in just five innings of work, with six strikeouts to help limit the damage to just three runs… yeah I can understand how that type of performance likely doesn’t lead to five innings of work or just three runs crossing the plate.
A fun one for you stat heads. First out of over 1.1 million performances is pretty awesome.
Luis Gil tonight for Yankees vs Blue Jays
5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 6 K
A 🚨 Unique Box Score Line 🚨 a first among the more than 1.1 million MLB pitching lines in the regular season or postseason since 1901 (thanks @baseball_ref @Stathead)
— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) April 16, 2024
Injuries and Other Moves
Unfortunately a bit busy here today…
⚾ OF Seiya Suzuki hit the IL with a right oblique strain. He doesn’t think it is as bad as the left oblique strain that sidelined him for six weeks last season.
⚾ OF Tommy Pham signs with the White Sox on a minor league deal.
⚾ OF Tyler O’Neill and 3B Rafael Devers collide with each other on a pop-up. O’Neill got eight stitches. Both players are being tested for concussions.
⚾ SP Justin Verlander says he feels good, and plans to return this weekend.
⚾ SP Walker Buehler set for second rehab start, could return to rotation next week.
⚾ SP Max Scherzer moves timeline up from June to May.
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Why put Josh Jung’s photo up if you have nothing to say about him?