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Today’s Headlines
Pablo Deals to Keep Twins Hot
In case you weren’t aware, every time Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López takes the bump at home, it’s officially Pablo Day at Target Field. It’s a great way to celebrate a great player and great dude, and the entire Twins team seems to love it:
It's Pablo Day!!!https://t.co/rhKWY5MJ9J pic.twitter.com/dVduk8EslG
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 9, 2024
Nobody seems to love Pablo Day more than the man himself, who pitched 6.1 innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts to lead the Twins to an 11-1 victory and series win over the Seattle Mariners. His offense made the job an easy one today, as the Twins lineup tacked Logan Gilbert for five runs in the first inning and never looked back. Ryan Jeffers continued his torrid start to the season by adding his eighth home run, while Max Kepler and the rest of the lineup kept the chains moving all afternoon.
The Minnesota Twins are one of the hottest teams in baseball, having won 15 of their last 17. They’ll travel across the border to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in a weekend series, while the Mariners will retreat home to host the suddenly intimidating Oakland Athletics.
Gassin’ Up the Rotation
Though the move isn’t yet official, the Brewers are expected to promote their No. 5 prospect, Robert Gasser, to make his big league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday in what’s certain to be the most highly anticipated pitching debut of the weekend. How surprised was Gasser about this call-up? I’ll let him tell you himself:
Robert Gasser, like you, had an idea this call was coming this week. Here’s the newest Milwaukee Brewer. pic.twitter.com/mbUPXKcx88
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) May 9, 2024
Gasser made his way to Milwaukee via the Josh Hader trade a couple of seasons ago and brings a much-needed fill-in for a Brewers rotation dealing with several injuries and a Freddy Peralta suspension. Gasser is a southpaw with solid command and strikeout upside, with his slider being his most impressive offering. Gasser had a solid season in Triple-A Nashville in 2023, posting a 3.79 ERA with 166 punchouts across 135.1 innings. Though he’s struggled in limited action this year (5.25 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 17 Ks in 12 innings) following recovery from a bone spur in his elbow, the Brewers nonetheless feel like Gasser is ready to make his first major-league start. Best of luck to the young lad.
Snakes Sweep Reeling Reds
In a back-and-forth series finale in Cincinnati, the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks came through to pull off a series sweep of the Reds. This game had plenty of great moments from two of its brightest young stars, Corbin Carroll and Elly De La Cruz, such as this unassisted double play by Elly when Carrol was attempting to steal second:
Just how Elly drew it up 🤣 pic.twitter.com/55NceCt9EW
— MLB (@MLB) May 9, 2024
Though both stars were laughing this one off, it was Carroll who got the last laugh by driving in the game’s winning run in the eighth inning on a line drive to center field to bring in Tucker Barnhart.
Tucker's got wheels. 😅
We're back in front! pic.twitter.com/mWME3M8HGj
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 9, 2024
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Diamondbacks, who are still looking to find their footing in their defense of the National League pennant. A three-game sweep on the road is a good place to start, but they’ll face an even tougher road test next as they travel to Camden Yards to take on the Orioles. The Reds, however, are among baseball’s coldest teams with eight straight losses. Hopefully, they can find a way to right the ship in their next series in San Francisco.
Judge Rises as Yankees Fall to ‘Stros
Who said we needed to worry about Aaron Judge?
473 FEET FROM @THEJUDGE44 💪 pic.twitter.com/ucIqrkb7Iv
— MLB (@MLB) May 9, 2024
In a monster blast to left-center to bring the Yankees within one, Judge hit his ninth home run of the season, his third in the past four games. Things are starting to heat up for the Yankees slugger, but the team has been doing just fine in his absence, as the Bronx Bombers sit just a half-game back of the Orioles heading into the weekend’s action. This battle for the AL East could turn out to be a really fun one to watch come September.
Best Moments From Yesterday
Yorgotta Be Kidding Me!
Come for the Jon Singleton homer. Stay for the Yordan Alvarez reaction.
Off the third deck! 😱 (plus a priceless reaction from Yordan) pic.twitter.com/iTDIU99CdB
— MLB (@MLB) May 9, 2024
A Round of Appaws for Rhys
Rhys Hoskins has enjoyed his time in Milwaukee thus far, hitting his eighth home run of the season on Thursday. He had a couple of special guests in attendance to watch this one clear the fence:
Rhys Hoskins' dog is in attendance at American Family Field pic.twitter.com/fSFHQBysdj
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 10, 2024
Who doesn’t love a great Bark in the Park Day?
Run, Bobby, Run!
Bobby Witt Jr. loves to cause havoc on the basepaths, but he loves to show off his wheels playing defense, as well. Watch him rob Nolan Schanuel off a bloop single by covering a ridiculous amount of ground:
Bobby Witt Jr. traveled how far for this catch?
129 FEET! 😳 pic.twitter.com/QILOsoGNFs
— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2024
Rich Hill: Little League Coach
There are few things I love more than seeing pros bestow knowledge upon the next generation of athletes, and longtime vet and Immaculate Grid hero Rich Hill is doing just that right now:
44-year-old Rich Hill might want to pitch in the Majors again this season.
For now he's staying home to coach his son in Little League, and that's giving us all the feels. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/jgzRl6ePn6
— MLB (@MLB) May 9, 2024
Given what we know about his sense of humor, I’m sure Hill is a fantastic Little League coach for many reasons.
I’ve Got a Fever…
And the only prescription is:
me at the family bbq pic.twitter.com/DqsP0Ew7wx
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 9, 2024
For the uninitiated, please educate yourselves on the Twins’ Rally Sausage. Maybe it really is the magic behind this winning streak.
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ Rangers RP Josh Sborz was placed on the 15-day IL with a right rotator cuff strain.
⚾ Rangers optioned SP Jack Leiter back to Triple-A Round Rock. Keep working at it, Jack.
⚾ 3B Luis Guillorme was traded to the Angels from Atlanta for the legendary PTBNL.
⚾ SS Zack Short was traded to Atlanta from the Red Sox for the also-legendary Cash Considerations.
⚾ Guardians SP Gavin Williams was transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL.
⚾ Angels 3B Anthony Rendon was also transferred to the 60-day IL.
⚾ Tigers 3B Gio Urshela began a minor league rehab assignment.
Articles You Should Read
The making of Paul Skenes, a ‘one in a decade’ kind of pitcher — Alex Stumpf, MLB.com
A’s closer Mason Miller draws trade interest, but the asking price is steep — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
Catcher’s interference calls are skyrocketing in MLB. It’s putting players at risk — Katie Woo, The Athletic
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