Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.
Today’s Headlines
Get Outta Here
Umpire Ramon De Jesus was not pleased with the Rangers Thursday evening and tossed three members of the team in the eighth. Marcus Semien took the first ejection after questioning a strike during a check swing. Earlier in the game, Semien experienced another strike call despite it being out of the zone. Bruce Bochy and Mike Maddux quickly took the field in Semien’s defense, but were quickly ejected.
Marcus Semien, Bruce Bochy, and Mike Maddux have all been ejected for the Rangers pic.twitter.com/mucULeKBDp
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 16, 2023
First to 50
The Rays are the first team to win 50 games this season by splitting a four-game series with the Athletics, who are currently at the bottom in the standings. The Rays eked out a win with a solo home run from Luke Raley in the eighth, making the low scoring game 4-3.
.@RaysBaseball started the season on 🔥, and haven't let up since.
They are the first team to 50 wins! pic.twitter.com/BbrY4SBWmn
— MLB (@MLB) June 15, 2023
Speaking of Oakland
Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo signed into law a $380 million public financing package to assist in building a stadium for the A’s in Las Vegas. The plan is for a $1.5 billion stadium with a retractable roof right on the Las Vegas strip, in close proximity near the Raiders and Golden Knights. The team must now apply to relocate.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke after an owners meeting and said “I feel sorry for the fans in Oakland. I do not like this outcome. I understand why the feel the way they do.”
Bryce Harper spoke out against the potential move saying “It’s just not right. They have so much history in Oakland. You’re taking a team out of a city. I’m sad because of all the history and all of the greatness they’ve seen there. I see the A’s as Oakland. I don’t see them as Vegas.”
Enjoy this moment A’s fans. Soak it all in. #OaklandForever pic.twitter.com/3xkDDsuFxO
— Amazin’ A’s Craze (@AmazinAsCraze) June 14, 2023
Buxton Is Back
The Twins reinstated designated hitter Byron Buxton from the injured list ahead of Thursday’s game. Buxton missed 10 games with a bruised left rib after being hit by a pitch from Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. The Twins have not committed to a timetable for his return to center field.
Byron Buxton has been activated off the injured list. Trevor Larnach is headed back to Triple A. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) June 15, 2023
First Win
At just 20 years old, rookie AJ Smith-Shawver obtained his first major league win. Atlanta won 8-3 over the Rockies. Smith-Sawver gave up three runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings and struck out six. He also allowed one walk and two solo homers in 99 pitches.
AJ Smith-Shawver, Nasty 87mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/dAsfoAWZZv
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 16, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Shohei Puts On A Show
Shohei Ohtani tied for the MLB lead in home runs after he launched a two-run home run 443 feet. This marks his 22nd home run of the season and 54th RBI.
Sho what a night. 🔥
Ohtani is now tied for the MLB lead in homers! pic.twitter.com/dlsZepHbVQ
— MLB (@MLB) June 16, 2023
Back-To-Back
Jake Burger hit his sixth home run in six days and is immediately followed by first baseman Andrew Vaughn. This put the White Sox up 3-0 in the fourth against the Dodgers.
BACK-TO-BACK! AGAIN! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MoUMx206ck
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 16, 2023
The Dodgers Answer
In the same game, the Dodgers answered with a grand slam from Chris Taylor to knot the game. The game stayed tied until the bottom of the 11th when Freddie Freeman ended the ball game with a bases-loaded hit, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 win.
TAYLOR GRAND SLAM WILL KNOCK YOUR SOX OFF. pic.twitter.com/WqRHNkgCNp
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 16, 2023
Going the Distance
Matt Olson launched his 19th home run of the season, sending the ball into orbit at 456 feet.
Ol sorts of crushed. 😳
Matt Olson takes this one 456 feet! pic.twitter.com/ha8spYxnfp
— MLB (@MLB) June 16, 2023
What’s Happ-ening at Wrigley
Ian Happ comes out of nowhere to make an incredible diving catch.
Ian Happ came out of nowhere to make this grab. 😮 pic.twitter.com/QeQOY2uztJ
— MLB (@MLB) June 16, 2023
Injuries
Max Fried and Kyle Wright have both been cleared to begin throwing programs.
Austin Voth will be shut down for a week after given anti-inflammatories for his elbow.
Yoán Moncada was placed on the 10-day injured list with nagging back pain. Meanwhile, Mike Clevinger has been listed as day-to-day and has no structural damage to his arm after his early exit Wednesday night.
Tarik Skubal threw three scoreless innings and only allowed one hit while striking out five in his rehab appearance. A.J. Hinch announced that Austin Meadows is continuing treatment in Florida.
Anthony Rendon will have imaging done on his wrist after a hit by pitch. He is day-to-day.
Alex Wood is likely to return for Saturday’s start against the Dodgers.
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