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Today’s Headlines
Betting Rears Its Ugly Head, Again
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is facing a potential lifetime ban for betting on baseball, sources tell ESPN.
While Major League Baseball's investigation into Marcano is not complete, a penalty, as @lindseyadler and @jareddiamond reported, could be imminent.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 3, 2024
Man… on my day to write the article? really? Well okay, look, sports betting can be a fine hobby but can we please figure out a way to keep the players away from it? Maybe my personal proximity to the world of betting and sports gaming creates a strong opinion here, but there’s got to be ways to allow these hyper-competitive athletes, who are already, in essence, betting on themselves to perform every single day, can maybe up the stakes without turning towards betting with an illegal bookie or, worse, trying to skirt legal regulations?
There’s much left still to uncover in this report, and there might be more player names bubbling up, but if these guys want to bet on themselves maybe give them aggressive contract options or something… ???
I’ve always understood the correlation between the hyper-competitive nature it takes to succeed in pro sports and the itch to bet on them to continue to flex knowledge, savvy, and ultimately get the fix of the ‘big win’… I mean look at Michael Jordan… but nonetheless, like every professional in any job around the world, you need to know when things are and aren’t okay.
I have no sympathy for these players and neither should you, they’re squandering their potential to be professional baseball players all for an experience that any degenerate with a phone can feel. It’s sad, and maybe it speaks to the need for better financial compensation at the lower levels so that nobody feels the need to do this… but I doubt that’s the issue.
Nonetheless, this won’t be the last we hear of it and we’ll keep you updated if more names join the fray.
A Rhys Of Phillies History
It’s rare to see a team play the walkup music for an opposing player, but that’s who Rhys Hoskins was to Philly. Last night the former face of the franchise was greeted by cheers, a montage (ending with the NLCS bat spike), and a massive standing ovation for his contributions to the team from 2017 to 2022.
Phillies played a montage for Rhys Hoskins after the 1st inning, ending with — of course — the bat spike. Ovation and “Rhys!” Chants from the crowd. Hoskins acknowledges them from top step of the visiting dugout. pic.twitter.com/o3YtPEh0Bw
— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) June 3, 2024
Of the experience and gaining closure, Hoskins said, “The ending [in Philly] didn’t match the rest of my time here, and that’s something that I’m looking forward to kind of getting. I don’t know if closure is the right word — but just kind of moving on from that chapter.”
Clearly, whatever it was worked for Hoskins, he scored the only Brewers run on a solo home run, walked, and stole a base on the night. He continues to be a strong hitter vs right-hand pitching this season.
Houston We Have A Problem
Kyle Tucker was forced to leave the game after a hard foul off his own shin. A scary moment, for sure, as Tucker was limping around trying to fight off the injury in hopes of staying in the game, but he could not. Astros fans across Texas were all holding their breath as the slugger was sent for an x-ray, which came back negative. Tucker will be listed as day-to-day but it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to see him skip a contest or two… looks like it really hurt… plus it’s not his first time dealing with the issue in his career.
On the left: April 18, 2023, Kyle Tucker had the exact same injury happen and the exact same reaction as he did today on June 3, 2024.
I hope we get the exact same result and it's only a bad bruise/ contusion 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/yFiqmfWs15
— Noah (@YordanForHOF44) June 4, 2024
Reds Turn Up At Coors
CINCI SLAMM!! Or at least that’s what I imagine Reds fans were yelling all night, watching their team put up their season-best run total as they started their series in Colorado. The Reds scored 13 runs, including multiple runs in four frames on 18 total hits and just three strikeouts on the evening. Every single hitter reached base safely, including Jacob Hurtubise who only got one at-bat while filling in for Friedl in left. Playing in altitude certainly can make for fun baseball…
Sure, we'll take some more runs. @Tyler_Step22 pic.twitter.com/zmNMwDkKB8
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 4, 2024
O’s Win Battle Of The Birds Game 1
The American League East is currently the strongest division in baseball and we get to start our week off with a battle between the Blue Jays and the Orioles, teams that are seemingly heading in opposite directions. Nothing appears to be going right for the Jays, their stars aren’t showing out this season and they’ve found themselves in last place in the division. Last night didn’t help. Kevin Gausman allowed six runs on six hits by way of three balls leaving the park on his watch, while just striking out three batters.
Austin Hays hit his first two home runs of the season in the contest, which I feel like has to be some sort of rare feat to have no home runs in almost 80 at-bats, and then to club two in the same game… Maybe a turning point for Hays? I mean, he was an All-Star last season and he said he cut 10 pounds while on the IL for his ailing calf… maybe something to watch, his scenario is elite if he can get consistent playing time.
AUSTIN HAYS DOES IT AGAIN pic.twitter.com/z0d13fjS6P
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 4, 2024
Snakes Tame Series Opener
It has not been pretty for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, they are currently 28-32 and fourth in the NL West, their season marred by those pesky series openers. Entering their 20th series on Monday night, Arizona was looking to shed a 3-16 record thus far in the first games of the series. They were able to do so, with late-inning heroics against the Giants, but think about it. They are 24-16 in subsequent games of a series, but can’t seem to open things up on the right foot. Of course, missing key starters to injury at this point in the season certainly isn’t helping, but the Snake might have a bit more venom in their bite than their record shows if they can continue to figure out this issue.
Anyway here’s the walkoff shot by Pavin Smith, because that’s what we’re really here for!
PAVIN CALLED GAME. 😤 pic.twitter.com/ovTwKjJKCL
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 4, 2024
Injuries and Other Moves
⚾ 2B Connor Norby got the call-up for the Orioles to replace an injured Jorge Mateo (concussion)
⚾ Phillies placed OF Brandon Marsh on the 10-Day IL with a calf strain.
⚾ Rays activated 3B Josh Lowe from the IL
⚾ Giants activated OF Michael Conforto from the IL
⚾ Twins optioned 2B Edouard Julien to AAA St. Paul
⚾ Phillies called up David Dahl, he immediately hit a home run
⚾ Tigers optioned Spencer Torkelson to AAA Toledo
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