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Today’s Headlines
Get Some Bench
Alex Verdugo did not start Thursday’s game against the Guardians after his abysmal performance Wednesday. He was removed for lack of hustle and benched after a seventh-inning play in which he slowed up and looked back at first base during a force play at second with two outs, ending any chance of the Red Sox coming back in that game. Verdugo had been playing well, hitting .286/.364/.450 with 19 doubles and 24 RBIs.
The play in question re: Verdugo pic.twitter.com/QhYlUQqaky
— Brendan Campbell (@brendan_camp) June 8, 2023
Abreu Blames Himself
José Abreu took full responsibility for the loss against the Blue Jays yesterday. He made a base running blunder during a big moment in the seventh, with the Astros down by just a run.
Abreu hit a single but was caught stealing between second and third by straying too far off the bag, ending the inning. He then struck out swinging to end the game, handing the Astros their third straight loss to the Blue Jays.
Abreu has had a tough season after leaving the White Sox. The 36-year-old is hitting just .217/.277/.265 with only one home run in 61 games and has been lackluster at first base.
José Abreu: “I feel like absolute crap. But I’m not going to stop fighting. I’m going to continue battling.”
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 9, 2023
Brotherly Love
The Mets have sent scouts to Cincinnati to keep an eye on Alexis Díaz, closer and brother to Edwin Diaz. There have not been any trade talks yet, as New York would likely have to give up several prospects to acquire Diaz who is under control through 2027.
Felix Bautista now has 62 strikeouts in 30 IP.
The next highest strikeout total from a reliever is Alexis Díaz with 46.
He has more strikeouts than 20 qualified starters.
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) June 8, 2023
Back to New York
Pete Alonso returned to New York for additional testing after Wednesday’s hit by pitch on his left wrist. The CT scan that took place in Atlanta showed a contusion, and X-rays were negative for any broken bones. Manager Buck Showalter announced there were already plans for additional testing, and they just wanted to be on the safe side. Rookie Mark Vientos, who was recently recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, made his first start at first to fill in for Alonso.
Asked about Pete Alonso (left wrist), Buck Showalter deferred to Billy Eppler.
“I don’t think they have all the information gathered yet completely,” Showalter said.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) June 9, 2023
Judge’s Return Is Still Unknown
Aaron Boone broke a few hearts yesterday after announcing there is still no timeline for Aaron Judge to return. Judge received a shot in the injured toe on Wednesday, the same day he was placed on the injured list with a contusion and ligament sprain in his right big toe. With Judge out, the Yankees struggled against the White Sox, losing the three-game series.
"They just don't know what that timeframe is yet"@martinonyc with the latest on Aaron Judge's injury and when the Yankees star could be back: https://t.co/tBhjxZf12B
➡️ @Honda pic.twitter.com/xEoHNal9Y3
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 9, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Time To Walk It Off
Kody Clemons hit an RBI single to break the tie and defeat the Tigers 3-2.
HE DID THE THING pic.twitter.com/QyDxR1rmP2
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 9, 2023
Career Night
For the first time in his career, José Ramírez goes for the hat trick with three home runs in a game. The third homer came in the sixth inning and padded the lead for the Guardians against the Red Sox.
Who is the second greatest to ever do it?#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/ZGlM7B9Pqq
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 9, 2023
But Wait, There’s More
You didn’t think the three home runs would be the only milestone from José Ramírez last night, did you? He also hit his 200th home run.
2 homers on the night, 200 in his career. What a Thursday for José Ramírez! pic.twitter.com/kQADSmc507
— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2023
Another Walk-off?
Ozzie Albies launches a three-run walk-off homer to hand the Mets yet another loss.
🚨 PSA 🚨
OZZIE 3-RUN WALK-OFF HOMER@ozzie | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/L2FLCOyQ8f— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 9, 2023
Taking One of Two
Eloy Jiménez helps the White Sox win the first game of the doubleheader by launching a two-run blast to center.
Eloy Jiménez gives the Sox back the lead! pic.twitter.com/J7xpH5LgGw
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 8, 2023
Warm Fuzzies
A young fan just fell in love with baseball after collecting his first baseball.
That first baseball feeling. ⚾️❤️ pic.twitter.com/m2RAt96BLt
— MLB (@MLB) June 8, 2023
Injuries
Noah Syndergaard was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his index finger on his throwing hand. Despite the 15-day designation, it is unsure when he will return. There are hopes that the ability to get back to Los Angeles will help him get back to some normalcy that will hopefully help the struggling pitcher, who is sitting with a 7.16 ERA.
Alex Cora announced that Yu Chang will be activated on Monday and Adam Duvall could be activated as early as today.
Eloy Jiménez has been bothered by a leg injury and is considered day-to-day.
Yordan Alvarez exited Thursday’s game with right oblique discomfort.
Dustin May is still weeks away from picking up a baseball.
Nestor Cortes was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 5, with a left rotator cuff strain.
Kevin Kiermaier exited Thursday’s game with a wrist injury. X-rays came back negative and he is considered day-to-day.
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