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
Rangers Part Ways with their President
The Texas Rangers were one of the most exciting teams to watch in the offseason. With big splash signings in Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Jon Gray, it looked like the Rangers were preparing to return to the glory days of the early 2010s. Yet, 2022 has been more of a disappointment than an inauguration into greatness.
The Rangers sit at 52-64, 22 games back from the AL West lead and 10 games back from a wild card spot. Though they’ve played better in recent months, the Rangers were a model of inconsistency at the beginning of the 2022 season. The bats went cold, pitching was injured or shaky, and it didn’t help to have to face the Astros, Mariners, and Angels throughout their various hot streaks.
All this to say, Rangers’ faithful may feel that their season has been a bit of a letdown. The front office seems to agree:
Breaking: sources indicate to me and @Ken_Rosenthal that Rangers are parting ways with president of baseball operations Jon Daniels.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) August 17, 2022
Daniels has been the President of Baseball Operations for the Rangers for 17 years. He was at the helm for their back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011 and has remained through the years of rebuilding. However, it seems that the Rangers believe a big shake-up is needed to jump-start their ascension back to greatness.
This firing comes two days after the firing of former Rangers manager Chris Woodward. Chris Young, former MLB pitcher turned Senior Vice President for MLB and front office executive for Texas, will take over as the President of Baseball Operations.
Joey Votto Out for the Season
What a sad headline to write. Joey Votto, the 38-year-old first baseman and longtime face of the Cincinnati Reds is going to be out for the season as the team announced he will need rotator cuff surgery.
NEWS: Joey Votto announced he will have season-ending surgery for a rotator cuff tear on Friday.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) August 17, 2022
Votto was reportedly playing through the injury for a few months, which may account for some of his struggles at the plate this year. The future Hall of Famer was slashing .205/.319/.370 with 11 HR and 41 RBI this season for a struggling Reds team this season. The rehab for this kind of surgery takes about 6 months, meaning Votto could return at the start of next season. He is signed for 2023, so time will tell if he decides to play for one more season after this surgery.
Baseball is better with Votto in it, so crossing our fingers that he can make it back and provide us with more great content on and off the field.
Ohtani Shines, but Angels’ Struggles Continue
Shohei Ohtani always manages to find his way into these articles that I write, but it really is for good reason. He’s just incredible to watch. Last night was no different, as he went 4-for-5 with a home run, triple, and 4 RBI. Yet, unfortunately, the Angels lost the game.
I’m not kidding, check out this boxscore.
The Los Angeles Angels started the season with a bang. A lineup featuring Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon, and Jared Walsh was running like a well-oiled machine. Taylor Ward emerged as a first-half star. It looked like the Halos could take the next step and return to the postseason for the first time since 2014.
Unfortunately, their luck has gone sideways since that hot start. Trout’s back injury is a concern, though he is reported to return soon. Rendon is out for the season, while the Angels’ pitching continues to struggle with consistency. They sit at 51-67, 24 games back from the AL West crown and 12 games back from a Wild Card spot.
There is still a chance for a miraculous turnaround; the Cardinals won 17 games in a row to claim a Wild Card spot last season. But time is ticking, for both the season and the Angels in general. This offseason will be a telling one.
Best Moments From Yesterday
New Definition of Ground Ball
You never know what you’ll see in a baseball game. There are wild events and historic firsts every season, and that’s one of the best parts of the game. This moment from a Triple-A game between Columbus and Toledo is a great example:
One of the rarest things you will ever see in baseball…
Yes folks, that was a fair ball. 😂#LetsGoHens | #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/8wAyKmNPeb
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) August 18, 2022
(Walk-Off) Homers are Where the Heart is
Brandon Crawford has had a good career. Gold Gloves, World Series rings, and a lot of wonderful highlights. But at the end of the day, baseball players are human beings and have lives at home that we may never know much about. This video is a wholesome example of that.
Brandon Crawford walked it off for the Giants last night and there was no one happier than his kids pic.twitter.com/ecxaPVMt6M
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 17, 2022
I’m sure for Brandon, this moment will always be worth more than any award he could be given.
Brett Baty, welcome to the Show!
Brett Baty was the 19th highest ranked prospect in all of baseball and the 2nd highest ranked prospect in the Mets’ system. The 22-year-old third baseman was drafted with the 12th pick of the 2019 draft and Mets’ fans have eagerly awaited his debut.
Well, it can’t go much better than this:
First AB…HOME RUN for @baty_brett. #LGM pic.twitter.com/cI44N57mlc
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 17, 2022
Baty’s home run helped them secure a 9-7 win over Atlanta and could play an important role as the Mets hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. Keep an eye out for him in the coming month!
Injuries
Twins’ SP Tyler Mahle was removed from his start due to shoulder discomfort, but the team seems to be optimistic about his ability to keep pitching.
Phillies’ OF Bryce Harper is expected to start his rehab assignment next Tuesday.
White Sox OF Luis Robert received an injection in his wrist after reporting soreness. He may be able to return for the weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Articles You Should Read
Are the San Diego Padres Too Streaky for a Title? – Randy Holt
Cole Irvin Took a Big Step Forward with his Curveball – Leo Morgenstern
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)