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One of the things that has eased its way out of the game is the benches-clearing brawl after a pitcher drills a hitter. And one of the more memorable fights was between two unusual combatants: Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers and Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox. It was unusual because Ryan was so respected and Ventura wasn’t exactly someone you would expect to go after a pitcher. But the White Sox were tired of being plunked and had agreed that whoever got hit next was going to charge the mound. Ventura was the unfortunate next player to get drilled, leading to a terrific beatdown 30 years ago Friday.
Today’s Headlines
Braves Blast Way To 70th Win
Max Fried would have been happy with any run support he got as he returned from a strained left forearm following a three-month stint on the injured list. So when Atlanta erupted for a seven-run fourth inning, tying a club record for most runs in a single frame, the left-hander had more than enough to work with. Combined with Fried tossing six shutout innings, Atlanta continued its dominant season with an 8-0 victory over the red-hot Chicago Cubs. It marked Atlanta’s MLB-leading 70th victory of the season. Fried allowed just three singles while walking none and striking out eight against a Cubs team that scored 26 runs over two games this week. Sean Murphy and Marcell Ozuna hit back-to-back homers, the 14th time Atlanta has done that this season. Reliever Brad Hand made his Atlanta debut following a trade this week, making him the first player to see action for every current National League East team.
That 70 Show!
The @Braves are the first team in MLB to 70 wins. pic.twitter.com/g0UuO9rHNF
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2023
Witt-ness To History
How do you follow up a 20-homer, 30-steal rookie season? How about by reaching those totals in 41 fewer games? That is what Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. did. By hitting his 20th homer, a two-run shot off Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola in the top of the third inning, Witt became the first player in MLB history to reach the 20-30 plateau in each of his first two seasons.
He’s one of one. #WelcomeToTheCity pic.twitter.com/HGdDqMLViq
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 4, 2023
Musgrove Out 3 Weeks
The San Diego Padres‘ chances of making the playoffs sustained a body blow when right-hander Joe Musgrove was shut down for three weeks due to inflammation in his right shoulder capsule. Whether Musgrove pitches again this season is in question, but general manager A.J. Preller said he hopes to get the right-hander back for the stretch run. Musgrove is 10-3 with a 3.05 ERA.
Best Moments From Yesterday
First-timer’s Club
Davis Schneider, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ No. 28 prospect, got the start at second base and batted seventh. It didn’t take him long to make an impact.
First career game.
First career at-bat.
First career hit.
First career homer.You could not script a better start to a career 🤯 @dschneid7 pic.twitter.com/ODVlBBR1L5
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 4, 2023
Which Boy Band Is This?
Here is how these Baltimore Orioles players arrived at the ballpark. Add your own caption, wrong answers only.
Orioles players just pulled up to the ballpark in these outfits 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/UvBZVKj4Pc
— MLB Life (@MLBLife) August 4, 2023
If You Didn’t Think The Orioles Were Cool …
In case the above item wasn’t for you, this one has to appeal to something inside you. Dogs are invading Camden Yards.
BREAKING: A puppy is eating Adley Rutschman’s shoe. The vibes in Baltimore are… unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/he9wCdLj0Q
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) August 4, 2023
Rapper Recruiting
Is Drake trying to lure Shohei Ohtani to Toronto? Wearing his All-Star jersey was certainly a good move by the rapper.
Drake out here wearing Shohei Ohtani's All-Star jersey 👀 pic.twitter.com/WUT4xbgpXx
— MLB Life (@MLBLife) August 4, 2023
Injuries and Other Moves
There were a ton of moves made Friday around the fringes of MLB rosters as fallout from the trade deadline. You can catch all of them here. The following are more noteworthy than others.
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (post-concussion syndrome) was placed on the 10-day injured list. Rizzo collided with San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. on May 28th and passed concussion protocol. However, after reporting “fogginess” to the medical staff, he underwent neurological testing that revealed cognitive impairment.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (right hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day IL and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (back inflammation) was placed on the 10-day IL and infielder Brandon Drury (left shoulder inflammation) was activated from the IL.
Left-hander Cole Hamels, attempting a comeback after not pitching in the majors since 2020, has retired, according to the San Diego Padres. Right-handed reliever Craig Stammen (torn capsule in right shoulder) also retired. Both are 39 years old.
The Cleveland Guardians placed first baseman Josh Naylor (right oblique strain) and third baseman Tyler Freeman (right shoulder strain) on the 10-day injured list. The Guardians also traded for outfielder Kole Calhoun from the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash. Calhoun, who was added to the MLB roster, was eligible to be traded because he has not been on a 40-man roster all season.
Top Tampa Bay Rays infield prospect Curtis Mead was called up to make his MLB debut.
The Boston Red Sox added recently acquired infielder Luis Urías to the roster and designed infielder Christian Arroyo for assignment.
Articles You Should Read
This Yankees prospect is a switch-hitter, switch-pitcher AND a switch-fielder — Jesse Borek, MLB.com
Why is Ohtani continuously cramping up? — Dylan Hernandez, Los Angeles Times
As Turner’s slump persists, his support from Phillies has not waned — Matt Gelb, The Athletic
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