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Today’s Headlines
Kyle Tucker wins it
Down three, and with one out in the ninth, Kyle Tucker hit a grand slam off Félix Bautista to give the Astros an improbable come-from-behind win against the Orioles at Camden Yards. Tucker was down 0-2 during the at-bat, making it even more remarkable.
A GO-AHEAD GRAND SLAM FOR KYLE TUCKER IN THE 9TH! pic.twitter.com/Z72DpMNA17
— MLB (@MLB) August 9, 2023
Kyle Tucker’s grand slam was on a 100.4 mph pitch, the 3rd-fastest pitch hit for a grand slam in pitch-tracking era (2008) behind:
7/28/23 Bobby Witt Jr: 101.8 mph
7/21/23 Matt McLain: 100.9 mphbefore last 3 wks, the leader (now 5th bc Marlowe): 9/28/16 Mark Teixeira, 99.6 mph https://t.co/DRW5RqYM1L
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 9, 2023
Ronald Acuña Jr. left last night’s game after getting hit by a pitch
Atlanta’s star outfielder got the night started on a good note by hitting his 26th home run of the year. But in the sixth, with Atlanta trailing 6-4, righty reliever Colin Holderman beaned him on the left elbow with a 97 mph sinker which forced him from the game. The team said that X-Rays came back negative.
Ronald Acuña Jr. left tonight’s game after this HBP
(via @BravesOnBally)pic.twitter.com/EZRHYNENUn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 9, 2023
More Schwarbombs
Kyle Schwarber went yard twice in Game One of yesterday’s doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. The second one (below) was hit 447 feet at an EV of 114.3. The poor baseball, if only it knew Trevor Williams was scheduled to throw BP. Schwarber is now up to 30 on the year. He’s the first Phillie to reach 30 home runs in consecutive seasons since Ryan Howard in 2010-2011.
Kyle Schwarber – Philadelphia Phillies (30) pic.twitter.com/WfvAN58v8w
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 8, 2023
Fewest games for a player to record their first 75 home runs as a member of the @Phillies franchise:
232- Jim Thome
235- Ryan Howard
268- Kyle Schwarber (Via his 1st of 2 earlier today in an 8-4 win over WSH)
307- Rhys Hoskins
328- Bryce Harper
385- Pat Burrell
398- Mike Schmidt pic.twitter.com/Jt0qaT3bh6— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) August 9, 2023
Logan Gilbert shines against the Padres
Gilbert blanked the Padres across seven innings while allowing just one hit. He struck out a career-high dozen batters and did not issue a walk.
Logan Gilbert is the first RHP ever to strike out Juan Soto three times in a game
(h/t @GaryHillJr) pic.twitter.com/NXSUsSRABv
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 9, 2023
Logan Gilbert’s 3Ks in the 6th.
8th, 9th and 10th Ks. pic.twitter.com/fanl2OdMUR
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 9, 2023
The Mariners haven’t confirmed it, however, all signs point to them calling up their top pitching prospect Emerson Hancock. He was at T-Mobile Park prior to the start of the team’s two-game series against the Padres. The team also place Bryan Woo on the 15-day IL with forearm inflammation.
Hancock, 24, was the sixth overall pick in the 2020 Draft and had a 4.32 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 26% strikeout rate in 20 starts with Double-A Arkansas this season.
Best Moments from Yesterday
Kevin Brown
The fans have spoken on the side of Kevin Brown, the sportscaster who was suspended for daring to speak about the Orioles’ record against the Rays. However, he’s expected to return to the booth during the team’s upcoming series against the Mariners.
An audible and unmistakable “Free Kevin Brown” breaks out in the seventh inning at Camden Yards. pic.twitter.com/vjTbk4APd8
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 9, 2023
Julio Rodríguez robs Tatís Jr.
Gilbert dominated, but he needed at least one great play behind him. Fernando Tatís Jr. led off the fourth with a blast to center that looked like it was gone. But Julio Rodríguez made the grab up against the wall. However, not without deking everyone, including his buddy Tatís Jr., who was in the middle of his home run trot. 80-Grade nonchalance.
“And he … did not get it.”
“Oh he DID get it!”
Julio Rodríguez psyched everyone out ?
(via @Mariners)
pic.twitter.com/r9Ep5N4jZI— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 9, 2023
In addition to getting four hits on his birthday, Yandy Díaz also got a special gift from one of his teammates: His own personal musical ensemble.
An additional thing to make you happy today Rays fans:
I present Yandy Díaz, being serenaded by the band that Jake Diekman paid for to follow him around today on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/j5Iz0oLaSa
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) August 8, 2023
Injuries and Transactions
John Means is set for his first rehab start on Thursday with Double-A Bowie. He had Tommy John surgery back in April 2022.
Max Kepler missed last night’s game after being plunked on the right foot during Monday’s game.
Justin Turner missed last night’s game with a bruised left heel. He served as the DH in Monday’s game and hasn’t played the field since the injury. He is still expected to avoid the IL.
Shane McClanahan will see another specialist, but Rays manager Kevin Cash said it’s “highly unlikely” he’ll pitch again this season. Surgery looks like a definite possibility at this point.
Mike Trout continues to progress after having surgery on his hamate. He’s taking light swings and said that it’s a pain tolerance thing right now. No date has been suggested for his return yet.
The Mariners placed Bryan Woo on the 15-day IL with forearm inflammation. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said there were “no real concerns” about the injury, so this seems precautionary and probably has more to do with limiting Woo’s innings than anything else.
Articles You Should Read
Hitter zStats Entering the Homestretch, Part 1 (Validation) – Dan Szymborski, FanGraphs.com
Playoff Urgency Rankings: Who needs a postseason berth most? – Will Leitch, MLB.com
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