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Today’s Headlines
Tampa Bay Remains Undefeated
Another weekend of baseball is in the books, and the Rays continue to avoid losing. On Sunday, they did not even flirt with a loss, dominating the Oakland Athletics in an 11-0 victory. Not only are the Rays not losing, but they have also won every game by at least 4 runs. Bad news for fantasy owners of any Rays reliever. The disrespect and doubting of the Rays in the offseason never gets old. This offseason every bettor had the Yankees taking the division and being AL favorites. But, as usual, the Rays remain in the conversation. It’s early still of course, but the returns on the Rays are nothing short of incredible. Even their social media account is undefeated on the year.
High fives to all our undefeated friends around the league pic.twitter.com/ifs2CVYyu7
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 9, 2023
Oneil Cruz Fractures Ankle
Pittsburgh Pirates‘ coveted shortstop suffered an injury in a collision at the plate yesterday. Cruz was sliding into home and fractured his ankle. There is no timetable for his return. Benches cleared immediately after the collision as each team defended their player.
Benches clear in Pittsburgh after a play at the plate involving Oneil Cruz
(via @NBCSWhiteSox)pic.twitter.com/zEfdulecBS
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 9, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Angels and Jays Wild Game
There is a chance there are still runs being scored as you read this. Sunday had an early contender for best game of the season, as the Blue Jays beat the Angels in 10 innings on Sunday. The final score was 12-11, and there was no shortage of offense.
Angels’ Anthony Rendon started the scoring early on Sunday, as he drove in the first run of the game giving the Angels an early 1-0 lead. The Angels held onto this lead and built on it until the sixth inning when the Jays scored 6 runs, tying the score at 6-6. The Jays then added 4 more runs in the next inning, and the Jays even held a 10-7 lead going into the ninth. But then, it was time for the Angels to score some runs.
Matt Chapman's slam sparks a 6-run 6th for the @BlueJays!
(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/wd6OhUpcgE
— MLB (@MLB) April 9, 2023
Angels had men on first and second with the heart of their order coming up, and they did not squander it. Rendon was hit by a pitch loading the bases, and Hunter Renfroe drove in the tying runs.
Jays took the lead in the tenth, and narrowly held onto it, as they loaded the bases for Shohei Ohtani. Luckily for the Jays, Ohtani only had one homer in his arsenal today—which he used in the third inning—and he ended the dramatics by grounding out to end the game.
Short of a late inning walk off by Ohtani, this game had everything else: grand slams, Ohtani homer, stolen base, and a pickoff.
Though the Angels lost, their fans should be delighted at the early returns of this season, and the energy shows.
Young Catchers Show Their Potential
Let’s start first with Adley Rutschman. Rutschman made his MLB debut last season and made his mark not long after his debut. He continued his great young career on Sunday, as he went 4-for-4 against the Yankees. His slash line currently sits at a .313/.421/.406, giving us every reason to remain excited about his future.
Adley Rutschman today 🔥:
4-4, HR, RBI, 2 R
(via @Orioles)pic.twitter.com/OeiBOLcDgR
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 9, 2023
Meanwhile, a bit further north, the Mets’ top catching prospect, Francisco Álvarez, made his season debut against the Marlins on Sunday. He drove in 1 run and went 1 for 4 at the plate. Early discussions among Mets management were that they wanted him to continue improving his defense. He seemed to impress yesterday, as he was better at framing, costing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to miss the remainder of the game after he stole a strike from him.
Francisco Alvarez, stealing strikes (and driving Jazz Chisholm Jr. crazy on back-to-back pitches) pic.twitter.com/HaQUjJP2NM
— David Adler (@_dadler) April 9, 2023
Marlins did test Alvarez’s arm, though, and were able to steal 5 bases off of him. Mets fans hope he can remain with the major league crew, but should remain wary as Buck and company seem to prefer the veteran Tomás Nido.
Injuries & Transactions
Atlanta Braves placed Travis d’Arnaud on the 7-day injured list. Concussion.
Starling Marte left the game early on Sunday with a neck strain, he is currently day to day.
Articles You Should Read
How Far Can Defense Carry the Arizona Diamondbacks?— Randy Holt, Pitcher List
2023 Power Rankings: Week 1 — Scott Youngson, Pitcher List
Fantasy Baseball
Sit/Start Week 2: Reviewing All Starting Pitcher Matchups From 4/10-4/16
Hitters to Start and Avoid in Week 2 (4/10-4/16)
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)