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
Pirate Takeover
The Pirates have kept up a hot streak, breezing past the Dodgers most recently. Mitch Keller matched his career-high of 10 strikeouts in six innings in a 6-2 win. The Pirates won two games in the three-game series, knocking the Dodgers down to second place in the National League West. Additionally, the Pirates have won nine out of 10, pushing their record to 18-8 at 10 games over .500 — and the best record in the National League.
In sad news, the Pirates also announced that shortstop Dick Groat passed away at the age of 92. Groat was best known for being the National League MVP in 1960, helping the Pirates to a World Series championship. He went on to win a second title with the Cardinals in 1964. Groat also was one of just 13 athletes to have played in both the Major League and NBA.
RIP to the Legend Dick Groat🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/5PkrIJCZht
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) April 27, 2023
Rehab Stint
Justin Verlander will make a rehab start today with Double-A affiliate Binghamton. The Mets expect Verlander will only need one rehab start before moving back into the starting rotation, possibly debuting in Detroit next week.
https://twitter.com/genymets/status/1651680516377047043?s=20
Cycle Watch
Shohei Ohtani earned a win against the Athletics with an 8-7 victory. Ohtani did give up five runs in the fourth, but he also was just one home run away from completing the cycle.
Just inches away from history 😱
Shohei Ohtani needed a home run to become the first starting pitcher to hit for the cycle, and the ball was caught at the warning track. pic.twitter.com/2CgZWbVWUB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 27, 2023
Down Bad News
White Sox GM Rick Hahn held a press conference on the rough season start. “Put it on me. That’s the job,” Hahn said. The White Sox own one of MLB’s worst records 7-19, sitting atop only two teams: the Royals and the Athletics. Their offense sits at 24th in runs and 26th in fWAR. The starting rotation and bullpen aren’t helping either. The White Sox, who have yet to win a back-to-back game or series, are tied with the 1986 season for the worst record in the first 25 games since the Expansion Era in 1961. The Rays most recently defeated the White Sox 14-5.
White Sox have lost eight straight on three different occasions since the start of last season.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) April 28, 2023
Torre Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Joe Torre won his third Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Baseball Digest. Torre was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 after playing for 18 seasons and managing the Yankees for quite some time (and four other teams). Torre follows behind Willie Mays and last year’s winner, Vin Scully.
Is Joe Torre more proud of his playing career or managerial career?#HighHeat | @MadDogUnleashed pic.twitter.com/MXFl5ZQJPi
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 27, 2023
Best Moments From Yesterday
Rooker’s Blast
Brent Rooker went deep for a three-run home run to put the A’s on the board in the fourth.
3-run homer for Rooker! pic.twitter.com/xjEqgXng9j
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 27, 2023
First Timer
Dansby Swanson knocks one over the ivy for his first home run as a Cub.
Dansby goes yard for his first as a Cub. pic.twitter.com/mBzHxMRaR8
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2023
And A Grand Slam
CJ Abrams has been hot. Earlier this week he hit a three-run home run. This time he hit a grand slam to put the Nationals up. The Mets still won 9-8.
CJ SLAMS. ☄️ pic.twitter.com/0iJwhFQiT2
— MLB (@MLB) April 28, 2023
Take Your Child To Work Day
Are you looking for some warm fuzzies? Say no more.
In honor of National Take Your Child to Work Day, a look back at when Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. got grounded for a stunt he pulled while "sharing an office" with his dad… pic.twitter.com/KqbQPtlAYP
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 28, 2023
Injuries
Tyler Mahle exited Thursday’s game during the fourth with right posterior elbow soreness. He is considered day-to-day.
Ildemaro Vargas joined Triple-A Rochester to begin a rehab assignment.
Adam Wainwright will pitch in his third rehab start this Sunday with Tripe-A Memphis.
Kerry Carpenter will undergo tests to determine the severity of his shoulder injury.
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