Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.
The surprise story of the day came in the form of a big prospect making his debut. The not-so-surprising story came in the form of another brilliant performance from one of our favorites, Sandy Alcántara.
Today’s Headlines
Atlanta Calls Up Top Prospect
Michael Harris II got the call Saturday. And then immediately called his parents for a lift to Truist Park. Harris, whom Atlanta selected in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Stockbridge High School in Georgia, made some noise in spring training this season before slashing .305/.372/.506 across 43 games with Double-A Mississippi. Harris’ glove in center should provide a big boost to an Atlanta outfield that has struggled defensively.
“He’s such a wonderful young man, too. So you’re really happy for him.”@Braves manager Brian Snitker discusses getting to watch Michael Harris II make his major-league debut. pic.twitter.com/2b7qTJacB2
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 28, 2022
Sandy being Sandy.
Sandy Alcántara did his thing at Atlanta last night firing eight innings of shutout ball with no walks and 14 punch-outs. Ho-hum.
Sandy Alcantara is the first MLB pitcher this season to strike out 14+ batters in a game without a walk
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) May 28, 2022
Marcus Semien finally hit one out.
After belting out 45 last year, it took 44 games for Semien to hit his first home run. At least he made it a big one, a grand slam, revenge-style, against his old team.
MARCUS SEMIEN’S FIRST HOME RUN AS A RANGER IS A GRAND SLAM!!!!!@Rangers | #StraightUpTX | ? BSSW pic.twitter.com/DLwodJBnVn
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) May 28, 2022
And so too did Ke’Bryan Hayes.
The son of Charlie Hayes hit a big home run last night, tagging the previously infallible Taylor Rogers to key a big come-from-behind win for the Pirates.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’ 1st HR of the season is a big one! pic.twitter.com/vRe8N2YL4J
— MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2022
Back and better than ever.
Kyle Lewis, the 2020 Rookie of the Year, made his return to the Mariners lineup a few days ago and tagged Justin Verlander for his first home run of the year on Friday night. He hit his second last night. I have a hunch we’ll be seeing more highlights from him.
Kyle Lewis sends a 420 ft MOONSHOT to the second deck ☄️
(via @ROOTSPORTS_NW)pic.twitter.com/h4NKikNOAA
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 29, 2022
Royal of the Year.
Bobby Witt Jr. had three more hits including two doubles last night. I think Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli summed it up pretty well.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli on Bobby Witt Jr.: “I think he’s settling in, unfortunately for the league.”
Witt and MJ Melendez are flashing what the future will look like for the #Royals. Which only begs the question… when will the rest join them?https://t.co/nqS05vwCXi
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) May 28, 2022
Nasty Nate.
Eovaldi went the distance in Game 1 of the Red Sox doubleheader against the O’s. A huge performance considering the state of their pen.
Four Words:
Nathan.
Eovaldi.
Complete.
Game. pic.twitter.com/s44x7Q3IoM— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 28, 2022
Best Moments From Yesterday
First hit in the books.
After being fooled by Alcántara, like the rest of the Atlanta lineup, in his first at-bat, Harris II picked up the first hit of his career on a single to left off the Miami ace.
Michael Harris II with MLB hit No. 1 for the @braves! pic.twitter.com/ki9zrzC5FS
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 28, 2022
Brett Phillips is a gem.
A young fan gets a game ball thanks to Brett Phillips. The look on the little kid’s face says it all, just pure joy. This is what baseball is all about.
A game ball + a fist bump! pic.twitter.com/4isSHzoyEM
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 28, 2022
The Angels blow a late lead.
Some shoddy defense cost the Angels last night. I’m reminded of the Three Stooges.
NOW WATCHING: Angels in the Outfield (1994) ? pic.twitter.com/nb7FP2sBYR
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 29, 2022
Jeff McNeil celebrates.
He tagged Zach Eflin last night in the fourth for a three-run shot to propel the Mets to an 8-2 win over the Phillies. More importantly, he explained his new celebration.
Jeff McNeil reveals his new celebration dance is an ode to Chazz from Wedding Crashers ? pic.twitter.com/rE0ktOcjBI
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 29, 2022
Superstorm Sandy
Made landfall yesterday afternoon in Atlanta shortly after 4 p.m. EST. This was the last pitch of the day from the category K storm.
Sandy Alcántara, 100mph Fastball on his 108th Pitch.
14th K (no BBs) pic.twitter.com/vmZZ18Hllg
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 28, 2022
Injuries
Tough blow for the Angels, as they placed Anthony Rendon on the IL with inflammation in his right wrist. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but the Angels will likely be cautious.
Kyle Tucker exited Saturday’s game against the Mariners with a sore left foot. The Astros are calling him day-to-day for now.
The Dodgers placed Max Muncy on the IL due to inflammation in his left elbow, the one he injured in the final game of the season last year.
Eloy Jiménez left his first rehab game with right leg soreness. He’s recovering from a right hamstring injury and was slated to return sometime in June. The White Sox are calling him day-to-day for now.
Brandon Nimmo has been playing through pain in his right wrist for most of May. An MRI revealed a sprained joint and he received a cortisone shot. Nimmo admitted that “The last five days it has gotten a little worse.” But he thinks he should avoid the IL.
Articles You Should Read
How local product Michael Harris is turning heads with the Braves this spring – David O’Brien, The Athletic. (From 2021).
Michael Harris II soars up Braves’ prospect list, eager to help hometown win again – David O’Brien, The Athletic.
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)