Happy Friday, but more importantly, Happy Jackie Robinson Day! It’s time to catch up on MLB News You Should Know for April 15.
Jackie Robinson Day
Today we honor one of the most important trailblazers in Major League Baseball. This year will be extra special, as it happens to be the 75th anniversary of Robinson’s MLB debut.
At 7:30 a.m. ET, in Times Square’s pedestrian plaza at 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, Ken Griffey Jr., Mariano Rivera, Joe Torre, CC Sabathia, Willie Randolph, and Butch Huskey were on hand to assist with up to 50 kids representing each of the five New York City boroughs who will participate in a special Play Ball baseball and softball event. New York will also temporarily name a portion of 42nd St. “Jackie Robinson Way” this afternoon before sending the street sign to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Players Alliance announced that several players will donate their salaries from today’s games to invest in struggling inner-city and rural baseball teams. Per Bob Nightengale, Lorenzo Cain, Jason Heyward, Aaron Hicks, Mike Moustakas, and David Price have committed to donating.
As per tradition, players will also don No. 42 on the back of their jerseys.
For the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, all players will wear a Dodger blue 42 on the backs of their jerseys on April 15th. pic.twitter.com/Vgkro1BzP3
— MLB (@MLB) April 4, 2022
Bryan Reynolds avoids arbitration
The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with their All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Both parties agreed to a two-year deal through 2023. A source told Bon Biertempfel of The Athletic that the two-year extension is reportedly worth $13.5 million. Reynolds will remain under team control through arbitration until the end of the 2025 campaign.
Blue Jays news
Bo Bichette rejected a multi-year contract offer from the Blue Jays. Both parties are not close to reaching an agreement either. Bichette’s contract was renewed for the 2022 season at $717,000, but he will be eligible for salary arbitration for the first time next season.
The Blue Jays also placed outfielder Teoscar Hernández on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. Infielder Gosuke Katoh was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo in response.
MacKenzie Gore to debut for Padres
Bob Melvin announced that left-handed pitching prospect MacKenzie Gore will make his MLB debut today against Atlanta. Gore will take the place of Blake Snell, who was recently placed on the injured list with a groin issue.
During last night’s game, C.J. Abrams also had his first at-bat and first MLB home run.
1st at-bat at Petco Park, 1st MLB homer for C.J. Abrams! pic.twitter.com/2wchV1Hl4s
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 15, 2022
Inside the Park Home Run
Cristian Pache hit the ball to the center-field wall for an in-the-park home run for the A’s. I think the video can speak for itself on this one.
INSIDE THE PACHEEEEE HOME RUN pic.twitter.com/ZFIjvrv2zG
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 14, 2022
Mike Trout is good at baseball
In a game against the Rangers, Mike Trout put the Angels on the board in the first inning with a 472-foot blast. Trout was the second batter up after Shohei Ohtani.
Trout getting the Halos on the board early 🐐💣@Angels | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/QOyX8kr8qQ
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 15, 2022
Quick yet notable news
- Seiya Suzuki recorded his 10th RBI of the season.
- Tim Anderson has three multi-hit games in four starts.
- Andrés Muñoz threw a 103 mph fastball, the fasted pitch recorded in Mariner’s history.
- Manny Machado went 5-for-5 last night with a 110-mph home run.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)