It’s the third week of the 2022 season, and storylines continue to pop up. From dominant offensive performances to one of the wackiest stories you’ll hear this season, we got you covered.
Miggy is One Hit Away From History
We’re on history watch today. Miguel Cabrera is only one hit away from 3,000 career hits! Only 32 players in MLB history have 3,000 hits. Of that number, only six have collected 500 home runs on top of those hits. Miggy could become number seven. The future Hall of Famer went three for four last night, bringing his career hit total to 2,999 and Detroit Tigers fans to the edge of their seats. For Miggy, this accomplishment would be the cherry on top of what has been a beautiful career.
MIGUEL CABRERA IS ONE HIT AWAY FROM 3,000!!!
(via @mlb)pic.twitter.com/cylHNZlN5a
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 21, 2022
Cabrera made his debut in 2003 as a member of the Miami Marlins. What baseball fans didn’t know in 2003 is that this young Venezuelan left fielder would go on to become one of the greatest hitters of the 21st century. Cabrera has a career .310/.387/.532 slash line with 502 home runs and 1807 RBI. He’s won two MVP awards, seven Silver Slugger awards, and was the heart of the dangerous Tigers teams in the early 2010s.
To say this historic landmark would mean the world to Detroit would be an understatement. Miggy will go down as one of the greatest to play in a Tigers uniform, and all eyes will be on the slugger when he takes the Yankees on today at 12:10 P.M. CST.
The Offensive Carousel
Wednesday was quite the night for team offensive performances. The Rays put 7 ER on Marcus Stroman. The Diamondbacks piled 6 ER on Erick Fedde. But the Guardians and Angels took it to another level. Both of these lineups fully batted around in the early innings, solidifying leads in their eventual victories over the White Sox and Astros, respectively. These performances came against divisional rivals, which is great news as both the Guardians and Angels hope to compete for division titles.
The Guardians’ performance came against Dallas Keuchel in the first game of a doubleheader against the White Sox and was highlighted by José Ramírez’s second grand slam of the young season. Ramírez now has 20 RBI on the season and has played a crucial role in the Guardians’ 6-5 overall record, as they hope to return to the postseason.
The best player in baseball and we have him another 7 years. 🐐#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/akkJ2TgnCD
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) April 20, 2022
The Angels batted around against veteran Jake Odorizzi in the first inning of their game against the Astros. Shohei Ohtani, the generational superstar, continued to shine by piling on 2 RBI in the first inning before he even pitched. When he did pitch, it was 6 scoreless innings of 1 hit, 12 K ball. He is something else.
Ohtani helps his cause!! 2 🥩 double@Angels | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/IM6SMHWiQa
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 20, 2022
Yankees Avoid Vaccination Issues
Despite the 2022 MLB season starting with no mandates and full crowds, the effects of COVID-19 still linger for certain teams. One of those teams is the Toronto Blue Jays, who are abiding by Canada’s law that any player who is unvaccinated is not able to cross the border and play in Rogers Centre. This spelled worry for a few teams, but specifically, the New York Yankees, who faced the prospect of vaccination mandates in both New York and Toronto.
However, it seems like Aaron Boone and his Yankees have avoided any potential concerns. According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees who were unvaccinated have received their doses, and the entire team should be eligible to compete across the border for the full season. This is crucial for a Yankees team that is in a four-horse race for the division title in the AL East. Any disadvantage could prove crucial, and the Yankees hopeful will now be able to watch their complete team going up against the powerhouse in Toronto.
The couple Yankees who remained unvaccinated into last week have told the team they are now vaccinated. Which is why manager Aaron Boone was able to say he’s confident all his players will be eligible to play in Toronto.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 20, 2022
The Nationals Threaten National Security?
Now, THIS is quite the story. I feel like I need to open with the tweet.
So, in conclusion, a poorly coordinated pregame parachute-drop into Nationals Park caused an urgent evacuation of the U.S. Capitol complex and about 15 minutes of utter panic in Washington. https://t.co/O5sicdZjnn
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) April 20, 2022
It was Military Appreciation Day at Nationals Park, a part of the team’s patriotic series during the 2022 season. A part of that celebration involved some U.S. military members parachuting onto the field before the game. It seems there was some miscommunication between the Nationals staff and the U.S. Capitol, as the plane circled above the field multiple times and caused panic in the Capitol building. As a result, the U.S. Capitol building was evacuated.
The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening.
There is no threat at the Capitol.
More details to come. pic.twitter.com/7qqxqQyzlD
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 20, 2022
Thankfully, the threat was called off, the issue was resolved, and the parachuting spectacle was successful. The Nationals did not have as much luck, as they ended up losing 2-11. Nevertheless, a memorable night for the fans, the teams, and those who quickly responded and evacuated at the U.S. Capitol.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)