MLB 2021 Baseball Season

[+ Lucky]

It appears from his negative responses in this conversation/thread, @Unicorn is not up to date on baseball.

 

The season started yesterday, despite covid19, which is a major achievement after last season. In 2020, the Cardinals and the Marlins had to play many double-header to make up for dozens of cancelled baseball games

I don't see any posts from @Unicorn on this thread.

[samhexum]

Major League Baseball announced Friday that it is postponing the entire weekend series between the Nationals and the Mets to allow for additional testing and contact tracing in the wake of multiple positive Covid-19 tests among the Nationals’ roster. At least three Nationals players tested positive leading up to Opening Day, and the team is said to be awaiting definitive word on what it believes is a fourth positive test.

 

It would appear, then, that the Mets’ season opener will be pushed back to Monday in Philadelphia. It’s not clear when the Nationals will get underway at this time. The league’s press release indicates only that it will “continue to provide scheduling updates as available.” At the moment, the Nationals are scheduled to host the Braves in a three-game series beginning Monday before traveling to the West Coast to take on the Dodgers next Friday.

[BuffaloKyle]

Major League Baseball announced Friday that it is postponing the entire weekend series between the Nationals and the Mets to allow for additional testing and contact tracing in the wake of multiple positive Covid-19 tests among the Nationals’ roster. At least three Nationals players tested positive leading up to Opening Day, and the team is said to be awaiting definitive word on what it believes is a fourth positive test.

 

It would appear, then, that the Mets’ season opener will be pushed back to Monday in Philadelphia. It’s not clear when the Nationals will get underway at this time. The league’s press release indicates only that it will “continue to provide scheduling updates as available.” At the moment, the Nationals are scheduled to host the Braves in a three-game series beginning Monday before traveling to the West Coast to take on the Dodgers next Friday.

 

 

Even though the season hasn't even started yet I trust the Mets rotation a whole lot more than their bullpen. So if all the postponed games turn into 7 inning doubleheaders they get the advantage then.

[samhexum]

Major League Baseball Moves All-Star Game Out Of Atlanta

 

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Friday that the league will relocate the All-Star Game and 2021 Amateur Draft, which had been set to take place in Atlanta, Ga.

 

“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” Manfred said in a statement announcing the decision.

 

“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft. Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.

 

“We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

[BuffaloKyle]

Major League Baseball Moves All-Star Game Out Of Atlanta

 

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Friday that the league will relocate the All-Star Game and 2021 Amateur Draft, which had been set to take place in Atlanta, Ga.

 

“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views,” Manfred said in a statement announcing the decision.

 

“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft. Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.

 

“We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

 

They also wanted the PGA to move the Masters which is set for next weekend at Augusta.

[samhexum]

Angels reliever Ty Buttrey explains his decision to walk away from MLB:

 

[Epigonos]

The moving of the All-Star Game out of Atlanta is having some interesting repercussions in Georgia. Staci Abrams, both Democratic U.S. Senators and the mayor of Atlanta are up in arms over the moving of the game. They all complain bitterly how the move will severely and dramatically hurt the incomes of large numbers of low-income African Americans in the city.

[samhexum]

Something may be brewing in Milwaukee tonight... a double no-hitter going through the 6th. No walks, either, though each starter has hit a batter.

 

Corbin Burnes of Milwaukee has 11 strikeouts in 6 innings. Jose Berrios of Minnesota has 12 strikeouts in 6 innings.

 

Later... Byron Buxton homered off of Burnes with one out in the top of the 7th, knocking him out of the game. 1 hit, one run, one loss.

 

Later... 2-0 Minnesota victory. Brewers got their first hit after 7 1/3. Berrios came out after 6 hitless.

Edited April 4, 2021 by samhexum

[samhexum]

Something may be brewing in Milwaukee tonight... a double no-hitter going through the 6th. No walks, either, though each starter has hit a batter.

 

Corbin Burnes of Milwaukee has 11 strikeouts in 6 innings. Jose Berrios of Minnesota has 12 strikeouts in 6 innings.

 

Later... Byron Buxton homered off of Burnes with one out in the top of the 7th, knocking him out of the game. 1 hit, one run, one loss.

 

Later... 2-0 Minnesota victory. Brewers got their first hit after 7 1/3. Berrios came out after 6 hitless.

Edited April 4, 2021 by samhexum

[+ WilliamM]

L

The moving of the All-Star Game out of Atlanta is having some interesting repercussions in Georgia. Staci Abrams, both Democratic U.S. Senators and the mayor of Atlanta are up in arms over the moving of the game. They all complain bitterly how the move will severely and dramatically hurt the incomes of large numbers of low-income African Americans in the city.

How could an All Star Game in Atlanta honor Hank Aaron, one of greatest Black baseball players, under these conditions?

 

Owners of major league baseball teams have been extremely conservative. Anyone remember Gussie Busch in St. Louis? This is just the beginning of the strong reaction to come in Texas to a similar state law

[+ WilliamM]

L

The moving of the All-Star Game out of Atlanta is having some interesting repercussions in Georgia. Staci Abrams, both Democratic U.S. Senators and the mayor of Atlanta are up in arms over the moving of the game. They all complain bitterly how the move will severely and dramatically hurt the incomes of large numbers of low-income African Americans in the city.

How could an All Star Game in Atlanta honor Hank Aaron, one of greatest Black baseball players, under these conditions?

 

Owners of major league baseball teams have been extremely conservative. Anyone remember Gussie Busch in St. Louis? This is just the beginning of the strong reaction to come in Texas to a similar state law

[+ WilliamM]

Bob Costas on CNN last night

 

Black baseball players are much better organized now, and many of their teammates are sympathetic to their causes.

 

While Georgia legislation would cut both ways, the voting rules do not favor Black voters

[+ WilliamM]

Bob Costas on CNN last night

 

Black baseball players are much better organized now, and many of their teammates are sympathetic to their causes.

 

While Georgia legislation would cut both ways, the voting rules do not favor Black voters

[Cooper]

Admin Note: Quick reminder to keep politics out of the Lounge. Thanks!

[Cooper]

Admin Note: Quick reminder to keep politics out of the Lounge. Thanks!

[+ Lucky]

I saw a masterful performance last night by Shohei Ohtani, pitching and batting for the Angels. He was superb on the mound, until he tired out. His first at bat resulted in a first pitch home run, the hardest hit one so far this year. He also threw the fastest pitch of the year. So, besides being cute, he's a really good athlete!

His team ultimately let him down, resulting in an injury of unknown effect.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2021-04-04/shohei-ohtani-collision-injury-angels-white-sox

[+ WilliamM]

Luckily the great Willie Mays is still with us and living in Rancho Mirage California

[samhexum]

Fernando Tatis Jr. hurt himself taking a hard swing and immediately left Monday's 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

 

Tatis struck out swinging against Anthony DeSclafani and winced in pain as he fell to the ground. He cradled his left arm while he got up, and two athletic trainers helped hold his arm against his body as he walked off the field.

 

The Padres later said that Tatis exited because of a left shoulder subluxation, which is a partial dislocation of a joint. He will be reevaluated Tuesday.

 

The 22-year-old Tatis left a game late in spring training with left shoulder discomfort but was back two days later. Manager Jayce Tingler said then that Tatis had been dealing with left shoulder discomfort since his minor league days. Tatis later said he'd had it since rookie ball.

 

Tatis committed five errors through the first four games.

 

He signed the longest contract in big league history on Feb. 22, a 14-year, $340 million deal.

 

 

Nationals Set Opening Day Roster

 

After having their first four games postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests within the organization, the Nationals have announced their roster for today’s season opener. Four Nationals players are said to have tested positive, with several more in the organization being deemed close contacts who are also going through protocol. Tuesday’s announcement was accompanied by a dizzying series of roster moves, which included placing catchers Yan Gomes and Alex Avila; left-handers Patrick Corbin, Brad Hand and Jon Lester; infielders Josh Harrison andJordy Mercer; first baseman Josh Bell; and outfielder Kyle Schwarber on the Covid-19 related injured list. Right-hander Will Harris was also placed on the 10-day injured list after his recent procedure to address a blood clot.

 

In a sequence of corresponding roster moves, the Nats recalled catcher Tres Barrera; right-handers Ryne Harper and Kyle McGowin; infielders Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia; lefty Sam Clay; and outfielder Yadiel Hernandezfrom their alternate training site. Washington also selected the contracts of veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy and outfielder Cody Wilson. Wilson was specifically designated as a “replacement player,” indicating that he can be removed from the 40-man roster and sent back to the minors without clearing waivers as the affected Nationals players are cleared to return to the roster.

 

Notably, the Nationals’ Opening Day roster includes shortstop Trea Turner — a welcome development after Turner was absent from yesterday’s workout with the team. Manager Dave Martinez tells reporters that Turner was not cleared to be on the field yesterday (Twitter link via the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty), so it seems he cleared protocols this morning. Turner will be joined in the Opening Day infield by Ryan Zimmerman, Hernan Perez (at second) and Starlin Castro(at third). The Nats will give Andrew Stevenson the nod in left field alongsideVictor Robles and Juan Soto, while Lucroy draws the start behind the plate, catching Max Scherzer.

 

The Nationals will make up yesterday’s postponed contest against the Braves in a doubleheader tomorrow. It’s not yet clear when they’ll make up their three postponed games against the Mets, although given that they’re division rivals, the remainder of this season’s schedule will provide ample opportunity for those games to be played.

[+ WilliamM]

At the Cardinals opening day St Louis former manager Whitey Herzog remembered catching President Eisenhower:s opening day ball pitches on opening day in Washington.

 

I always liked Herzog

[BuffaloKyle]

MLB sent a memo out to the players before the season they were going to be checking out baseballs after games for any doctoring of them. We have our first possible violator and it is none other than Trevor Bauer.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-trevor-bauer-investigated-by-mlb-for-using-foreign-substances-on-multiple-balls-per-report/

[samhexum]

When San Diego acquired Joe Musgrove from the Pirates over the winter, it was thought that the improved defense behind him might be a big help to him. He was strong in his first start, and will be carrying a no-hitter into the bottom of the 9th in Texas. He hasn't walked anyone; the only runner reached on a HBP.

 

And San Diego, in existence since 1969, has never had a no-hitter before.

[Smurof]

I'm happy to see so many sports fans on here. Baseball is my favorite of them all. I think 2022 will be the Padres' year. The Dodgers are clearly better so far, as was predicted in 2021. The Pads need to shore up their middle relief to become more competitive. Thus far, it's been rather dreadful.

[CatDaddy]

Thank you for this forum. My favorite sports moment is still being in the Astrodome and watching Mike Scott pitch a no hitter against the Giants that put the Astros in the MLB playoffs. It was back when the earth was cooling... in I think 1986.

[+ WilliamM]

I saw a no-hitter in person at the end of the 1969 baseball season. The Pirates Bob Moose pitching against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in Queens. Too bad it was almost October because Mr. Moose didn't get much attention. He should have.

[samhexum]

April 2

The White Sox's Yermin Mercedes went 5-for-5 and teammate Yoan Moncada went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. The only other time since 1900 that teammates had done that was June 4, 2009, when Toronto's Adam Lind went 5-for-5 and Alex Rios went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. Moncada missed by one game of joining ex-White Sox catcher Ron Karkovice as the only players to go 0-for-5 with five K's on Opening Day.

 

April 3

The Dodgers' Zach McKinstry hit his first career home run, and it was an inside-the-park homer. In 1992, the first career homer by Butch Henry, a pitcher, was an inside-the-park homer for the Astros. It was the only home run of his career. McKinstry hit his second career homer on April 11. It went over the fence.

 

Marlins reliever Zach Pop made his major league debut, pitching a scoreless sixth inning. His second baseman in that game was Jazz Chisholm, marking the first time that Jazz and Pop have appeared in the same game in major league history.

 

April 4

The White Sox's batting order included three straight hitters with first names beginning with Y: Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Yermin Mercedes. That was a first by any team since 1900.

 

A's rookie outfielder Ka'ai Tom pitched in his team's fourth game of the year. Tom pitched a scoreless inning against the Astros, but he gave up a hit, meaning a position player gave up a hit before he got a hit in his major league career. Tom was 0-for-5 career at the time that he pitched. The only position player we could find after 1950 that did that was Red Sox catcher Dusty Brown, who in 2009 was 0-for-1 in his career when he pitched an inning on Oct. 3.

 

Music and baseball connected in Philadelphia. The Braves started Ian Anderson, who has the same name as the lead singer of the band Jethro Tull. They also used reliever Chris Martin, who is the lead singer of Coldplay.

 

April 5

The Tigers' Robbie Grossman became the first player since 1900 to draw eight walks and have no hits in the first four games of the season. Over the past 50 years, the only player to get more than eight walks before getting his first hit of the season was the Orioles' DJ Stewart, who had nine in 2020.

 

April 6

Phillies reliever Vince Velasquez walked four, struck out four, gave up four earned runs and didn't allow a hit in 1⅓ innings against the Mets. That pitching line had never been accomplished by any pitcher since 1900: 1⅓-0-4-4-4-4.

 

April 10

Angels shortstop Jose Iglesias made three errors (only the second time in his career that he made multiple errors in a game), struck out twice and grounded into a double play against the Blue Jays. Since GIDPs became official in both leagues in 1940, he became the seventh player to do that, and second (joining Seattle's Dylan Moore) in the past 16 years.

 

April 11

Ten days into the season, an individual player had struck out four times in a game 16 times. In every season in the modern era (1900-on) prior to 1957, there were fewer than 17 individual four-strikeout games in the entire season, including 12 in 1955.

 

April 12

Royals reliever Carlos Hernandez faced three hitters, walked them all, but threw only 11 pitches. That's because his first walk was intentional, so it didn't add to his pitch count.

 

April 13

The umpiring crew in Baltimore was Ryan Blakney, Ryan Additon, Brian O'Nora and Ryan Wills. Ryan, Ryan, Ryan and Brian.

 

By one batter, we missed Seattle's Ty France facing the Orioles' Paul Fry, depriving us of the first France-Fry at-bat in major league history.

 

The Mets became the first team ever to start a pitcher (Marcus Stroman) wearing uniform No. 0 in the first game of a doubleheader and start a pitcher (Taijuan Walker) wearing No. 99 in the second game of a doubleheader.

 

April 14

The White Sox's Carlos Rodon became the third pitcher to lose a perfect game in the ninth inning or later on a hit batter but still end up with a no-hitter. Max Scherzer did it in 2015 for the Nationals, and in 1908, the Giants' Hooks Wiltse (he had a brother named Snake) lost his perfect game in the 10th inning when he hit the opposing pitcher, George McQuillan.

 

April 16

In the 12th inning against the Padres, Dodgers pitcher David Price hit a sacrifice fly, the second RBI of his career (50 at-bats). The ball was caught by pitcher Joe Musgrove, who had thrown a no-hitter seven days earlier. Musgrove had to play left field when second baseman Jake Cronenworth was brought in to pitch. It marked the first time that a pitcher hit a ball to a position-playing pitcher since Sept. 30, 1984, when Shane Rawley flied out to left fielder Don Robinson in the third inning. It was the last game of the season, and Robinson, a good-hitting pitcher, started in left field.

 

April 19

Albert Pujols, one of the greatest hitters of all time, grounded into a double play for the 400th time. Second on the all-time list is Cal Ripken with 350.

 

White Sox DH Yermin Mercedes pitched against the Red Sox. It was the first time he had ever played a defensive position in his brief major league career (then 15 games). He became the first position player to make his debut in the field as a pitcher since Kerby Farrell of the 1943 Braves.

 

April 20

The Red Sox became the first team ever to win nine in a row following an 0-3 start. Then the A's topped that by becoming the first team ever to win 10 games in a row (they won 13 straight) at any point in a season in which it started out 0-6.

 

April 23

Royals pitcher Mike Minor is always good for a Quirkjian. His latest, on this day, might not have been on the level of his pitching matchups -- Minor-Leake, Minor-Sale, Minor-Fiers and Cole-Minor. But Minor faced the Tigers' Zack Short, the first Minor-Short at-bat in history.

 

April 24

It took until this day before the Marlins made an error on the left side of the infield. At that time, the Padres had 13 errors from their left side.

 

Astros pitcher Kent Emanuel pitched 8⅔ innings in relief in his major league debut. That was the longest relief outing in a pitcher's debut since John Montefusco went nine innings in 1974. And the pitcher Emanuel replaced in the game, Jake Odorizzi, has 62 career victories and has made 195 major league starts, and the longest start of his career was eight innings.

 

 

April 25

Reds pitcher Jose Castillo gave up three runs in the first inning, making it 14 runs (11 earned) that he has allowed in the first inning. To that point, 23 teams hadn't scored that many runs in the first inning all season, including the Yankees, who had scored one run in the first inning. The Twins had allowed only two runs in the first inning but were 7-13 for the season.

 

April 26

Twins rookie outfielder Alex Kirilloff had played in the postseason last year before he made his regular-season debut this season. And he got a hit. But it wasn't technically his first major league hit because it didn't come in a regular-season game. So he was still looking for his first official major league hit. He got off to an 0-for-15 start but finally got a hit on this day.