Daily Baseball Update - 9/17/2021
In baseball: Salvador Perez ties Johnny Bench for most homers by a catcher in a season, Ohtani unlikely to pitch again this season, & more.
Good morning.
It’s September 17th, 2021 and here’s everything going on in the world of baseball.
The Most Important Thing(s)
Salvador Perez of the Royals hit his 45th home run of the season. He’s now tied with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the league lead.
On a less-fun note, we may have seen the last of Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher this season.
Everything Else
Thursday Recaps
Rockies/Braves PPD (weather)
Thursday Notables
Bryce Harper, Phillies: 3-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB
Austin Nola, Padres: 3-3, BB, R
Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres: 2-3, HR, 2 BB
Josh Harrison, A’s: 4-5, 2 RBI
Alex Bregman, Astros: 2-5, 4 RBI
White Sox 1B Jose Abreu played third base in the ninth inning of yesterday’s game against the Angels. It’s the first time in his career he’s played a position besides first base. Vinnie Duber explains here how that came to be.
Standings Update
Today’s Schedule
Transactions
Angels moves: designated RHP Jake Petricka for assignment; activated RHP Alex Cobb from the 10-day injured list.
Braves moves: activated RHP Chris Martin from the 10-day injured list; placed RHP Luke Jackson on the paternity list.
Diamondbacks moves: sent RF Kole Calhoun on a rehab assignment to ACL D-backs.
Giants moves: recalled LHP Sammy Long from Triple-A Sacramento; optioned RHP Jay Jackson to Sacramento.
Mariners moves: sent RHP Justin Dunn on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Tacoma.
Orioles moves: claimed RHP Brooks Kriske off waivers from the Yankees and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk; transferred RHP Jorge Lopez (ankle) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
Pirates moves: sent 2B Michael Chavis on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Rangers moves: sent LHP Hyeon-Jong Yang outright to Triple-A Round Rock.
Rays moves: sent RHP Chris Mazza and LHP Cody Reed on a rehab assignment to FCL Rays.
Red Sox moves: sent 2B Christian Arroyo on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Worcester.
Rockies moves: sent RHP Peter Lambert on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Injuries/Chatter
Padres INF Jake Cronenworth is expected to return sometime this weekend, says manager Jayce Tingler.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa says there was “no intent” in RHP Mike Wright’s plunking of Shohei Ohtani.
Astros RHP Jake Odorizzi has been diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain. He told reporters he’s confident he’ll return to the rotation after his stint on the 10-day IL.
Phillies C JT Realmuto left last night’s game after taking a pitch to the elbow. X-rays were negative.
There’s a good chance Giants LHP Alex Wood will be activated and start Saturday’s game against the Braves. Wood has been out battling the COVID virus.
Rays DH Nelson Cruz left yesterday's game with a right forearm contusion.
Posts With Your Toast
The Mariners are set to celebrate their entire region in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.
The Giants, Dodgers, and Rays sit atop ESPN’s latest power rankings.
George Springer was meant for fall baseball and his Blue Jays teammates are feeling the impact, writes Rob Longley.
Will Leitch ranks baseball’s best player every year since 1969. Fun read.
Alex Vesia has emerged as the Dodgers’ top left-handed reliever, opines JP Hoornstra.
Random Baseball Rewind
Foul Tips
The average cost of attending an MLB game increased in 2021 following COVID-19 pandemic.
ESPN apologizes after airing two f-bombs in clip promoting 1986 Mets documentary.
The Durham Bulls put a GoPro on their bat dog, Ripken.
Discussion
As a follow-up to Will Leitch’s column on the best players each year from 1969 to now, who do you have as the most underrated players during that span? Let me know in the comments.
God bless and good day!!
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