Evening Update - 2/26/2021
Brian Snitker signs an extension with the Braves, MLB announces results from the second round of COVID testing, & more.
Good evening.
It’s February 26th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
Braves manager Brian Snitker has signed an extension to remain with the club through 2023. The Braves will have a club option for the 2024 season. Snitker has led the team to a 353-317 record during his five-year tenure and was the 2018 NL Manager of the Year.
Everything Else
Transactions
RHP Ryan Tepera will re-sign with the Cubs on a major league deal, reports Jon Heyman. Tepera posted a 115 ERA+ in 21 appearances last season.
RHP Tyler Clippard’s deal with the Diamondbacks is now official. 1 year, $1.75 million with a dual option for 2022.
The Diamondbacks designted LHP Travis Bergen and RHP Keury Mella for assignment to make room for Clippard as well as Luis Frias, who was reinstated after spending time on the IL.
RHP Jesse Chavez will sign a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Angels, per Jon Heyman. Chavez has a 4.52 ERA over his 13-year career.
OF Mikie Mahtook has signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. Mahtook has a career 87 OPS+.
The Giants outrighted RHP Trevor Gott. He cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week to make room for Aaron Sanchez on the 40-man roster.
The Braves outrighted LHP Phil Pfeifer to AAA Gwinnett, the team announced.
The White Sox announced the following international signings: RHP Norge Vera, OF/1B Dario Barrero, RHP Adrian Gil, RHP Carlos Hinestroza, C Manual Guariman, OF Carlos Jimenez, and 3B Victor Quezada.
Injuries & Chatter
The second round of COVID test results conducted by MLB were released today. 900 total tests with 3 positives.
RHP Kelvin Herrera announced his retirement from baseball. The two-time all-star compiled a stellar 3.21 ERA over 513.2 career innings pitched.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa noted today that both top pitching prospects Garret Crochet and Michael Kopech will begin the season in the bullpen. Crochet was expected, but this is the first report of Kopech beginning the season in the pen; RHP Mike Wright will start spring opener.
Notes from Pirates manager Derek Shelton: RHP Chad Kuhl will start the spring training opener; 2B Adam Frazier has "slight" groin injury and did not work on the field today or yesterday.
Notes from Nationals manager Dave Martinez: elected not to name an opening day starter; RHP Erick Fedde will start the spring training opener; says LHP Brad Hand will be the closer “in a perfect world;” RHP Jefry Rodriguez is transitioning to the bullpen; too early in camp to narrow down the fifth-starter competition.
Reds OF Shogo Akiyama has left the team for a few days due to a personal matter, says Mark Sheldon. Sheldon notes it is not COVID related.
Nationals OF Gerardo Parra told reporters he had surgery on his right knee “3 or 4 months ago.” He hopes to be 100% by opening day.
Rays switch-hitting 1B Ji-Man Choi told reporters he plans to just his lefty this season.
A’s 2B Franklin Barreto has been cleared for baseball activities, reports Fabian Ardaya. Barreto had shoulder surgery last season.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora: newly signed Hirokazu Sawamura is flying from Japan to Fort Myers tomorrow. He will go through his physical and intake screening before working out.
Weekend Reading
Zach Buchanan profiles Jill Gearin, one of the few women calling MiLB games, and a purposeful advocate of sexual assault awareness.
Javy Baez reiterates his desire to remain with the Cubs, relays Tim Stebbins.
Matt Martell says don’t sleep on the Phillies as playoff contenders.
After an eventful offseason, that included beginning a relationship with celebrity Vanessa Hudgens, Pittsburgh’s Cole Tucker shifts his focus to baseball in hopes of being the starting SS, writes Jason Mackey.
Bill Shaikin on a telling week for a budding star and a team president.
Twins CF Byron Buxton packed on muscle this offseason, says Betsy Helfand.
Mark Zuckerman with notes from Nationals camp.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
The Ballpark Dimensions podcast breaks down MLB.com’s top 25 players under 25 rankings.
Friday Book Recommendation
Nothing like a good book to kick off the first weekend in 2021 with actual major league games. I just finished Bob Ryan’s “When Boston Won The World Series” on the 1903 Boston Americans. If you’re as obsessed with baseball history as I am, you’ll enjoy it. Nothing groundbreaking, but a nice read on the first World Series champion.
Random Baseball Rewind
God bless and have a great evening!
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