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The Rays climbed back to .500 with a 4-3 win over the Oakland A’s thanks to a huge late inning two run blast from (checks notes) Brett Phillips? Huh.
Maverick gets it done!
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) April 28, 2021
Brett Phillips launches a two-run shot to put the @RaysBaseball ahead of the A's!
: Bally Sports Sun
: https://t.co/o89FpvWYfe
: Download the new Bally Sports app (formerly FOX Sports Go)! pic.twitter.com/halMW1ARUX
But what everybody was talking about after the game was KK bogarting a ball from Randy. Including KK.
"I believe I'm the best defensive outfielder in the game."@RaysBaseball centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier explains in depth what was going through his mind when he got in front of Randy Arozarena in the sixth inning when the A's were able to score on a sacrifice fly. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/HNP5DLkl40
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) April 28, 2021
I’m sure things won’t be awkward at all.
In other Tampa Bay sports news, the Lightning clinched a playoff berth with a 7-4 win over Chicago.
CLINCHED! @TBLightning make it to the playoffs for the 4th-straight season! #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/SrLlWVnHd9
— Bally Sports Sun: Lightning (@BallyLightning) April 28, 2021
The Rays are close to being fully vaccinated.
Player rep Tyler Glasnow said #Rays have reached the 85 percent standard of Tier 1 personnel being vaccinated, and now it's just a matter of the two week waiting period for some to be considered "fully vaccinated" and the team will have relaxed protocols.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 27, 2021
Mystery solved on the Monday Columbia Blues.
Mystery solved about why #Rays wore their light blue jerseys, usually reserved for Sundays, tonight. If no special occasion, it is starting pitcher's choice. Rich Hill shared that his son, Brice, said he liked the light blue and wanted the team to wear them, so dad obliged.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 27, 2021
Shohei Ohtani is ridiculous.
A fun piece on some Negro League two-way stars.
Also ridiculous is Fernando Tatís Jr.
Also also ridiculous is Vlad Guerrero Jr.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. was feelin' it and he couldn't be stopped.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 28, 2021
Watch all of Vladdy's home runs that lead the @BlueJays to a win over the @Nationals. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qelSBQwEzQ
Ronal Acuña Jr. is no slouch either.
Ronald Acuña Jr. decided to just his bat after this 481-foot shot. pic.twitter.com/jVjHAq539I
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 28, 2021
Choi is set to begin a rehab assignment in Durham.
The Rays are planning to send first baseman Ji-Man Choi to Triple-A Durham next week to step up his rehab from right knee surgery. https://t.co/DIcXlhZDnW
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) April 27, 2021
Brandon Lowe on his slump.
The Tigers defeated the White Sox 5-2 last night despite committing five errors. Mostly because Tony La Russa is managing like it’s 1983. We believe this is the first time a team has committed five errors and won since the Astros beat the Giants on May 30, 1981. Which is definitely a box score worth checking out.
Does throwing a pitch more alter its effectiveness? Carmen Ciardiello at Fangraphs digs in to find out.
Does Throwing a Pitch More Alter Its Effectiveness? https://t.co/Spku75ufoQ
— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) April 27, 2021
The most fun name is baseball has been promoted to the Bigs.
Welcome to San Francisco, Skye Bolt. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/G5HSFd2An7
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) April 28, 2021
Rob Manfred is softening his position on pace of play, but for all the wrong reasons.
Rob Manfred on Sportico Live: "Sports betting is a massive opportunity for fan engagement."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 27, 2021
He said Adam Silver told him to stop talking about pace of game, because baseball's pace of game is perfect for sports betting (meaning wagering between pitches and innings).
Brad Ausmus Brad Ausmusing.
This didn’t make the final cut but here’s Ausmus talking about being asked to introduce Biggio, as only Ausmus could tell it: https://t.co/fFUwP53vvv pic.twitter.com/bNKjhOhR3F
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) April 27, 2021
R.J. Anderson on why nobody wants to Rockies GM job.
Why I think the Rockies job might be the least desirable GM gig in baseball right now: https://t.co/ALjjMw3oKX
— R.J. Anderson (@r_j_anderson) April 27, 2021
The Pioneer League with some fun innovations, including a homerun derby to settle ties in extras.
The Pioneer League has announced rules it will use for its first year as a Partner League. Instead of extra innings there will be a HR derby to settle ties. Each team can use a designated pinch hitter and a designated pinch runner. pic.twitter.com/0xLnUJ4s1V
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) April 27, 2021
Finally, cleanse your timeline with this cute doggo. His name is Fritz, but the way he’s hanging on to that ball, maybe they should change his name to KK?
This is Fritz. Respectfully, no you may not have his ball. The last time you took it, you threw it very far. He doesn’t have time for that. 14/10 pic.twitter.com/ML9upjMBjY
— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) April 27, 2021