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The Rays lost to the Yankees last night in a mostly uneventful contest. The loss dropped Tampa Bay to 19-18. The one highlight? An absolute moonshot by Mike Zunino.
472 FOOT BOMB from Mike Zunino
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) May 12, 2021
pic.twitter.com/jS6ukDvldJ
Longer homers at Trop than #Rays Zunino tonight:
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 12, 2021
478 feet by Vinny Castilla, 4/4/2001
474 feet by Jonny Gomes, 7/9/2005
473 feet by Evan Longoria, 4/6/2010
Collin McHugh will serve as the Opener today, with Yarbrough expected to get the bulk innings.
In other news, the Rays made a very tough decision and DFA’d Yoshi Tsutsugo yesterday. It looks like there are a few options going forward.
From what Neander said, #Rays expect to let Tsutsugo period play out over the DFA period as they can consider any potential trade interest and he can weigh free-agent opportunities vs. invite to go to AAA @DurhamBulls
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 11, 2021
Adam Berry with more on Yoshi.
"I don't want to close the book on him, but I do think that the opportunity wasn't going to be there for him to turn himself around right now."
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) May 11, 2021
Today's Rays notes, leading with their decision to DFA Yoshi Tsutsugo: https://t.co/xrlE2K19vn
Has Luis Patiño changed his slider?
Luis Patiño changed his slider this season. The catch? "Stuff" metrics think it's a worse pitch.
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) May 10, 2021
So why would one of the most progressive organizations in baseball make a pitch "worse"? #RaysUp
I tried my best to tackle this question and more: https://t.co/uofa12ObJa pic.twitter.com/I8UCiS6DF6
Yankee third base coach Phil Nevin had a “breakthrough” positive COVID test.
Statement from the Yankees: “We have a breakthrough positive involving 3B Coach Phil Nevin, who is fully vaccinated. He is currently under quarantine protocol in Tampa. Under MLB's guidance and advice, and with its assistance, additional testing and contact tracing are ongoing.”
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 11, 2021
The Padres also had a positive test before yesterday’s game.
A Padres player who had been at least partially vaccinated tested positive for COVID-19 late last month. Today, the Padres placed Fernando Tatis Jr., Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo on the injured list due to health and safety protocols. At least one player has tested positive.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 11, 2021
Wil Myers had to leave the game because of a positive.
Jayce Tingler said Wil Myers had to leave tonight's game because he tested positive for COVID-19.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) May 12, 2021
MLB is trying to put the screws to the city of Oakland.
BREAKING: The Oakland A's will start exploring relocation possibilities after Major League Baseball suggested the organization consider moving to other cities if the Howard Terminal stadium proposal is not approved by local politicians.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 11, 2021
News at ESPN: https://t.co/7kWHMcyqgB
Dieter Kurtenbach at the Mercury News says the threat is more bark than bite.
Tom Verducci with SI has more on baseball’s looming mental health crisis.
Rays at #14 in the latest Athletic power rankings.
A new stat from Fangraphs: xxxFIP.
Nothing is going right for ARod right now.
Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore's 30-day exclusive negotiating window to purchase the Timberwolves has ended without a formal deal.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 11, 2021
Both sides continue to negotiate and a possible extension to the window could happen, sources told @WindhorstESPN. https://t.co/axWsx3AxRa
Ken Rosenthal on pitchers throwing harder with less command.
A disturbing trend emerges: Pitchers are throwing harder than ever with less command. Column: https://t.co/qyPS3nCGoQ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2021
Neil Paine at the 538 on the new era of parity.
Albert Pujols may be playing for the Dominican Republic in an Olympic qualifier.
Source: The Dominican Republic is interested in having Albert Pujols play for the national team at the upcoming @Tokyo2020 Olympic baseball qualifier in Florida. Pujols would be eligible now that he’s no longer on an @MLB 40-man roster. @MLBNetwork @NBCOlympicTalk @WBSC
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 11, 2021
Robbie Ray rocking the tight pants.
— Foolish Baseball (@FoolishBB) May 12, 2021
Finally, this is a nifty pallet cleanse.
A catcher's view of Hall of Fame pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm throwing his famous knuckleball! (1958) #MLB #Baseball #History pic.twitter.com/REtDLtvjTI
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) May 11, 2021