:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69741086/1334756582.0.jpg)
Nelson Cruz hit two bombs in 10-0 route of the Orioles, leading some Cruz detractors to backpedal.
— Darby Robinson (@darby_robinson) August 18, 2021
With homers in five straight games now, Mike Zunino is one away from a Rays record.
With a HR in 5 straight games, Mike Zunino ties Jose Canseco (1999) for the 2nd-longest HR streak in @RaysBaseball history (Carlos Pena, 6). pic.twitter.com/ApdyL6uFEm
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 18, 2021
Chris Ellis, in his first big league appearance since 2019, missed out on a four inning save — because the official scorer awarded him the win instead. Baseball is weird.
Chris Ellis: Second reliever in Rays history to throw 4+ scoreless innings, strike out 7+, and be awarded a win. Jalen Beeks vs KC, Apr 23 2019 (W 5-2).https://t.co/ZWfpfsIZ4d
— Doug Kern (@dakern74) August 18, 2021
The Rays are now five games up on the Yankees and the Red Sox, with the Red Sox falling into third by percentage points.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22789755/Standings.png)
Louis Head opens for Yarbrough tonight.
Louis Head will be opener for #Rays on Wednesday, Yarbrough slated to work bulk of innings
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 18, 2021
Brett Phillips is a national treasure.
Brett Phillips gave Rays third base coach @RondeyLinares a thank you note & Louis Vuitton shoes today for sending him home for his first inside the park home run.
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) August 17, 2021
Only Brett Phillips I tell ya. pic.twitter.com/APcF4I2vKh
The stadium saga continues.
The Rays are hot. Is Tampa warming to a ballpark deal? #Rays #RaysUp #Tampa https://t.co/hopuMQEUD2
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) August 17, 2021
Oakland A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt was hit in the head with a liner last night in Chicago. The team released a statement that he was “conscious and aware” on his way to the hospital. After the game, manager Bob Melvin said:
Bass is conscious, he was the entire time,” manager Bob Melvin said after the game. “We don’t think the eye is a problem at this point. It felt like it was below it. He’s got some cuts and used some stitches. He’s in a scan and we’ll know about potential fractures tomorrow or later tonight.
Our thoughts are with A's pitcher Chris Bassitt who left today's game on a cart after taking a line drive to the head while pitching. pic.twitter.com/fh3NxCdxVR
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 18, 2021
MORNING UPDATE ON BASSITT IS VERY GOOD NEWS:
News is encouraging on A’s ace Chris Bassitt. After being hit in the face with a liner last night he sustained a fractured cheekbone and maxilla (upper jawbone). Surgery will be in 3-5 days after swelling subsides. All other scans are clean. Most vitally: Vision is 20-20.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 18, 2021
Fangraphs on Andrew Kittredge’s slider.
Andrew Kittredge, Matt Manning, and Tyler Wells on Learning and Developing Their Sliders https://t.co/1fh5BseZAL
— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) August 17, 2021
So there’s gonna be a Field of Dreams series on Peacock?
‘Field of Dreams’ Series Adaptation From Michael Schur Ordered at Peacock https://t.co/p4cerdRbKs
— Variety (@Variety) August 16, 2021
Neil Greenberg on who is getting squeezed the most.
Jeff Passan asks, what would you do if you were Commissioner for a day.
"What would you do if you were commissioner for a day?"
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 17, 2021
Our answers:
1. Shorten the season
2. Expand and realign
3. Add a pitch clock
4. Robot umps
5. End blackouts
6. Trade draft picks
7. Pay minor leaguers more
8. Change the commissioner's role
Read: https://t.co/O0GOdPSCaO
Jack Morris apologizes for making an on-air racist joke. No word on if there was a deep drive to left by Castellanos.
Power rankings from the Ringer.
A hearing regarding a restraining order in the Trevor Bauer sexual assault case is underway. Sheryl Ring at Beyond the Box Score (and on Twitter) should be your go to source for information.
This thread on DBack prospect Kristian Robinson is interesting and sad and frustrating.
BREAKING: Diamondbacks prospect Kristian Robinson was sentenced today to 18 months probation for assaulting a police officer during a mental breakdown in April of 2020. If he completes his probation, the conviction -- a Class 6 felony -- will be changed to a misdemeanor.
— Zach Buchanan (@ZHBuchanan) August 17, 2021
Sadly, these are fake. But wouldn’t it be cool if they weren’t?
These must be fake because they actually look dope as hell https://t.co/JUhblPqdtr
— DRaysBay (@draysbay) August 17, 2021
Chris Archer looked solid in his latest rehab assignment.
Final line for @ChrisArcher22 tonight:
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) August 18, 2021
4.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO pic.twitter.com/z6uuuSuwNa
Finally, your palate cleanse: Ripken the Bat Dog makes his debut for the Durham Bulls.
BARKING NEWS
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) August 17, 2021
We're making fetch happen@RipkenTheBatDog will FINALLY make his Bulls debut as our bat dog at tomorrow night’s Bark in the Park game!