It’s happening!
Outfielder Josh Lowe, one of the best prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays’ system, is headed to the big leagues, sources tell ESPN. Lowe, 23, is a left-handed hitter slashing .282/.369/.540 with 21 HR and is 24 for 24 on steals at Triple-A. Best team in the AL keeps getting better.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 8, 2021
But before you get too excited, this is likely a short term move. Per Topper, Randy Arozarena is headed back to Tampa Bay for the birth of his daughter. He is expected to rejoin the team on Saturday in Detroit.
UPDATE #1: More news! Ji-Man Choi and Matt Wisler are also expected to be activated today. No word yet on all the corresponding moves.
#Rays also planning to activate 1B Ji-Man Choi and RHP Matt Wisler today.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 8, 2021
UPDATE #2:
So to recap, #Rays calling up OF J. Lowe with Arozarena on paternity leave until Saturday; reinstating Choi and Wisler from IL, sending down Hess and Louis Head
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 8, 2021
On to the game! The Rays hammered the Red Sox 12-7 last night, while the Blue Jays took down the Yankees, extending the Rays lead to 9.5 games. David Hess got into the game late (you’ll be forgiven if you blocked that out of your memory), tying a record for the most Rays used in a season.
David Hess coming in to pitch for #Rays, the franchise-record tying 57th player they have used the season. He is 35th pitcher, already a record. They used 57 players and 31 pitchers in 2019
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 8, 2021
Tonight at 7 PM, it’s Sugar Shane against old friend Nathan Eovaldi.
Wander Franco extended his on-base streak to 37 games, passing Mickey Mantle.
Wander Franco also now has a share of the longest streak for a rookie shortstop of any age. https://t.co/uusRu0G6CX
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) September 8, 2021
At 41, Nelson Cruz becomes oldest player to hit 30 home runs in a season.
Do the Mets employ a faith healer? This doesn’t sound right.
Sandy Alderson said Jacob deGrom’s elbow injury was a sprain/partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 7, 2021
But, Alderson emphasized, deGrom is fine now.
“The ligament is perfectly intact at this point,” he said. “Whatever condition existed before, it’s resolved itself.”
Gerrit Cole left last night’s game with hamstring tightness.
Gerrit Cole left tonight's game with left hamstring tightness.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 8, 2021
Old friend John Curtiss needs Tommy John surgery.
John Curtiss Undergoes Tommy John Surgery https://t.co/3O6bqK0Hjr pic.twitter.com/V0BTgxJBTz
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) September 8, 2021
What —
Therapist: The Giant Cinnamon Toast Crunch isn’t real. It can’t hurt you.
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 7, 2021
The Giant Cinnamon Toast Crunch: pic.twitter.com/EMy35ILep9
Rays legend Kyle Farnsworth was dumb on the internet, and the internet wasn’t having it.
Charles Curtis on the rise of the intentional balk.
How can you not be romantic about baseball?
Albert Pujols homering in his first at-bat back in St. Louis? Baseball is the best. pic.twitter.com/bwt6Tvxvfa
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 7, 2021
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is today at 1:30 PM. Some guy named Jeter is getting in, along with Cardinals/Brewers/Braves catcher Ted Simmons, Expos/Rockies/Cardinals outfielder Larry Walker, and labor lawyer Marvin Miller.
Go Rays!