INSIDER
Michael Lorenzen throws a no-hitter in his home debut with the Phillies, 14th in franchise history
Read full article: Michael Lorenzen throws a no-hitter in his home debut with the Phillies, 14th in franchise historyMichael Lorenzen threw the 14th no-hitter in Philadelphia Phillies history, a dazzling performance in only his second start with his new team, which beat the Washington Nationals 7-0.
Phillies' Nola loses no-hit bid on homer in 7th against Tigers
Read full article: Phillies' Nola loses no-hit bid on homer in 7th against TigersPhiladelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola lost his no-hit bid against the Detroit Tigers on Nick Maton’s three-run homer into the second deck with two outs in the seventh inning on Monday night.
LEADING OFF: Harper gets injection, Acuña MRI, Pineda out
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Harper gets injection, Acuña MRI, Pineda outPhillies star Bryce Harper is scheduled to get a platelet-rich plasma injection to help with a small tear in his right elbow, causing him to miss the series finale at Dodger Stadium.
LHP Drew Smyly, Braves agree to $11 million, 1-year contract
Read full article: LHP Drew Smyly, Braves agree to $11 million, 1-year contractSan Francisco Giants' Drew Smyly throws against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)ATLANTA – Left-hander Drew Smyly became the first of the 181 free agents to switch teams when he agreed Monday to an $11 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, who bolstered a rotation that was depleted by injuries and disappointing performances. The 31-year-old pitched seven games last season for the San Francisco Giants, making five starts. He's only scratched the surface.”Smyly earned a $1,481,481 prorated base salary from an original $4 million contract with the Giants, plus roster and performance bonuses. The Braves also are counting on the return of Mike Soroka, who missed most of this past season with a torn Achilles.
Corey Seager hits rare double as World Series and LCS MVP
Read full article: Corey Seager hits rare double as World Series and LCS MVPLos Angeles Dodgers' Corey Seager hits a RBI-single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Corey Seager hit a rare October double, becoming Most Valuable Player of the World Series after earning the honor for the League Championship Series. Just as Orel Hershiser did when the Los Angeles Dodgers won their previous World Series title in 1988. The previous MVP of both a League Championship Series and the World Series in the same year was San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner in 2014. Seager missed the 2017 NL Championship Series because of a back injury, then returned for the World Series against Houston and hit .222 (6 for 27) with four RBIs.
LHP Cole Hamels done for year after just 1 start for Braves
Read full article: LHP Cole Hamels done for year after just 1 start for Braves(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)ATLANTA – After making just one start for the Atlanta Braves, Cole Hamels is done for the season. Hamels reported shortly before the start of a four-game series against the Miami Marlins that he didn't feel like he could get anything on the ball. The Braves placed Hamels on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 18,, but that was a mere formality. Hamels reported no problems immediately after his start, but he didn't feel right after a bullpen session a couple of days ago. Last season, Hamels went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA in 27 starts for the Cubs.
Hamels yields 3 runs in Braves debut, a 5-1 loss to Orioles
Read full article: Hamels yields 3 runs in Braves debut, a 5-1 loss to OriolesAtlanta Braves starting pitcher Cole Hamels throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)BALTIMORE – Cole Hamels finally got on the mound in an Atlanta uniform, allowing three runs to the Baltimore Orioles before reaching his predetermined pitch count in the fourth inning, and the Braves struggled offensively in a 5-1 loss Wednesday night. The 36-year-old Hamels signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in December and was expected to be a major contributor in the rotation. Adding to Hamels' frustration was that he had made at least 20 starts in each of his previous 14 seasons. Snitker said Fried would have started the series finale against the Orioles if Hamels wasn't already penciled in.
LEADING OFF: M's-Giants shift because of fires, Hamels debut
Read full article: LEADING OFF: M's-Giants shift because of fires, Hamels debutForecasters are calling for smoke to reach very unhealthy levels in Western Washington through at least Thursday. There have been smoky skies in the Bay Area, too, but the air quality has remained OK. The smoke level reached a level of very unhealthy on the air quality index, even with the roof closed at T-Mobile Park. After signing a one-year contract with Atlanta in December, Hamels arrived at spring training with a sore shoulder. And at a good time for a team that's leading the NL East despite several injuries to its pitching staff.
LEADING OFF: M's-Giants shift because of fires, Hamels debut
Read full article: LEADING OFF: M's-Giants shift because of fires, Hamels debutForecasters are calling for smoke to reach very unhealthy levels in Western Washington through at least Thursday. There have been smoky skies in the Bay Area, too, but the air quality has remained OK. The smoke level reached a level of very unhealthy on the air quality index, even with the roof closed at T-Mobile Park. After signing a one-year contract with Atlanta in December, Hamels arrived at spring training with a sore shoulder. And at a good time for a team that's leading the NL East despite several injuries to its pitching staff.
LEADING OFF: Shane Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 start
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Shane Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 startA look at what’s happening around the majors today:___NOT JUSTIN, SHANEIt hasn’t taken Shane Bieber long to become Cleveland’s ace — and maybe the best pitcher in baseball this season. Bieber, who is 7-0 with a 1.25 ERA and leads the majors in numerous categories, is already 2-0 against the Twins this year. “We should know more then.”SO LONG, FAREWELLA pair of NL West teams said goodbye Thursday to familiar faces and former All-Stars at third base. FIRST PLACE AND FIRED UPOakland right-hander Mike Fiers (4-2, 4.93 ERA) starts for the AL West leaders when they begin a series at Texas. Fiers has gone 3-1 with a 3.22 ERA over his last four starts and the A’s are 6-2 in his outings.
LEADING OFF: Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 start
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 startBieber, who is 7-0 with a 1.25 ERA and leads the majors in numerous categories, is already 2-0 against the Twins this year. Bieber began last season as Cleveland’s No. Atlanta's beleaguered rotation took another hit when left-hander Tommy Milone was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with elbow inflammation. FIRST PLACE AND FIRED UPOakland right-hander Mike Fiers (4-2, 4.93 ERA) starts for the AL West leaders when they begin a series at Texas. Oakland took a 6½-game lead on second-place Houston after beating the Astros in four of five at the Coliseum.
Braves set franchise record for runs, hammer Marlins 29-9
Read full article: Braves set franchise record for runs, hammer Marlins 29-9(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA Adam Duvall drove in nine runs with three homers, including a grand slam, and the Atlanta Braves obliterated their franchise scoring record in a 29-9 romp over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night. The Braves had 23 hits, including seven homers, to score the most runs in their history in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. The old Atlanta record was 20 runs, most recently against the Marlins on Oct. 5, 2001. Freeman hit second, d'Arnaud hit fourth and Albies hit eighth. Marlins second baseman Isan Daz was optioned to the teams alternate training site in Jupiter, Florida.
LEADING OFF: Darvish vs. Bauer; Yanks look to Garcia
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Darvish vs. Bauer; Yanks look to GarciaA look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:___PAIR OF ACESYu Darvish and Trevor Bauer pitch at Wrigley Field in a matchup of ace right-handers headed in different directions. Darvish, one of the front-runners for the NL Cy Young Award, is going for his eighth straight victory for the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. BRONX BLUESThe Yankees turn to rookie right-hander Deivi Garcia (0-1, 3.38) in the finale of a critical series against the Blue Jays. We all know were capable of more, significantly more, both individually and collectively.Right-hander Tanner Roark (2-1, 5.74) is set to pitch for second-place Toronto. With so many franchises struggling financially after the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, contraction now seems likely.
Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on IL
Read full article: Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on ILAtlanta Braves' Max Fried pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)The Atlanta Braves' season-long rotation woes continued Tuesday when Max Fried, the top healthy starter, was placed on the 10-day injured list. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Fried has a left-side muscle spasm in his lumbar spine. Anthopoulos said he hopes Fried can return from the IL as soon as he is eligible on Sept. 16. Anthopoulos said he hopes Culberson can be added to the team's camp at its alternate training site at Triple-A Gwinnett.
LEADING OFF: WS MVP Strasburg makes '20 debut, A's streaking
Read full article: LEADING OFF: WS MVP Strasburg makes '20 debut, A's streakingFILE - In this July 20, 2020 file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during an exhibition baseball game in Baltimore. Strasburg has been scratched from what was supposed to be his first start of the season for the Washington Nationals because of a nerve issue with his right hand. The right-hander is ready to start at Nationals Park against Baltimore. The 32-year-old Strasburg led the NL with 209 innings and 18 wins in 2019. WELCOMEPrized pitcher Spencer Howard is expected to make his major league debut when the Phillies host Atlanta in a doubleheader.
Cspedes homers as DH in return, Mets edge Braves 1-0
Read full article: Cspedes homers as DH in return, Mets edge Braves 1-0New York Mets' Yoenis Cespedes, right, celebrates his solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field, Friday, July 24, 2020, in New York. Rules changes for this shortened season delayed by the coronavirus provided a DH in NL games for the first time giving the Mets a perfect slot for Cspedes as he gets back in the swing of things. Edwin Daz, who lost his job as closer during a miserable 2019 season, struck out two in a hitless ninth for the save. Braves All-Star starter Mike Soroka, who won his previous two matchups with deGrom, allowed four hits in six outstanding innings. Coming off consecutive Cy Young Awards, deGrom fanned eight and permitted only a broken-bat single and a walk.
As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails
Read full article: As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevailsSeveral stars chose not to participate from the start, and rarely a day goes by without a positive COVID-19 test in one camp or another. But here we are, mere days from launching a season that's unique in almost every way. But Hyde remains hopeful that the season will start on time and go the distance. While there's reason for optimism, the stark truth is that COVID-19 is not going away. They still have a chance to play this season, manager Don Mattingly said.
Puig picks Braves, Glasnow makes strong return to Rays
Read full article: Puig picks Braves, Glasnow makes strong return to RaysPuig agreed to a one-year deal pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. Glasnow re-joined the Rays on after missing the first 11 days of summer camp following his positive test. Outside of briefly losing his sense of taste and smell, the 26-year-old Glasnow said he didnt experience any noticeable symptoms of COVID-19. I had maybe really mild cold symptoms for maybe a day, Glasnow said, wearing a mask during a Zoom call. It would always be at a weird time of the day, and it had to be nobody there, Glasnow said.
Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic
Read full article: Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemicATLANTA Former Cy Young winner Flix Hernndez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernndez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snitker said Hernndez may have realized it is way, way different now as players must deal with the concerns of trying to start the season during the pandemic. The right-hander called King Felix posted a 6.40 ERA, was 1-8 in 15 starts and lost his spot in the rotation. Hernndez made a strong early impression in spring training and may have been on track for winning a spot in the rotation before the coronavirus pandemic delayed the season.
Atlanta Braves give no indication of considering name change
Read full article: Atlanta Braves give no indication of considering name changeAtlanta Braves pitcher Cole Hamels appears to have Truist Park to himself while working from the mound during baseball practice, Friday July 3, 2020 in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)ATLANTA With teams in two sports taking a second look at names deemed offensive to Native Americans, the Atlanta Braves on Saturday gave no indication they are willing to consider a similar change. The Braves released a statement saying the team honors, supports, and values the Native American community. The Atlanta Braves have a meaningful commitment to honor the Native American community and we are excited about working together to ensure this happens," it said. The foam cutouts are used when Braves fans do the chop chant at games.