Elephant Rumblings: Carlos Rodon throws no-hitter; several teams use COVID-19 injured list; replay review fails
MLB news roundup
Good morning afternoon, Athletics Nation! Happy Jackie Robinson Day!
MLB got its first no-hitter of the 2021 season last week, when Joe Musgrove tossed the first in San Diego Padres history on Friday. It only took five days for the next no-no.
On Wednesday, Carlos Rodon of the Chicago White Sox threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. He had a perfect game going until the 9th inning, but with two outs to go he pegged Roberto Perez with a pitch for the first and only baserunner. He struck out seven, taking 114 pitches to complete the masterpiece, with catcher Zack Collins behind the plate. Click here to see the box score.
So about last night... pic.twitter.com/wGtZEJVZBq
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 15, 2021
The 28-year-old Rodon was once a No. 3 overall draft pick by the White Sox, but injuries got in the way of realizing his full potential and his stock began to fade. Shoulder issues turned into surgery, followed by Tommy John surgery, and last winter he was non-tendered by Chicago but later re-signed.
Now, two starts into the campaign, he’s already made history. His 110th pitch of the evening clocked in at 98.8 mph.
Of course every no-no requires some defensive gem by the pitcher’s teammates, and this time reigning MVP Jose Abreu obliged.
The Stretch™ pic.twitter.com/Q0493H3pZA
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 15, 2021
Here’s the Jomboy breakdown.
Carlos Rodón loses perfect game on a toe ball but gets no-hitter, a breakdown pic.twitter.com/PAvC5zdlTK
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) April 15, 2021
The White Sox also got a no-hitter last summer, from Lucas Giolito. That makes them the first team to go back-to-back seasons since the Oakland A’s, in 2018 (Sean Manaea) and 2019 (Mike Fiers). Catcher Victor Caratini did not receive this one, as he’s still on the Padres like he was last week, so his streak ends at two in terms of being behind the plate for no-nos around the majors.
MLB teams using COVID-19 injured list
A few teams needed the COVID-19 related IL over the past week, including the Houston Astros.
The Astros announce they've placed Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Martin Maldonado and Robel Garcia on the injured list for unspecified reasons.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) April 14, 2021
Garrett Stubbs, Alex De Goti, Ronnie Dawson, Taylor Jones and Ronnie Dawson were called up from the ATS.
Astros update (note that Houston just played the Tigers, who are now in Oakland to face the A’s)
Astros so far are known to have only one player who’s Covid positive as their latest tests all came back clean
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 15, 2021
Other teams:
- Blue Jays: OF Teoscar Hernandez tests positive
- Twins: SS Andrelton Simmons goes on COVID IL
- Cubs: Bullpen coach Chris Young tests positive, 3 relievers go on COVID IL
- Cubs again: 3B Matt Duffy goes on COVID IL
A’s Coverage
- Gallegos: Trivino re-emerging at perfect time for A’s
- Kawahara mailbag: Bullpen questions, Puk’s health, Chapman’s hitting ($)
- Lockard: A’s, Giants alternate sites get jolt of energy with fans in stands and opponents with different uniforms
- Sarris: More drag, but more bounce: The new MLB baseball is having bewildering, unexpected impacts on the game ($$$)
- AN: Mark Canha thriving in leadoff spot
- AN: Ramon Laureano leads MLB in stolen bases by so much that only
twofour other teams have more - AN: ‘Jeopardy!’ contestant misses Oakland A’s question, loses money for guessing Giants
A’s injuries
Pukdate
A.J. Puk (biceps) is throwing out to 90 feet, second time throwing since going to IL, Bob Melvin says. Still a ways away from potential return.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) April 15, 2021
Pindate
Chad Pinder (sprained knee) "should start doing some baseball activity this week," Bob Melvin said. Timetable is still unclear but he "feels a little bit better."
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) April 15, 2021
Down on the farm
Minor league pitching updates:
— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) April 15, 2021
-LHP Hogan Harris, who was ticketed for Double-A, suffered a UCL sprain, is currently throwing at 60 ft., but isn't expected to be ready for the start of the season.
-RHP Trey Supak, who signed as a minor league free agent, has undergone TJ surgery.
A’s Game Highlights
- Game #11: A’s set season-high in scoring for third straight game in win over D’Backs
- Game #12: A’s lineup keeps humming in fourth straight win
- A’s first save of 2021 is also Lou Trivino’s first since 2018
- Sergio Romo shaved his beard and then had his best game of the season so far
- Seth Brown is finally hitting homers in the majors
Look who’s heating up
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2021
... Piscotty is heating up too
IT. IS. GOOOOOOOOOOOONE! pic.twitter.com/rYEMNLWbzK
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2021
... And so is Seth Brown
Jed Lowrie Seth Brown#RiseAndGrind pic.twitter.com/93o4LBoMfO
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2021
Baseball appears to be frozen, have you tried turning it off and on again?
Jed Lowrie drives in a run against Madison Bumgarner is somehow still a sentence you can write in 2021.
— Alex Hall (@AlexHallAN) April 13, 2021
Professional hitter (and great play by the fan who caught it!)
" " pic.twitter.com/WrO8fGzrEE
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2021
Pitchers shouldn’t hit, but at least the photos are still fun
lotta good looks tonight pic.twitter.com/f3iFfP9lM9
— Adrian Garro (@adriangarro) April 13, 2021
Please don’t swing
Jesus Luzardo’s first at-bat in pro ball, and we’ve got contact. pic.twitter.com/joGp2EUc7z
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) April 13, 2021
Meanwhile, at the alternate training site, Stockton Alt A’s vs. Sacramento Alt Giants
Daulton Jefferies faces Joey Bart #Athletics #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/mKfytcWT2Y
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) April 12, 2021
Schwingdel
Frank Schwindel takes 98 mph from Yunior Marte out the other way #Athletics #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/4Jo5vu7P8c
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) April 12, 2021
Brodie knows what’s up (and this was before sweeping the D’Backs)
The A’s situation is compelling and should be better understood in a week.
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) April 12, 2021
1) struggled through the gauntlet of first 10 vs HOU/LAD/HOU
2) historically bad start at 0-6, but have since gone 3-1
3) upcoming week brings AZ/DET/MIN & maybe the platform to start over at .500?
Replay still stinks
This was just a brutal call, to allow the eventual winning run. The runner never even touched the plate. Click here for full video.
Alec Bohm is ruled safe live despite that his foot did not appear to actually touch the plate...the play was reviewed and upheld to give the Phillies a 7-6 9th inning lead pic.twitter.com/ySTQts8Dmb
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) April 12, 2021
Whoops
It's important that MLB come out today with a statement saying the pivotal review in ATL last night was incorrect. There is no evidence that Alec Bohm touched home plate. None.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 12, 2021
Even those of us who want replay still don’t like the current system
“It’s embarrassing. Why even have replay?” — Drew Smyly
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) April 12, 2021
This seems like the kind of thing that could have been workshopped out in the drawing-board phase, kind of unreal they actually put fellow ump in the replay booth in real life
One of the big questions within the game about this MLB replay system has always been how willing umpires in the replay room are to overrule a call by one of their fellow umps.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 12, 2021
Hard for the replay crew to look at Lance Barrett standing right on top of this play and say, “Wrong!”
The A’s had a bad one this week too, though not nearly as egregious
This is the closest I can get without slowing down the feed. Murphy's fingers came down, not straight in (so he wouldn't jam them) but his thumb is even there. This is the exact moment VanMeter's toe hit the bag. Not sure how it could be possible for Murphy to have not been safe. pic.twitter.com/rDooWVGueA
— Alex Hall (@AlexHallAN) April 13, 2021
Fortunately they got this super-easy review correct
Piscotty called it how he saw it pic.twitter.com/Ii0pEolG0u
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) April 13, 2021
Best of MLB Twitter
Twins and Red Sox postponed their Monday game in Minnesota
The #MNTwins issued the following statement regarding the decision to postpone today's scheduled game against the Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/7U1S2P928j
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 12, 2021
Mets still more or less waiting for the season to begin
For the sixth time this season, a Mets game has been postponed.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 15, 2021
Today's game will be made up on June 25 as part of a straight doubleheader beginning at 4:10 p.m.
Tomorrow's forecast in Colorado: Freezing temperatures, possible snow. See everyone then.
Story to keep an eye on
MLB is expecting Republicans to try to rescind baseball’s antitrust exemption in the wake of the All-Star Game being moved out of Atlanta in response to Georgia’s new stricter voting laws. No word yet on how concerned MLB is about what experts view as a long shot attempt.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 13, 2021
Details on Lindor mega-contract
The net present value of $332M is one estimate of the Lindor deal value. That figure accounts for $ deferred, the time it’s paid and interest rate and lessens the deal value by $9M. Still obviously a fantastic deal for Francisco, better than the Betts deal by NPV by about $30M https://t.co/x66rLAU8BF
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 12, 2021
LoDuca told a story on a podcast about West accepting bribes from Billy Wagner in exchange for a bigger strike zone
Our judicial system isn’t perfect https://t.co/OQSCTV4FIs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 13, 2021
Reddick finds a new home
Josh Reddick agrees to minors deal with #DBacks. 1st: Reddick on IG plus @nickpiecoro
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 12, 2021
Tough break for a former A’s pitcher
Brutal, brutal news for Jesse Hahn, who has been through so damn much. The Royals placed him on the 10-day IL with right shoulder impingement syndrome. Something didn't look right. Kinda felt like the ball just wasn't coming out the same. RHP Jake Newberry has been recalled.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) April 12, 2021
Division rival injury updates
Rangers have placed Ronald Guzman on the 10-day injured list with a meniscus cartilage tear in his right knee. OF Adolis Garcia, who was on taxi squad for trip, has been selected from alternate site. To make room on 40-man roster, RHP Matt Bush has been transferred to 60-day IL.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) April 13, 2021
The bad news keeps coming for the Rangers bullpen: Jonathan Hernández underwent Tommy John surgery today.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) April 12, 2021
Jon Daniels said that after 4 weeks of rest, Hernández was still experiencing discomfort & decided to undergo surgery.
Congrats to a total pro
As of today, Jonathan Lucroy has 10 years of service time as an MLB player and is fully vested in the pension program. Days in DFA limbo count so he’s in. Good job by the union, and by Lucroy, who’s hoping to be picked up by someone.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 13, 2021
This could be a problem for the rest of the AL
Yermín Mercedes is out of this world. pic.twitter.com/MriYTmaqCr
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 15, 2021
Why does he have to be so cool??
Mike Trout ran over and gave his batting gloves to a kid right after the final out was recorded. pic.twitter.com/VFCuVExAtr
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 13, 2021
And don’t forget Young Olson on the other end catching the throw, which is not a given in Little League
Rare Little League footage of @mattchap6 ♂️?pic.twitter.com/Tog5ChZ22s
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) April 12, 2021
Thank you Jackie!
Today we honor you, and every day we live out your legacy.
— MLB Players (@MLB_PLAYERS) April 15, 2021
Thank you, Jackie. #JackieRobinsonDay pic.twitter.com/JRqsR43GUn