Tag: MLB

Mets’ Brett Baty has his first rough day in big leagues

PHILADELPHIA — Brett Baty’s long Saturday included zero hits, a pair of errors and a hit by pitch that looked painful.

The Mets’ recent call-up is living his dream, but dreams sometimes have rude awakenings.

The rookie has made an immediate impact, but his fourth and fifth major league games won’t be his favorite memories after the Mets and Phillies split a day-night doubleheader Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

In the opener, an 8-2 Mets win, the third baseman committed his first error in the major leagues in the ninth inning of a mostly finished game. Philadelphia’s Matt Vierling hit a ground ball to Baty for what could have been the game’s final out, but his throw to first pulled Pete Alonso off the bag.

Brett Baty gets hit by a pitch in Game 1 of the Mets’ doubleheader split.
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In the nightcap, a 4-1 Mets loss, the Phillies had two runners on base in the sixth inning when Alec Bohm hit a chopper to Baty. The 22-year-old rushed the play — which was made more difficult by Kyle Schwarber being in the vicinity as he ran from second to third — and tried to transfer the ball too quickly from his glove to his hand. The ball popped out of his mitt, and everyone was safe.

Manager Buck Showalter said he felt no need to talk to the rookie, who is “going to be good” and who will “learn from it.” Francisco Lindor had some helpful words.

The shortstop, Baty said, told him: “Just take it slow. Know your runner and know how much time you have.”

Lindor, according to Baty, continued: “He said I have a good internal clock, I just need to focus on catching the ball first.”

The Phillies had the bases loaded, but Stephen Nogosek and Jeff McNeil ensured Baty’s second error did not matter. J.T. Realmuto hit a flare to the right side, and McNeil raced over on the outfield grass, went full extension and saved a few runs with a catch that required every inch of his 6-foot-1 stature.

Baty, who is playing because both Luis Guillorme and Eduardo Escobar are on the injured list, has been impressive, even homering Wednesday on his first major league swing. But extended time in the big leagues will expose holes, and the Mets hope their No. 2 prospect’s defense is not one of them.

The 2019 first-round pick was hit in the leg with a curveball from Philadelphia’s Nick Nelson in the opener and got a look from the trainer as he took first base.

That was Baty’s only time reaching first Saturday, when he combined to go 0-for-7 and made the final out of the nightcap. He represented the tying run, but David Robertson induced a ground ball to third base.

He acknowledged that he is still learning, “but we’re in a pennant race,” Baty said after his first two hitless games as a major leaguer. “So I gotta be better for the ballclub.”

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Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton set to begin rehab assignment

Giancarlo Stanton’s much-needed return to the Yankees’ lineup is coming into focus.

After going through another pregame workout on Friday, Stanton was expected to begin a rehab assignment on Saturday with Double-A Somerset in Bowie, Md.

According to manager Aaron Boone, the plan was for Stanton to serve as the designated hitter on Saturday and Sunday, then return to The Bronx to face Luis Severino in a live batting practice session on Tuesday.

Rehabbing Giancarlo Stanton works out before the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays.
Robert Sabo

That would keep Stanton, who has been out since July 24 because of Achilles tendinitis, out of action for the Subway Series on Monday and Tuesday.

But if he continues to respond well to the increased workload, Stanton could be in play to rejoin the Yankees on Thursday, when they begin a 10-game road trip at Oakland.

When Stanton does return to the lineup, which has largely lacked a punch without him, he initially will be used strictly as a DH

“Then keep ramping him up in his pregame work and things like that to get to a point where he’d be an outfield option for us,” Boone said.

Aroldis Chapman walked back-to-back hitters on nine pitches for the second time in three games Friday night in the Yankees’ 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

Those ninth-inning walks loaded the bases with one out, though Ron Marinaccio cleaned up the mess by limiting the damage to just a sacrifice fly.

Chapman had appeared to be turning a corner before his last two outings.

“Chappy struggled tonight,” Boone said. “This was a rough one tonight. We gotta get after it with him to get him back in line to how he’s been.”

Aroldis Chapman is pulled by Aaron Boone in the ninth inning of the Yankees’ loss to the Blue Jays.
Robert Sabo

Severino will throw another bullpen session Saturday in advance of his live session on Tuesday, his first time facing hitters since hitting the injured list with a low-grade lat strain.

Though Severino is not eligible to be activated off the 60-day IL until Sept. 12, he is encouraged by how he has felt in his bullpen sessions and said he believes he could get big league hitters out right now.

“I don’t feel like I’m coming from any major injury,” he said. “My arm feels pretty good.”

Oswaldo Cabrera played his third different position in his third MLB game on Friday, starting in right field, a position he added to his repertoire earlier this year.

He played third base and shortstop in his first two games with the Yankees after being called up on Wednesday.

“I think one of his strengths as a player is just his maturity and his clock and way about him,” Boone said. “He’s turning himself into a really good player and I think he’s going to be a good player in this league for a long time.

“But the intangible things are really special with him.”

Clarke Schmidt helped the Yankees out of the bullpen earlier this year, but he is currently continuing to build up as the Yankees’ best starting pitching depth (which is thin) at Triple-A.

“Anytime that need comes up [in the bullpen], that’s always potentially in play,” Boone said. “But getting those starts and having that option there is important. But obviously we know he can impact us in the pen. So we’ll continue to talk through that, explore that, see what makes the most sense for us moving forward.”

Albert Abreu has struggled of late in the Yankees’ bullpen — with a 5.91 ERA over his last 10 ²/₃ innings — but he does not have any minor league options left.

“I think it comes down to his sinker command and throwing strikes early and building off of it,” pitching coach Matt Blake said.

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All Mets pitchers making most of opportunity

PHILADELPHIA — Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner was in a hurry, running late to a meeting as the Mets prepared for batting practice before their game against the Phillies on Friday night.

With questions to ask, we turned to the assistant pitching coach.

The person holding that unofficial title for the Mets has won three Cy Young awards and needs one win to reach 200 for his career.

“You’re not far off, because I am older than Hef,” said 38-year-old Max Scherzer, nodding in approval at the assistant pitching coach moniker.

Carlos Carrasco, in recent days, hit the injured list with an oblique strain and Taijuan Walker is now dealing with a bulging disk in his back that still had him questionable for his Sunday start. The Mets will play a doubleheader on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, in which they will deploy David Peterson and Trevor Williams in some order as the starting pitchers. If Walker can’t pitch Sunday, Jose Butto from Triple-A Syracuse might make his major league debut.

From Scherzer, we wanted to know if he thought the Mets’ success this season plugging the rotation had toughened that unit. After all, the Mets were without Jacob deGrom for four months to start the season and Scherzer himself was sidelined for nearly seven weeks.

The assistant pitching coach agreed with the premise, but thought it could be stated differently.

Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer
N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg

“Different guys have had an opportunity to step up and contribute to this team,” Scherzer said before the Mets’ 7-2 victory. “Trevor Williams, Tylor Megill and David Peterson in particular, those guys have answered the call more often than not and they have gone out there and delivered really good outings for our team and those guys going out there and getting an opportunity to showcase what they can do, that is a credit to their work behind the scenes and everybody around them to allow them to perform at a high level.”

Their chief NL East competition, the Braves and Phillies, added starting pitching at the trade deadline, but the Mets stood pat, instead focusing on platoon hitters and the bullpen. The Braves got Jake Odorizzi and the Phillies traded for Noah Syndergaard, who is receiving extra rest this weekend and won’t face the Mets.

In determining that deGrom’s return would be enough of a trade deadline boost, the Mets banked on Peterson, in particular, as their best line of defense against a rotation gap. The left-hander has pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 18 appearances for the Mets this season, 14 of which have been starts.

“I think he’s at the phase of his career where now he is trying to truly establish himself and be consistent, have three pitches every single outing and be able to throw strikes on a consistent basis,” Scherzer said. “He’s identified something he wants to get better at, and he is going out there and doing something about it.”

Williams has shuffled between the rotation and bullpen, and his best success has occurred in relief.

“He has been the Swiss Army knife of this team and for this pitching staff,” Scherzer said. “Whether it is pitch in relief, pitching long out of relief, making spot starts, I guess fans don’t understand how difficult that is, that is an extremely difficult role to fill because you don’t know when you are going to pitch.”

It’s clear Scherzer is enjoying himself almost as much on his days between starts as when he is pitching. This staff has coalesced, with Scherzer perhaps the glue that has strengthened the bonds the tightest.

But Scherzer won’t take that credit alone. In the bullpen, there are veterans Adam Ottavino and Tommy Hunter (set to return from the IL on Sunday). Chris Bassitt, who shined in the series opener Friday, is an ace at reacting to what he sees from the opponent, according to Scherzer, and imparts that to other members of the pitching staff.

Scherzer has his own approach, especially with younger pitchers such as Peterson and Megill.

“The young guys, it’s trail crumbs,” Scherzer said. “You can’t give them the whole cookie. You have got to give them little crumbs and just take one little thing at a time, like, ‘You need to do this to get from here to there.’ That is the hard thing when I am talking to young guys is just to take it gradually, because they want the cookie. They want to know everything and they don’t realize you have got to do one thing at a time.”

Solid advice from the assistant pitching coach.

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Oswaldo Cabrera picks up first big league hit in Yankees’ loss

On an otherwise dull day for the Yankees’ offense, Oswaldo Cabrera provided a bright spot.

The rookie infielder collected a pair of hits, including the first of his major league career, in the Yankees’ 9-2 loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday night in The Bronx.

“That was amazing,” Cabrera said after his second day in the big leagues. “At that moment, I just was in the sky.”

Cabrera’s first career hit came off Jose Berrios in the fourth inning. He smoked a 107.5 mph line drive to center field and hustled to second for a double. He later added a single in the seventh inning while going 2-for-4.

The 23-year-old Venezuelan said he planned to give the ball from his first hit to his dad Leobardo, who was at Yankee Stadium.

“He’s the person who made this happen for me, and my mom,” Cabrera said. “[My dad] helped me in everything. He’s the type of father who doesn’t buy something for himself, he buys everything for us. He doesn’t care if he’s not eating that night, he’s making sure we get food.”

Cabrera also looked smooth in his first start at shortstop after playing third base in his MLB debut on Wednesday.

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Mets’ Taijuan Walker could miss start despite ‘good news’

ATLANTA — The Mets received what they consider “good news” on Taijuan Walker’s sore back Wednesday, but that might not preclude the right-hander from missing his next start.

Walker departed his outing Tuesday after only two innings, with what the Mets termed as back spasms. According to manager Buck Showalter, a subsequent MRI exam Wednesday didn’t reveal any structural damage.

Taijuan Walker
USA TODAY Sports

“Pretty good news, all things considered on the MRI,” Showalter said before the Mets’ 9-7 win over the Braves. “I think Sunday’s start is in jeopardy, but we are still going to hold out hope it manages before that and we’ll just go day to day right now.”

The Mets already have David Peterson and Trevor Williams in the rotation to pitch a doubleheader Saturday at the Phillies. Williams is replacing Carlos Carrasco, who is on the injured list with a left oblique strain.

Among the potential options for Sunday if Walker can’t pitch is Jose Butto from Triple-A Syracuse.

Pete Alonso plans to represent Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The Mets first baseman said he was recently asked to participate and accepted the invitation.

“There’s a lot of really amazing guys on the team so far and it’s a great opportunity and I just feel lucky to be a part of it,” Alonso said.

The tournament was last held in 2017, when Alonso was still playing in the minor leagues. Alonso said he considered at the time the possibility he might get to represent the USA.

“It looked like an incredible environment and it’s an incredibly fun event,” Alonso said. “I always wanted to play in it. It’s an honor to play for the Stars and Stripes.”

Tomas Nido, who is on the COVID list, could return this weekend in Philadelphia, according to Showalter.

Joey Lucchesi is scheduled to pitch an inning for Single-A St. Lucie on Sunday in his first rehab appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. The left-hander could be a bullpen option for the Mets when he is ready.

Tylor Megill threw 20 pitches in live batting practice in his rehab from a right shoulder strain. Megill is expected to pitch from the bullpen upon his return.

Tommy Hunter will likely return from the IL Sunday, according to Showalter. The right-hander has been on the IL since Aug. 6 because of back tightness.

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Yankees fans turn bleachers into barbershop in loss to Rays

The Yankees have been unbearable to watch lately, and the Bleacher Creatures want them to cut it out — literally.

The YES Network broadcast of Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to the Rays caught one fan, draped with a barber’s bib and all, getting a haircut from another fan, equipped with a spray bottle, comb and sheers. (It’s unclear how the fan made it past Yankee Stadium security with the contraband).

“Wow — they’re giving haircuts in the bleachers. I need a little trim. Want to go out there tomorrow?” Michael Kay asked his partners in the booth in the bottom of the eighth.

“I don’t know if that guy’s board certified, Michael,” Paul O’Neill said of the fan giving the trim. “You might come back looking awful funny.”

The Yankees are riding a three-game losing streak and are in danger of getting swept by the Rays at home on Wednesday. In August, the Yankees are a dreadful 3-11 but still are nine games up on the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East at 72-45.

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Gil Hodges’ daughter gives heartwarming Hall of Fame induction speech

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — With seven new members in the Class of 2022, there was so much emotional release emanating from the stage and from the throngs of fans and family members in attendance at this year’s induction ceremony for the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

There were thousands of Boston- and Dominican-based fans who came to wave flags and salute former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. There also were plenty here to honor long-ago Twins stars Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat, Cuban legends Oliva and Minnie Minoso, and Negro Leagues pioneers Buck O’Neil and Bud Fowler. 

Still, none of the resonating speeches given Sunday at Clark Sports Center were more heart-tugging or poignant than the tearful words spoken by the daughter of Gil Hodges. The family of the legendary first baseman of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the World Series-winning manager of the Mets in 1969 had waited more than 50 years for this day since his death at 47 in 1972. 

Irene Hodges hit one out of the park — just like her dad did so often — in encapsulating that journey. 

“My dad was a very humble man, but he would be so proud to be here with the best of the best in baseball,” Irene Hodges stated in a speech that spanned nearly 15 minutes. “Fifty years ago not only did the Mets and the Dodgers lose one of their heroes, we lost a husband and a father. 

“Our greatest gift, although my father’s life was cut so short, was his influence on those around him. His teammate Jackie Robinson once said, ‘A life is not important, except for the influence it leaves on others.’ My father sincerely believed that and led a life that has impacted others in a positive way.” 

(Front row from left) Irene Hodges, representing Gil Hodges, Dr. Angela Terry, representing Buck O’Neil, and Sharon Minoso, representing Minnie Minoso, pose for a photograph with (top row from left) Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch, representing Bud Fowler, inductees Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva and David Ortiz after the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Of course, Hodges’ daughter also reminded everyone of his stellar playing career, which included World Series titles with the Dodgers in both Brooklyn (1955) and Los Angeles (1959). She pointed out that he led all big-league first baseman during the 1950s in home runs, RBIs, runs, hits and games played — and finished with 370 homers over 17 seasons with the Dodgers and the 1962 expansion Mets. 

“You also will hear also how he took a team affectionately known as the lovable losers and turned them into the Miracle Mets in just two short seasons,” Irene Hodges added of her father’s stint as Mets manager from 1968-71. “But I am his daughter, and I am here to tell you about the man he was.” 

Hodges’ daughter spoke eloquently about how he appeared in one game for the Dodgers in 1943 before joining the Marines to serve in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, winning a Bronze Star and a combat medal for heroism under fire. She recounted stories of her father and fellow Marines teaching Japanese children the game of baseball, and upon returning to Brooklyn, embracing his teammate Robinson beginning with their rookie season together in 1947. 

“Nothing was more important to my dad than giving Jackie all of his support,” Irene Hodges said. “We were like family with the Robinsons. Jackie’s kids played in our house, and we played in theirs. My dad was not only teammates with Jackie, but they were family. My father made everyone comfortable and accepting of Jackie when he came to the big leagues.” 

Irene Hodges speaks on behalf of her father, Gil Hodges, during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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Less than three years after managing the Mets to the ’69 World Series title, Hodges died of a heart attack late in spring training of 1972, two days shy of his 48th birthday. Robinson “cried uncontrollably” at Hodges’ funeral, Irene recalled, before he also died barely six months later. 

Five decades have passed, but the family was elated that after so many Hall of Fame near-misses, Hodges’ widow — 95-year-old Joan Hodges — was able to watch Sunday’s ceremony, even if she was unable to attend the festivities. 

“Today, I am especially happy for my mother,” Irene Hodges said. “When the call came from the Hall of Fame. … I began sobbing, probably as much as I did when I lost my father. I was so beyond happy for him, and even thrilled that my mom at 95 would be able to hear this news. My mom is watching today from our home in Brooklyn.” 

As Irene Hodges fought back tears, she concluded her speech — to a standing ovation — by saying she knew her father was smiling down from heaven with her late sister Barbara, “and without a doubt, I know you’re celebrating with Tom [Seaver] and the Boys of Summer.”

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Jose Trevino walks off Yankees again in 13-inning win over Cubs

A night after the Yankees’ offense bailed out an ineffective Gerrit Cole, they had to work overtime Friday night to make sure Luis Severino’s latest gem didn’t go to waste. 

Jose Trevino, the last man left on the bench, finally delivered the big hit that was missing all night, coming through with an RBI single in the 13th inning to give the Yankees a 2-1 win over the Cubs in The Bronx. 

Pinch-hitting for Kyle Higashioka, Trevino roped a line drive over the head of shortstop Nico Hoerner, driving home Joey Gallo from third base and setting off a celebration. 

Before Trevino’s game-winning hit, the Yankees (42-16) had been 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position and had left 15 men on base. On the flip side, Severino and the Yankees’ bullpen had shut down the Cubs (23-34), holding Chicago to 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position and stranding 13 runners. 

Jose Trevino connects on a walk-off hit in the 13th inning.
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Jose Trevino celebrates after his walk-off hit.
Robert Sabo for the NY POST

Clarke Schmidt (two innings), Wandy Peralta and Ron Marinaccio combined to keep the Cubs scoreless through four extra innings, not allowing a hit and stranding four runners. 

In the 11th, Schmidt induced a pop up and then helped himself out, snagging a line drive off the bat of Rafael Ortega and firing to second base for the double play. 

Schmidt had gotten a more conventional double play to end the 10th. After intentionally walking Ian Happ with one out, the Yankees reliever got Frank Schwindel to ground into a 5-4-3 twin killing to end the inning. 

The Cubs, meanwhile, intentionally walked Aaron Judge to lead off the 10th inning, Gleyber Torres to lead off the 11th and Judge again with one out in the 12th, but the Yankees couldn’t muster a rally in any of those situation. 

The Yankees celebrates after their 13-inning win over the Cubs.
Robert Sabo for the NY POST

The Yankees were coming off a 10-7 win at Minnesota on Thursday, in which Cole dug them a 7-3 deficit by the time he exited the game in the third inning. 

But the bats were quieter on Friday night. After Torres put the Yankees up 1-0 with a solo homer in the fourth inning, they did not record another hit until Josh Donaldson’s infield single in the eighth inning. 

Severino delivered another strong start, giving up just one run over six innings. He struck out 10 for a second straight outing, lowering his ERA to 2.80 and getting the Yankees’ rotation back on track after a rough series against the Twins. 

Severino was sharp early, striking out five of the first six batters he faced before he got some help from his defense in the third inning. 

Luis Severino pitches Friday during the Yankees’ win over the Cubs.
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Luis Severino reacts during the Yankees’ win over the Cubs.
Robert Sabo for the NY POST

With a runner on third, one out and the Yankees’ infield playing in, Christopher Morel hit a chopper to the left side. Torres fielded it and fired home to throw Jason Heyward out at the plate. 

Then, with runners on first and second, Judge — starting his sixth straight game in center field — made a diving grab in the left-center field gap to rob Happ and keep the Cubs off the scoreboard. 

Wade Miley shut the Yankees out for three innings, leaving the bases loaded in the third, before exiting the game with left-shoulder soreness. 

Gleyber Torres connects on a solo homer.
Robert Sabo for the NY POST

Daniel Norris entered in the fourth and, on the first pitch he threw, Torres greeted him with a home run, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. 

Heyward tied the score in the fifth inning when he cracked his first home run of the year, a solo shot off Severino. 

Nick Madrigal and Morel followed by pouncing on first pitches for back-to-back singles with no outs. But Severino buckled down, striking out Willson Contreras (swinging) and Happ (looking) before getting Schwindel to ground out to end the threat. 

Severino walked Patrick Wisdom to lead off the sixth, but then got a strike-him-out, throw-him-out double play to help expedite his final inning of work. 

The Yankees had the makings of a rally in the eighth inning when Giancarlo Stanton walked and Donaldson singled with one out. But former Yankees reliever David Robertson escaped the jam by striking out Torres and Aaron Hicks.

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