INSIDER
Newcomer Josh Bell, Ketel Marte each homer twice, Diamondbacks outlast Pirates 9-8
Read full article: Newcomer Josh Bell, Ketel Marte each homer twice, Diamondbacks outlast Pirates 9-8Josh Bell homered from both sides of the plate in his Arizona debut, Ketel Marte also hit two home runs and the Diamondbacks beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-8 on Friday night after blowing a five-run lead.
Marte, Pederson, newcomer Bell hit consecutive 1st-inning HRs for Diamondbacks in Pittsburgh
Read full article: Marte, Pederson, newcomer Bell hit consecutive 1st-inning HRs for Diamondbacks in PittsburghKetel Marte, Joc Pederson and newcomer Josh Bell hit consecutive first-inning home runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Dodgers add starter Jack Flaherty, Padres get closer Tanner Scott at busy trade deadline
Read full article: Dodgers add starter Jack Flaherty, Padres get closer Tanner Scott at busy trade deadlineThe Los Angeles Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, San Diego added All-Star closer Tanner Scott, and Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh made significant deals for the stretch run ahead of Tuesdayās trade deadline.
Triolo hits RBI single in 12th inning, Pittsburgh bullpen shines as Pirates beat Marlins 6-5
Read full article: Triolo hits RBI single in 12th inning, Pittsburgh bullpen shines as Pirates beat Marlins 6-5Jared Triolo hit an RBI single in the top of the 12th inning to finish the Pittsburgh Piratesā rally and beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 on opening day.
Chisholm homers and the surprising Miami Marlins grab an NL wild-card spot with 7-3 win over Pirates
Read full article: Chisholm homers and the surprising Miami Marlins grab an NL wild-card spot with 7-3 win over PiratesThe Miami Marlins are heading back to the playoffs for just the second time in 20 years.
Drury, Padres rally to beat Nola, Phillies 8-5, tie NLCS 1-1
Read full article: Drury, Padres rally to beat Nola, Phillies 8-5, tie NLCS 1-1Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run rally in the fifth inning and the San Diego Padres stunned Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 to tie their all-wild card NL Championship Series at one game apiece.
Padres' bats go silent against Phillies in NLCS opener
Read full article: Padres' bats go silent against Phillies in NLCS openerJuan Soto, Manny Machado and unlikely star Trent Grisham went silent for the San Diego Padres, giving the Petco Park faithful little to get loud about in the cityās first NL Championship Series since 1998.
Harper, Schwarber HR as Wheeler, Phils top Pads to open NLCS
Read full article: Harper, Schwarber HR as Wheeler, Phils top Pads to open NLCSBryce Harper homered again, Kyle Schwarber hit a jaw-dropping, 488-foot drive and Zack Wheeler was brilliant in throwing one-hit ball for seven innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Diego Padres 2-0 in the opening game of the all-wild card NL Championship Series.
Mets stars shine, NY saves season with 7-3 win over Padres
Read full article: Mets stars shine, NY saves season with 7-3 win over PadresPete Alonso launched a tiebreaking homer and Jacob deGrom pitched well enough to help save the New York Metsā season with a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres that evened their wild-card playoff series at one game apiece.
Snell brilliant for 7, Padres beat Pujols, Cardinals 1-0
Read full article: Snell brilliant for 7, Padres beat Pujols, Cardinals 1-0Blake Snell held St. Louis hitless until Albert Pujols beat the shift for a single with two outs in the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the NL Central-leading Cardinals 1-0.
Drury, Nola homer in big rally, Padres beat Giants 13-7
Read full article: Drury, Nola homer in big rally, Padres beat Giants 13-7Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the sixth and Austin Nolaās two-run homer capped a seven-run rally that carried the San Diego Padres to a wild 13-7 win against the San Francisco Giants.
Machado's 3-run homer gives Padres dramatic win over Giants
Read full article: Machado's 3-run homer gives Padres dramatic win over GiantsManny Machado hit a game-ending, three-run homer and Juan Soto connected for his first long ball with the San Diego Padres, who overcame a blown save by Josh Hader to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-4.
DeGrom dazzles in return, bullpen costs Mets in loss to Nats
Read full article: DeGrom dazzles in return, bullpen costs Mets in loss to NatsJacob deGrom allowed one run on three hits and struck out six in five innings in his season debut before a bullpen meltdown cost the New York Mets in a 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.
Nats beat NL West-leading Dodgers for 2nd straight night
Read full article: Nats beat NL West-leading Dodgers for 2nd straight nightLuis Garcia hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the last-place Washington Nationals rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 for their second straight win against the NL West leaders.
Albies breaks foot, but Braves beat Nats for 12th straight
Read full article: Albies breaks foot, but Braves beat Nats for 12th straightDansby Swanson and the Atlanta Braves won their 12th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 9-5 despite losing All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies to a broken left foot.
Ohtani, Rendon rally Angels past Nationals 5-4 in 9th
Read full article: Ohtani, Rendon rally Angels past Nationals 5-4 in 9thShohei Ohtani hit a tying, two-run double in the ninth inning, Anthony Rendon followed with a game-ending single against his former team and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Washington Nationals 5-4.
Nats angered by Kapler's late aggression in Giants' 7-1 win
Read full article: Nats angered by Kapler's late aggression in Giants' 7-1 winAustin Slater smacked a three-run homer as part of a seven-run second inning against struggling Washington starter Patrick Corbin, and the San Francisco Giants cruised past the Nationals 7-1.
Cruz homers, keys Nats over Mets 4-2 with 8th-inning hit
Read full article: Cruz homers, keys Nats over Mets 4-2 with 8th-inning hitNelson Cruz hit his 450th home run and added a tiebreaking two-run single in three-run eighth inning that lifted the Washington Nationals over the Mets 4-2 and prevented New York from an opening four-game sweep.
Lindor plunking overshadows Scherzer's return; Mets top Nats
Read full article: Lindor plunking overshadows Scherzer's return; Mets top NatsA benches-clearing interruption after Mets star Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch overshadowed Max Scherzerās return to Nationals Park even as the three-time Cy Young Award winner pitched New York to a 7-3 victory over Washington.
Benches, bullpens clear when Nats pitch hits Mets SS Lindor
Read full article: Benches, bullpens clear when Nats pitch hits Mets SS LindorBenches and bullpens emptied and the Mets and Nationals confronted each other on the infield grass after Francisco Lindor was struck by a pitch from Steve Cishek in the fifth inning.
Red Sox rally in 9th, on brink of clinching wild-card berth
Read full article: Red Sox rally in 9th, on brink of clinching wild-card berthChristian VƔzquez tripled home the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning and the Boston Red Sox moved to the brink of a postseason berth with a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals.
Rookie reliever hits slam off Scherzer, Pads sting Nats 9-8
Read full article: Rookie reliever hits slam off Scherzer, Pads sting Nats 9-8Rookie reliever Daniel Camarena hit a stunning grand slam off Washington ace Max Scherzer and the San Diego Padres overcame an eight-run deficit, finally beating the Nationals 9-8 on Trent Grishamās RBI single in the ninth inning.
Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top Rays
Read full article: Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top RaysTrea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Castro's 2-run single in 9th rallies Nats past Phils 13-12
Read full article: Castro's 2-run single in 9th rallies Nats past Phils 13-12Starlin Castro hit a go-ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals rallied three times to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 13-12.
Check, mate: Miffed Max stares down Girardi, Nats top Phils
Read full article: Check, mate: Miffed Max stares down Girardi, Nats top PhilsMax Scherzer threw his glove and hat to the grass, then stared down Phillies manager Joe Girardi after getting checked for a third time by umpires for sticky stuff as the Washington Nationals beat Philadelphia 3-2.
Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets split
Read full article: Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets splitJon Lester pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning to gain his first win for Washington, Kyle Schwarber backed him with four RBIs on a pair of home runs and the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 to split a day-night doubleheader.
Netting collapses, Phils beat Nats; Voth HBP, broken nose
Read full article: Netting collapses, Phils beat Nats; Voth HBP, broken noseIn a bizarre scene, stadium workers using tractors scrambled to hoist the protective netting behind home plate after it suddenly collapsed Sunday, interrupting the Philadelphia Philliesā 12-6 win over the Washington Nationals.
Strasburg returns, pitches into 6th, Nats beat Orioles 4-2
Read full article: Strasburg returns, pitches into 6th, Nats beat Orioles 4-2Stephen Strasburg pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, allowing just one hit as the Washington Nationals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-2.
Yanks rally past Nats 4-3 in 10th, Scherzer strikes out 14
Read full article: Yanks rally past Nats 4-3 in 10th, Scherzer strikes out 14Gleyber Torresā tying single in the ninth inning and a winning infield single in the 11th helped the New York Yankees overcame Max Scherzerās commanding 14-strikeout performance to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3.
Two-way star: Braves' Ynoa hits slam, slams door on Nats
Read full article: Two-way star: Braves' Ynoa hits slam, slams door on NatsHuascar Ynoa hit a grand slam and pitched seven stress-free innings in a dominant two-way performance, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.
DeGrom's 15 strikeouts, 2-hitter lead Mets over Nats 6-0
Read full article: DeGrom's 15 strikeouts, 2-hitter lead Mets over Nats 6-0Jacob deGrom struck out a career-high 15, pitched a two-hitter and boosted the Mets' sagging offense with a go-ahead double from the No. 8 spot in the batting order, leading New York over the Washington Nationals 6-0.
Scherzer's 9 K's, Avila RBI double lift Nats past Cards 1-0
Read full article: Scherzer's 9 K's, Avila RBI double lift Nats past Cards 1-0Max Scherzer struck out nine in six scoreless innings to move up to No. 21 on the career Ks leaderboard, and Alex Avila drove in the gameās lone run with one of his two doubles, helping the Washington Nationals edge the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0.
COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of season
Read full article: COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of seasonStarting pitchers Jon Lester and Patrick Corbin, closer Brad Hand and four position players expected in the lineup have been put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals.
LEADING OFF: Nats set to start short-handed vs Braves
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Nats set to start short-handed vs BravesThe Washington Nationals are finally set to start their season, hosting the Atlanta Braves after their three-game series against the New York Mets was postponed by a coronavirus outbreak.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
Read full article: Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluatedThe Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
Read full article: Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgeryI look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.āLESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Sotoās spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattleās top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut
Read full article: Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debutBieber bounced back with a pair of strikeouts, but Nick Heath hit a single to put the Royals up 3-0. DODGERS 10, ROCKIES 0 (6 INNINGS)Trevor Bauer, pitching for the first time since signing a $102 million, three-year contract, debuted in Dodger blue with two scoreless innings. Jameson Taillon followed with a scoreless inning. CUBS 1, PADRES 0 (7)Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks struck out two in two scoreless innings. BREWERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 1 (8)Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta each threw a scoreless inning for Milwaukee before Jordan Zimmermann gave up a run.
Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with Nationals
Read full article: Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with NationalsFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to The Associated Press that left-hander Lester and the Washington Nationals have an agreement in principle in place for a one-year contract. Lester and the team had an agreement in principle in place last week, pending the successful completion of a physical exam. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts in the truncated 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
Brad Hand gets $10.5M from Nationals, $6.5M of it deferred
Read full article: Brad Hand gets $10.5M from Nationals, $6.5M of it deferredFILE - In this Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 file photo, Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Brad Hand delivers in the ninth inning in a baseball game against the Cincinnati Red in Cleveland. Brad Hand has agreed in principle to join the Washington Nationals, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)WASHINGTON ā Left-handed reliever Brad Hand finalized a $10.5 million, one-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, giving the team more strength and flexibility in the back end of its bullpen. The deal includes $6.5 million in salary that will be deferred without interest. The deferred money will come in payments due $1.5 million next Jan. 15, $3.5 million on Jan. 15, 2023, and $1.5 million on Jan. 15, 2024.
AP source: Nationals agree to sign All-Star closer Brad Hand
Read full article: AP source: Nationals agree to sign All-Star closer Brad HandFILE - In this Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 file photo, Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Brad Hand delivers in the ninth inning in a baseball game against the Cincinnati Red in Cleveland. Brad Hand has agreed in principle to join the Washington Nationals, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)WASHINGTON ā All-Star closer Brad Hand has agreed to a deal with the Washington Nationals, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The 30-year-old left-hander is poised to become Washingtonās closer after leading the majors with 16 saves during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. After tying for last place in the NL East, the Nationals have acquired Hand, starter Jon Lester (pending a physical), slugger Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Josh Bell.
AP source: Zimmerman, Nats agree at $1M, pending physical
Read full article: AP source: Zimmerman, Nats agree at $1M, pending physicalA person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that Zimmerman agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract that would include additional bonus provisions. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)WASHINGTON ā First baseman Ryan Zimmerman is returning to the Washington Nationals after sitting out the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, agreeing in principle to a $1 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday. A second person confirmed to the AP there is an agreement in principle in place, without describing the terms. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Padres bring Musgrove home in 3-team trade with Bucs, Mets
Read full article: Padres bring Musgrove home in 3-team trade with Bucs, MetsThe San Diego Padres are adding yet another pitcher to their rotation, agreeing to bring right-hander Musgrove to his hometown in a trade with the Pirates, according to a person familiar with the deal. The Padres brought Musgrove home Tuesday, adding yet another starting pitcher via a seven-player trade involving the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets. The Padres sent left-hander Joey Lucchesi to New York, and the Pirates got catcher Endy RodrĆguez from the Mets. Musgrove won a World Series ring with Houston in 2017 before being sent to the Pirates in the trade that sent Gerrit Cole to the Astros in January 2018. Musgrove was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers.
AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physical
Read full article: AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physicalFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Monday night because the contract was not yet official. 4 starter in Washington, slotting into a rotation that is led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP and lefty Patrick Corbin. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
Schwarber signs $10M deal with Nats, reunites with Martinez
Read full article: Schwarber signs $10M deal with Nats, reunites with MartinezSchwarber agreed in principle to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Washington Nationals, according to a person familiar with the deal. (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File)WASHINGTON ā Now that they're both with the Washington Nationals, Kyle Schwarber recalls joking around with Dave Martinez when both were with the Chicago Cubs ā Schwarber a slugger, Martinez a bench coach. āHe goes, āWhenever I get a managerās job, you are going to come over, and you are going to play for me,'ā Schwarber recounted. The 27-year-old Schwarber struggled at the plate during the pandemic-truncated 2020 season, hitting .188 with a .701 OPS. Like Schwarber, the 28-year-old Bell had a career year in 2019 ā 37 homers, 116 RBIs, .936 OPS ā and slumped in 2020.
Pirates trade slugger Josh Bell to Nationals
Read full article: Pirates trade slugger Josh Bell to NationalsFILE - In this July 22, 2020, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell bats during an exhibition baseball game against the Cleveland Indians in Pittsburgh. The Pirates traded the slugging first baseman to Washington on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, for pitching prospects Will Crowe and Eddy Yean. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)PITTSBURGH ā Josh Bell embraced everything about being a Pittsburgh Pirate. The Pirates sent the 28-year-old Bell to Washington on Thursday, giving the Nationals the middle-of-the-order bat general manager Mike Rizzo said was an offseason priority for the perennial NL East contenders. āIn order to build that winning team and get to that winning team itās going to require some difficult decisions at times, this is one of those," Cherington said.
Indians decline options on closer Hand, 1B Santana for 2021
Read full article: Indians decline options on closer Hand, 1B Santana for 2021The Cleveland Indians have declined contract options on Brad Hand and first baseman Carlos Santana for next season, decisions that will initially cut $27 million from the team's payroll. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)CLEVELAND ā The Cleveland Indians have declined contract options on Brad Hand, first baseman Carlos Santana and outfielder Domingo Santana for next season, moves that cut $30.75 million from the team's projected 2021 payroll. Hand's option was worth $10 million, Carlos Santana's was for $17.5 million and Domingo Santana's $5 million for next season. The team pay buyouts of $1 million to Hand, $500,000 to Carlos Santana and $250,000 to Domingo Santana. Cleveland previewed the hand Hand decision on Thursday, when the club placed him on outright waivers, hoping another team might claim him so they Indians would avoid the buyout.
Walk away: Indians rally again, keep AL Central hopes alive
Read full article: Walk away: Indians rally again, keep AL Central hopes aliveāWe want to win the division.āDown 3-1 and held to one hit for eight innings, the Indians found more of the late-inning magic that has carried them this week. Delino DeShields ā who broke up Pittsburgh's no-hit bid with a perfectly placed bunt single in the seventh ā hit a one-out RBI single. Adam Plutko (2-2) picked up his first career win in relief for the Indians (34-25), who have clinched a playoff spot but want more. It's quite a turnaround for the Indians, who recently dropped eight straight from Sept. 8-16 and have been plagued with offensive inconsistency all season. Gregory Polanco hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Carrasco, but the Pirates couldn't hold on and dropped to 2-16 against AL Central teams.
Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings as Pirates blank slumping Cubs 7-0
Read full article: Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings as Pirates blank slumping Cubs 7-0Pittsburgh Pirates outfielders, from left, Jared Oliva, Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco (25) celebrate the final out of a 7-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)PITTSBURGH ā Chad Kuhl pitched seven sharp innings and Colin Moran and Bryan Reynolds had home runs among their three hits each Thursday in the Pittsburgh Piratesā 7-0 victory over the slumping Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, who clinched a postseason berth Tuesday, are stumbling toward the playoffs with five losses in six games. Geoff Hartlieb and Blake Cederlind completed the shutout in which the Piratesā staff was backed by four home runs. Mills lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs and eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
Sogard bails out Hader, lifts Brewers with 1st walkoff HR
Read full article: Sogard bails out Hader, lifts Brewers with 1st walkoff HRMilwaukee Brewers' Eric Sogard celebrates after hitting a walk off two-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE Eric Sogard bailed out All-Star closer Josh Hader by hitting his first career walkoff home run, a two-run shot that lifted the Milwaukee Brewers over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6 on Saturday night. Something you probably wont see again out of Hader, kind of a fluke thing," Sogard said. Entering Saturday, the left-handed Hader was 7-for-7 in save opportunities and had not allowed a run or a hit all season. UP NEXTPirates LHP Steven Brault (0-1, 4.80 ERA) faces Brewers RHP Brandon Woodruff (2-2, 3.19 ERA) in game three of the four-game series.
Reds, Pirates won't play Monday, awaiting COVID test results
Read full article: Reds, Pirates won't play Monday, awaiting COVID test resultsPittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell (55) reacts to drawing a walk as Cincinnati Reds' Tucker Barnhart (16) reacts in the first inning during a baseball game at in Cincinnati, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. The last two games of a series between the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates were postponed Saturday after the player tested positive. The Reds expect results of their latest tests on Monday, when a decision will be made whether they travel to Kansas City. The Reds are the third MLB team to have games postponed because one of its players tested positive for COVID-19, joining the Marlins and the Cardinals. The Reds' Matt Davidson confirmed that he tested positive during the opening series of the abbreviated, 60-game season, forcing him onto the injured list.
Pirates manager Shelton argues through mask, gets 1st ML win
Read full article: Pirates manager Shelton argues through mask, gets 1st ML winPittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton (17) argues with home plate umpire Jordan Baker during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, July 26, 2020, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS Pittsburgh's Derek Shelton staged baseball's first major, socially distanced umpire argument, then got his first victory as a big league manager as the Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Sunday. Keller (1-0) faced St. Louis for the first time in his career. Cardinals RHP Kodi Whitley also made his major league debut in a relief appearance in the top seventh. Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez (4-2, 3.17 ERA, 24 saves in 2019) makes his first start for the Cardinals since July 30, 2018, Tuesday in Minnesota against the Twins to start a seven-game road trip.
Chemistry class: New managers test for right mix amid virus
Read full article: Chemistry class: New managers test for right mix amid virusFILE - In this Tuesday, July 7, 2020, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Josh Bell, right, listens to manager Derek Shelton during a team workout at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Shelton and other first-year managers are scrambling to make up for lost time. Fortunately for the first-year Pittsburgh Pirates manager, bench coach Donnie Kelly made it a point to provide it. I just (want) to make sure that Im talking to them, Im aware of what theyre going through, Shelton said. The 38-year-old Rojas the youngest manager in the majors read a book by Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski to help him prepare.
Eyeing social change, Pirates star Josh Bell finds his voice
Read full article: Eyeing social change, Pirates star Josh Bell finds his voiceWary of the optics and the fallout, Bell, who is Black, heeded the advice of his girlfriend. (She told me) Youre going to make a lot more impact with your platform than going to this riot right now. Thats something that could change your career in a heartbeat.And not the kind of change the 27-year-old All-Star from Texas wants to impart. I feel like social justice is something that a lot of people are learning right now, Bell said. It's made going to work far easier than it might have been if he'd just silently seethed.