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3 days ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd
Seattle MarinersThe Mariners entered the season with one of the best, if not the best, crops of starting five pitchers from top to bottom. Last season, the rotation stayed intact for the most part and provided plenty of quality innings. Things have changed this season, as injuries have already piled up for the Mariners. They have lost Logan Gilbert and George Kirby for over a month, and now, Bryce Miller mentions some physical limitations.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Mark Gannon |Alain De Leonardis |Brian Entrekin
Arizona DiamondbacksDiamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte, who has been on the IL since April 5 with a strained hamstring, is expected to return to the Diamondbacks lineup during their weekend series starting May 2 in Philadelphia. Despite the loss of Marte, who was off to a great start (.346/.469/.462 in 32 PA), the Diamondbacks are still the third highest scoring team in the National League through the first month of the season.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Alain De Leonardis |Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez
New York YankeesComing off a sub-par 2024 season (.190/.290/.385 in 209 PA), Trent Grisham was firmly set to fill a bench role as the Yankees’ fourth outfielder. Surprisingly, though, Grisham has shown new life at the plate in the first month of the season (.298/.385/.684, 7 HR in 65 PA). This strong offensive performance, combined with Grisham’s premium center field defense, has forced New York’s hand to give him more playing time.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Alain De Leonardis |Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd
Philadelphia PhilliesThe Phillies got a jump scare when emerging ace Cristopher Sánchez left his start against the Mets last week with discomfort in his left forearm. There may be no more ominous words to describe the state of a pitcher’s arm—perhaps only “amputated” would be worse. The good news for all involved is the team declined to order an MRI or place him on the IL, feeling confident enough that whatever ails Sánchez will resolve itself in short order.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd
Houston AstrosThe Astros' experiment with Jose Altuve in left field may need to end soon. Altuve has been okay offensively at the position, hitting .274 with three home runs and three steals, and has been decent defensively as well, with only one error on the season. The prospect of moving Altuve back to second base isn’t about his performance in left field thus far, however; it’s more about improving the lineup by exploring decent replacement options at the position.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis
Cleveland GuardiansCade Smith (RHP, CLE) is off to another outstanding start, as he has surrendered just 2 ER through his first 13 IP. He has a shiny 16/4 K/BB with a 30% K% and 14.3% SwK, and has now recorded his team's two most recent saves. Prior to Smith's first save on April 21st, closer Emmanuel Clase (RHP, CLE) had pitched three days in a row, so it was no surprise Smith got the call.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez
Arizona DiamondbacksThe elbow injury for Diamondbacks' LHP A.J. Puk looks to have solidified the position of RHP Justin Martinez as the team's closer for the time being. Puk hit the 15-day IL after experiencing left elbow inflammation following his April 17 appearance. He underwent an MRI on April 21 and the Diamondbacks are seeking a second and potentially third opinion on the results prior to making any announcement on a prognosis.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez |Mark Gannon
AthleticsThe A’s continue to be one of the best offenses in baseball, and while there may not be many holes in the lineup to start the season, there are a couple. One of the biggest weak points in the offense revolves around third base, where Gio Urshela has been used primarily. To say Urshela has underwhelmed at the plate this season may be an understatement. He’s hitting .173 over 57 plate appearances without a home run or a steal, two runs scored, and eight RBI.
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4 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis
San Francisco GiantsIt is likely just a matter of time before rookie RHP Hayden Birdsong receives an opportunity to join the Giants' starting rotation. Birdsong, who narrowly lost out to RHP Landen Roupp for the final rotation spot out of spring training, has been very good in a multi-inning role out of the Giants' bullpen.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis |Sara Sanchez
Boston Red SoxAfter being named Boston’s closer to open the 2025 season, Aroldis Chapman has been off to a solid start, recording three of the team’s four saves with strong results (1.29 ERA) and skills (24.1 K-BB%). Chapman’s status as the top left-handed reliever in leverage, though, has led to some scenarios where he has pitched in high-leverage, non-save scenarios, opening some save opportunities elsewhere.
