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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 | Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Cincinnati RedsThe potent Reds offense absolutely unloaded on the Baltimore Orioles earlier this week ,winning their Sunday contest 24-2 in a game that saw every Reds hitter in the starting lineup notch at least one hit. Recent call up and former top prospect Noelvi Marte had himself quite the game going five for seven with two doubles, a grand slam, three runs scored and seven RBI. The performance has earned Marte more playing time – and he's kept moving up the lineup.
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2 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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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Sara Sanchez |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Milwaukee BrewersThe Brewers are one game over .500 and tied with the Cubs in the loss column as we enter this weekend's games against the Athletics. They've been on a decent hot streak after dropping their first four games of the season, with a 10-5 record. However, they've struggled for production at some positions, including the hot corner. That led to a series of off-day moves including Oliver Dunn being sent to the minors.
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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 Rudd |Brian Entrekin |Mark Gannon
Kansas City RoyalsCarlos Estévez (RHP, KC) has converted three of four save chances so far, with the lone blown save coming on an unearned run in the 10th inning. He has allowed just 1 ER in 5 IP so far, but a peak beneath the hood reveals some troubling signs in the small sample. Estévez has registered a 5/4 K/BB and 6.2% SwK but has been bailed out by a 16% H% and 83% S%. Should Estévez continue to struggle missing bats, the team could turn to Lucas Erceg (RHP, KC) again.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Baltimore OriolesFollowing Colton Cowser’s injury and the return of Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore’s position player group looks to be set for the foreseeable future. The lineup against right-handed pitchers seems to be fairly consistent, though Ramón Urías may mix in when one of the nine regulars receives a rest day. Against left-handers, though, the team’s lineup could vary greatly, as there are several regulars at risk of being platooned.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Houston AstrosCam Smith was all the buzz through spring training. The hype started as soon as he was part of the Kyle Tucker trade this offseason and built even more after he hit .342 this spring with four home runs. He even learned a new position in the outfield, which was necessary to make the team. Smith did everything right to make the Opening Day roster, but that production has not followed to start the season. Through 21 plate appearances, he is hitting .111 with a 42.9% strikeout rate.
