Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”

Once again, Major League Baseball has extended the administrative leave for Roberto Osuna another week. The leave has been extended through June 18th, which is the same date of his first court date for his pending legal issues resulting from a domestic violence charge. He will likely receive at least one more extension, but we should have some more clarity pretty soon on what the legal proceedings look like in about a week.

In spite of reports to the contrary earlier in the day, the Angels came out and stated that no doctor or team medical professionals have recommended Tommy John Surgery for Shohei Ohtani . Not only that, but manager Mike Scioscia even talked about the potential that Ohtani could DH for the Angels even if he is shut down from pitching for the rest of the season. Ohtani has undergone PRP injections and will be shut down for the next three-to-four weeks.

While he was unable to finish the game, Mike Trout underwent x-rays after the Angels game on his leg after fouling a ball off his foot in the eighth inning. The results were negative and he had even homered after the injury. He could possibly sit a game or two if he is sore, but it appears he avoided serious injury.

According to general manager Rick Hahn, the White Sox will not promote top prospect Eloy Jimenez from AA straight to the Majors. The outfielder is crushing AA pitching and has stayed healthy this year, but the White Sox have no plans to compete in the AL Central this year and there is no reason for them to start his service time clock.

According to general manager Jerry Dipoto, Robinson Canó will not be the everyday second baseman for the Mariners when he returns from suspension. This is a ways away, but Dee Gordon has filled in for him and apparently the Mariners want him to continue to get run there as opposed to moving him back to centerfield.

 

That Happened?!?

Nelson Cruz crushed two home runs against the Angels on Monday. Both homers were against Andrew Heaney who really struggled in the contest, but it brings his total up to 15 for the season and he is hitting .260/.348/.531 for the year which is great since he start off the season slowed by injuries.

Carlos Carrasco fired off seven scoreless innings on Monday, striking out 11 in the process versus the White Sox. It has been an uneven season for Carrasco, but he has rebounded over his last two starts to record 14 innings and 21 strikeouts. This appears to be the final chance to buy on him.

Marcell Ozuna launched his seventh home run of the season against the Padres on Monday. Ozuna struggled mightily to start the season and many speculated he was suffering through an injury, but over the last two weeks, he is hitting .356/.420/.667 with four home runs and 11 runs batted in. He appears to finally be back on track.

Steven Wright fired 6.2 innings without allowing a run on Monday versus the Orioles. Wright has now started two games with Drew Pomeranz on the DL and has been great, but the life of a knuckleballer is a tricky one to predict. If he begins to lose his control, then don’t hesitate to drop him in any format.

TeOscar Hernandez went 2-for-4 with a a homer on Monday. Hernandez is losing some playing time to Randal Grichuk , but he is the superior talent. He has been atop the Statcast leaderboards all season long. If he is able to improve the contact, the sky's the limit for him.

 

What We’ll Be Watching Today

Chris Stratton is 2-0with a 2.70 ERA in the month of June. Can he continue his road success?

Clay Buchholz begins his two-start week with a matchup against the Pirates. Is the new cutter enough for a resurgence?

McCullers vs Mengden. Both these guys have been great in completely different ways.

How bad can Tyler Chatwood be? The ERA is deceiving, but he walks more than a old folks field trip to the mall.

Blaine Hardy versus the Twins. Hardy gets the Twins, who lead the Majors in K% versus left-handed pitching. In his second start this week, he gets the white sox.

 

Baseball. Lots of baseball.