The Tigers had a bit of a good news/bad news day in regards to some currently injured players. Gargantuan catcher Grayson Greiner has reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery process, per Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Sidelined with a lower back injury since June 13th, Greiner experienced a “flare up” in that region during a rehab game with High-A Lakeland. Apparently, subsequent tests have revealed a deeper issue: “They took a scan and saw something,” said Tigers skipper Ron Gardenhire. “Not a break, but a stress area, so they’ve immobilized it.” Greiner has been shut down from all baseball activities for the moment, so catching duties will continue to be split between John Hicks and Bobby Wilson, while a potential call-up of prospect Jake Rogers still looms in the offing.
In more positive Motor City news, Gardenhire revealed in McCosky’s report that second sacker Josh Harrison (hamstring) is nearing a rehab assignment, with the club eyeing a return at the end of July.
More injury check-ins from around the junior circuit…
- Well-traveled Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin has already had an eventful season thus far in 2019. After being cut by the Giants in the wake of a mid-spring DUI arrest and subsequently bouncing to the Indians Triple-A affiliate, Maybin was acquired by an injury-stricken Bombers team that was in sore need of outfield reinforcement. Though he provided superlative offensive performance in his first 42 games in pinstripes (138 wRC+), he hasn’t appeared in a game since suffering a calf injury on June 21st. According to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, though, Maybin was running and participating in drills at Yankee Stadium today before the team’s game against the Blue Jays. No word has been given on a rehab date or possible return timeline for Maybin, but the club would certainly welcome back another outfield option given the current status of slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
- Of course, no team has had a more eventful or emotional season thus far than the Angels. The tragic death of Tyler Skaggs–to say nothing of Friday night’s combined no-hitter dedicated to his memory–would seem to overshadow any baseball-related news story in a given season. However, for a moment, last Sunday’s homeplate collision between Jake Marisnick and Jonathan Lucroy was perhaps the most hot-button topic in sports. “The last thing I remember, I was kind of inching my way up the line and reaching for the baseball,” Lucroy said in a report by the Los Angeles Times’ Mike DiGiovanna. “The first thing I remember after that is when they put me on the golf cart. He knocked me out.” The report goes on to mention that Marisnick–who is appealing a two-game suspension in connection with the collision–texted an apology to Lucroy last week. Lucroy, fortunately, doesn’t expect to be sidelined by his resultant injuries for “too long.”
Keep Rogers at AAA. No need to expose him to this mess that is going on in Detroit. Harrison coming back? Who cares? He and Mercer have been a huge let down. Should have called Infante and Santiago to fill in for the season.
Hot Rod and Mario could have filled in better
Marisnick should be suspended for a heck of a lot longer than two games. That was a deliberate dirty play.
No it wasn’t.
No it wasn’t
Yes it was. Every since the rule changed a couple years ago Catchers are suppose to leave a clear path for the runner to follow to avoid the nasty collisions that catchers and base runners use to have. Lucroy left him a clear path to the plate like the .rules state. He was suppose to slide on the other side of the chalk line. He choose to go right toward Lucroy. Go watch the replay. It was a deliberate cheep shot.
I believe he made a mistake and did violate the rules but I don’t think he collided intentionally
Yes, Lucroy made the mistake of setting up in front of the plate and then moving towards foul territory, when he misjudged the throw.
He didn’t have the ball, during that entire sequence, and the rule dictates that the catcher must possess the ball to block the path.
Marisnick just reacted to those movements, until there was no time or space left to move.
Neither intended for a collision to occur.
“He didn’t have the ball, during that entire sequence, and the rule dictates that the catcher must possess the ball to block the path.”
Incomplete reading of applicable portion of the rule.
“Not withstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 6.01(i)(2) (Rule 7.13(2)) if
-the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in a legitimate attempt to field the throw (e.g., in reaction to the direction, trajectory or the hop of the incoming throw, or in reaction to a throw that originates from a pitcher or drawn-in infielder).
-In addition, a catcher without possession of the ball shall not be adjudged to violate this Rule 6.01(i)(2) (Rule 7.13(2)) if the runner could have avoided the collision with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) by sliding.”
Lucroy feet were in the field of play inside the foul line there was a open lane for maisnick
Agree. Maybe 5 games?
I think he should sit out for as long as Lucroy is unable to play.
No matter the rule he didn’t do it on purpose
I disagree. He may have not intended to give Lucroy a concussion or break his nose, but he did crash into him on purpose trying to break up the play. He didn’t stumble, catch his cleat, or get pushed into him. He went where he intended to go and injured Lucroy. So it was on purpose, not accidental.
Sorry zealous but Jake is not that kind of person … he wouldn’t hurt anyone intentionally !!!
Cleveland1968. You know Jake personally? Do you guys play rbi baseball on Xbox every Monday morning?
after watching the replay I find that very hard to believe using his head and forearm
He’s coming to Anaheim this week, 2 games is enough. Just let the the players resolve it on their own. If the Angels feel it was dirty it will be dealt with and life goes on.
No he didn’t, crybaby
been an Angels’ fan since we played at Wrigley. i don’t think i’ve ever seen a player respond, for lack of a better word, more positively than Marisnick. yes he was at fault for the collision although in the moment of decision to go left or right he didn’t have time to weigh options. perhaps the biggest mistake he made was lowering his helmet directly at Lucroy. in the NFL, doing so is 15-yd penalty plus possible ejection.
immediately after the collision it was obvious he was highly upset over Lucroy’s condition. he went to check on him. his “body language” showed remorse and concern. in Anaheim after he was plucked by Ramirez he made no comment but went directly to first, and gestured to his teammates telling them to chill.
Even though Marisnick didn’t intentionally hurt Lucroy, it’s pretty dumb for him to appeal. He’s gonna lose the appeal, guaranteed.
Why do you say that? From the moment of impact, this incident has been one of the most widely debated single events I’ve ever seen. Wide in the sense of how many different perspectives and opinions there have been: on intent, the rule itself, and even down to where those involved were standing at any given time.
A judgement call like this where there’s such a lack of consensus of opinion seems like the perfect ruling to appeal.
Tell me what argument Marisnick has
The league said that they determined Marisnick did not intentionally run Lucroy over, but the rule states that the runner must intentionally collide with the runner. So there is a disconnect in the ruling and suspension, which is why he is appealing, but we all know how this is going to go. Lucroy’s injury was so bad (and looked bad) that they are going to uphold the suspension even though the league itself has admitted that there was no intention by Marisnick.
It doesn’t matter to me what argument he has. I assume his argument will remain the same as it’s been since his post-collision tweet.
I’m not defending or decrying Marisnick, just saying that unless his argument is “I shouldn’t be suspended because Lucroy is dumb and ugly” appealing the decision isn’t somehow disrespectful to Lucroy.
No, it’s not. He had no say before the suspension. The punishment for breaking the rule is to rule the batter out, which they did. Torre suspended him on top of that even after saying there was no intent. Why? To defend the rule? Jake now gets to use his rights to defend himself to the league in hopes of not being suspended. The suspension comes with a fine and two days docked pay. I would hope everyone gets a chance to defend themselves in that situation.
Most disciplinary rulings are appealed anyway (which MLBPA encourages) unless one’s action were blatant and obvious.
By appealing, he is disrespecting Lucroy. SMH
How so? Lucroy didn’t make the call/review the incident/levy the suspension. By appealing Marisnick is defending himself to the league while maintaining that the collision itself, as well as its severity, was unintentional.
No body is arguing the fact that the incident was intentional. MLB has reviewed the play and came to the conclusion that it was an illegal collision. I agree that Jake had no intention of getting anyone hurt but as a MLB player, he should just sit out the two games.
And again, I don’t care about any of that. The only argument I’m making is:
-The idea that Marisnick appealing the league’s decision is somehow disrespectful to Lucroy is weird and silly.
By not appealing he is admitting guilt.
No I bet it goes to one game
Grayson is more like “Frank Howard” size. Does he just sit behind the plate like Jabba the hut?
Grayson is pretty mobile defensively. He will be a defensive backup with a little power. He was a starter this year because the tigers are bad.
I expect Roger’s to start next year. Tigers might get Avila back as a mentor and lefty bat. Grayson to aaa as depth.
I thought catchers weren’t supposed to block the plate anymore? I also thought batters weren’t supposed to step out of the box after every pitch? What happens to all of these “initiatives?”
God, it’s like Groundhog Day starring Jonathan Lucroy, and we’re all destined to litigate this incident for eternity or until Andie McDowell falls in love with us.
*sigh*
-Lucroy wasn’t blocking the plate.
-The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter’s box throughout the batter’s time at bat, unless one of the following exceptions applies, in which case the batter may leave the batter’s box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate:
(i) The batter swings at a pitch;
(ii) The batter is forced out of the batter’s box by a pitch;
(iii) A member of either team requests and is granted“Time”;
(iv) A defensive player attempts a play on a runner at any base;
(v) The batter feints a bunt;
(vi) A wild pitch or passed ball occurs;
(vii) The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound after receiving
the ball; or
(viii)The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to give defensive signals.
-They’re rules, not initiatives, and often dependent on umpire interpretation.
Ever since Skaggs death, I’ve seen a lot of class from MLB. NOT the hierarchy of the league, but from the individual players and teams.
Texas did one hell of a lot when his death occurred while the Angels were in town and the Seattle players showed a lot of class last night.
Even Hudson of the Blue jays had Skaggs name and number on his hat as he got the save against the Yankees.
As an Angels fan, I appreciate it.
I’m an Astros fan and I remembered when Darryl Kyle died all those year’s ago. Even though he didn’t play for the Astros at the time, or for a couple years before, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I was 16 at the time, and I remember watching his no hitter in the astrodome back in 1993. I was in the stands and in 1st grade.
In all honesty, I don’t think we realize how much these players mean to the fans. Even though we don’t know them, they seem to be part of our lives in some capacity.
I was doing a back of the napkin calculation this morning. 162 games a year, 30 teams in the MLB, or 4,860 opportunities to throw a no hitter in a year. On average, 3 are thrown per year. That’s a .06% random chance of throwing a no hitter. What a moment for Angels fans last night. The best player of our generation knocks in 6 and the staff throws a very improbable no hitter…. RIP Tyler Skaggs.
Second sacker? Really?
No body is arguing the fact that the incident was intentional. MLB has reviewed the play and came to the conclusion that it was an illegal collision. I agree that Jake had no intention of getting anyone hurt but as a MLB player, he should just sit out the two games.
Back when baseball had stones there wouldn’t have been such widespread debate over a collision at the plate. You know what it was called? A play. It’s a footnote of the action of to the game. Until the MLB decided that it would protect the ownerships assets, i.e. the players. That’s all this is. Buster Posey was the Giants biggest star and he was taken out for the remainder of a season because he didn’t know how to take a hit. You didn’t see Dottie Hinson complain after her sister Kit blew her up at the plate did ya? Runners have a right to plate and catchers have a right to protect it. The object of the game is to score runs or prevent them. The new rules are so lame it makes baseball hard to watch when people complain about a play. Baseball used to be more fun, teams used to have running games, players knew how to bunt, break up a double play, hit for power AND average… do I need to keep going? Analytics have their place sure, but when numbers completely dictate how a game is played instead of just going and doing to then it has no life. Human ability, talent, and error are things that always made baseball great. When robots start calling balls and strikes I’m out. Marisnick didn’t intend to blow up Lucroy, but honestly that’s baseball it’s supposed to be unpredictable not scripted.
Maybih > Brett Garbage
Frazier > Brett Garbage
But what do the Yankees do still run out that piece of Garbage in LF. They haven’t won in 10 years. They don’t make changes they expect different results doing the same thing over and over that’s called insanity.
Before you even reply wait until you see Brett Garbage stats in the 2019 PS. You’ll be singing a different tune.
Brett Garbage? As a Yankees fan I’m proud to call him a life long Yankee. Has had a solid career, has always conducted himself with class and has never had off the field troubles. He’s 35 and has 15 HRs 41 RBIs and 8 steals for a team ravaged by injuries. If he’s “garbage” I’d like to have more of it.
Everyone has made up their mind. I don’t think JM is a dirty player, I don’t even have a problem with what happened But what he said is hogwash; “I made a split second decision at full speed to slide head first on the inside part of the plate”
No one knows for sure, but I believe he went inside the line to avoid Lucroy who he thought was going outside the line. When Lucroy didn’t, he made a split second decision to lower his shoulder and bury him. A lot of players would have. I might have. You get a fraction of a second to make a decision and in the excitement of the game you make the wrong decision. It Happens all the time. No malice, stuff happens.
If Lucroy would have been a tree, you can bet your life JM would not have lowered his shoulder and plowed into a tree. Nothing in his secondary action of lowering his shoulder indicated he was trying to slide or avoid contact. I think every honest person knows it.
If Lucroy were a tree you can bet Marisnick would have scored. A tree’s legs don’t move as well as humans. I think every honest person know that.
Trees can’t catch baseball either. So he would have scored. Not sure what your point is though. Lucroy was avoidable.
Lucroy was not in the process of dropping his knee to block the plate. Posey was, which is why I though plowing into him was fine.
Watching Yankees/Blue Jays game and a run was scored thanks to this Catcher rule.
Urshela running on a wild pitch, ball bounces back to Danny Jansen. Old rules would have allowed Jansen to throw his shin pads in-front of the plate, block it and tag. Instead, he keeps his legs away from the plate and threw the tag high.
Rule needs to be abolished. Every player should protect themselves at all times and not allow the rules to protect them less than 100% of the time.
Even Pete Rose thought it was dirty. Should have gotten 10 games.