As the 2024 regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Mets roster moves incoming:
The Mets will designate right-hander Jorge Lopez for assignment today on the heels of an outburst wherein the 31-year-old threw his glove into the stands after a rough outing and then cursed while being critical of the team and/or himself in postgame comments that have created a good bit of controversy. Whether Lopez intended to criticize the team, himself or both, he’ll now be replaced on the club’s active roster. Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that left-hander Danny Young, who pitched three scoreless innings for the club earlier this year, will be recalled in his place.
Sammon goes on to suggest that more moves to renovate the club’s bullpen could be on the table, while MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo relays that the club will receive CT scan results regarding Pete Alonso today after he was struck in the hand by a pitch. While initial x-rays came back negative, DiComo noted that the Mets won’t know for sure if Alonso suffered a break or not until they receive today’s results. If Alonso were to miss time, that could open up regular reps at first base for corner infielder Mark Vientos, allowing fellow developing third baseman Brett Baty to take everyday at-bats at the hot corner.
2. Darvish awaiting test results:
Veteran right-hander Yu Darvish lasted just three innings during yesterday’s start against the Marlins. Padres skipper Mike Shildt said after the game that the 37-year-old righty was dealing with tightness in his left hamstring (X link via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com). Darvish underwent was set for imaging on his ailing leg in the aftermath of yesterday’s loss, and it’s likely results will be publicly revealed today.
Darvish has pitched to an excellent 3.20 ERA with a 3.48 FIP and a 23.1% strikeout rate across 11 starts this season, acting as an anchor for the San Diego rotation alongside Dylan Cease. Right-hander Randy Vasquez figures to be the next man up in the event that Darvish requires a trip to the injured list, although the 25-year-old has struggled to a 5.82 ERA in five starts for the club this season.
3. Nootbaar to undergo MRI:
Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters (including MLB.com’s John Denton) that outfielder Lars Nootbaar exited yesterday’s game against the Reds with “lingering pain” in his left side after he initially grabbed at his side following a checked swing earlier in the game. Nootbaar already missed the first two weeks of the season due to fractures in his ribcage.
When healthy enough to take the field, Nootbaar has hit fairly well for the Cardinals this year with a 117 wRC+ in 39 games. It’s possible the club could turn to Victor Scott II or Jordan Walker to fill out their outfield mix in the event that Nootbaar requires another trip to the shelf, although after the pair’s struggles earlier this year it’s also possible they offer regular outfield reps to Alec Burleson while calling up Luken Baker to serve as the club’s DH alongside veteran Matt Carpenter.
Canuckleball
Darvish, Nootbar, and Manoah all waiting on imaging results today.
Another day, another batch of injuries.
The injury oven never stops cooking
KyleT
Yes, Nootbar isnt striking out nearly enough people.
KyleT
It was a joke. Owned.
dirtyjog
#technicallythetruth
Cardsfan21
People are still using “owned” in comment sections?
Old York
We are 34.57% of the way through the season.
Last 30:
Philadelphia Phillies: 22-8
New York Mets: 9-21
LOLMets!
Pythagorean Luck
St. Louis Cardinals & Tampa Bay Rays are getting lucky compared to what their record should be.
Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels & Cincinnati Reds are the most unluckiest teams and should have better records than they do.
SimbaHOF2019
Your putting too much weight on Pythagorean. its still a small sample. cardinals of the last 3 weeks are not the cardinals previous. the past doesn’t equal the future. They Hitting and pitching well.. Players come back from the DL other players get sent down. Its dynamic.
Old York
@SimbaHOF2019
I don’t remember stating in my OP that it’s some absolute that I rely upon. BR even has a section for it in their standings so I’m presenting what I see. It doesn’t mean the Cards can’t get even better and have a +10 on the Pythagorean W% but as it stands, they’re still getting lucky.
deweybelongsinthehall
The Red Sox are fortunate to be at .500. Their defense and base running have been Bad News Bears like.
KyleT
“fortunate to be at .500”
– Defense is terrible.
– Base running they are well above average, with the speed they have, they take extra bases all the time.
– Run production has been slightly above average,
– Pitching is top five so far.
Relative power index has the Red Sox at .518 (mlb.com) and .512 (espn).
I’d say they’re right where theyre suppose to be.
Pads Fans
By BsR and baserunning component of WAR, the Red Sox are just slightly above average. Tied for 12th in both.
KyleT
“By BsR”
So not “Bad News Bear Like”.
Old York
@KyleT
40th percentile, not terrible.
RobblyDobs
Pythag record isnt a ‘true talent’ indicator. Nothing to see here…
Old York
@RobblyDobs
Most baseball stats aren’t a ‘true talent indicator’. It doesn’t stop people on FG, BR or even here to suggest some player is better or worse. Look at Acuña Jr. last year. He was 70% better than league average but this year is only 10%. Does that mean that in 1 year he lost a bunch of talent or he was overperforming his talent in 2023?
Blackpink in the area
Acuna was never 100% healthy in 2024. Health matters.
And on that subject the Cardinals have had a lot of injuries. They currently have 50 million worth of players on the IL. To ignore that is silly.
RobblyDobs
No, it doesn’t
But my point was that pythag tells us almost nothing other than how many blowout wins or losses a team has had
Old York
@RobblyDobs
No it doesn’t. It tells you how well the team is at scoring and preventing the other team from scoring and translates that to expected win percentage. If a team scores a lot and doesn’t allow a lot of runs, we should expect a good record.
Blackpink in the area
It’s voodoo stats
Sunday Lasagna
Luck? Wins by one run count the same as wins by 10. Some managers pull their starters when they have a comfortable lead, some don’t. Bullpen depth varies by team. So many other real variables that lead to run differential.
Winning some games by large margins and losing close games yielding a more positive run differential than their w-l record indicates isn’t a function of the team being unlucky.
Unlucky is just an excuse for not getting the job done. Outscore your opponent by 20 or by 1, doesn’t matter. Win games. That’s all. No luck. No unlucky. Just win games.
Joe says...
Luck: When preparation meets opportunity.
Old York
Luck: When Opportunity meets preparation.
Old York
@Yoshis Javelin
Yes, so many variables are involved, which bring in some luck. If the Astros being in their closer and he has a week where he blows 3 save chances and then the next week he closes the door on 5 chances.
Does that mean the guy isn’t talented enough to be a closer during last week or just back luck?
Sunday Lasagna
I’d agree the talent is there.
drasco036
Sure there is, it’s called having a deep roster/dependable bullpen. If you have a one run lead and can turn it over to a dominate pen, that isn’t luck.
The Cubs are not “unlucky” when it comes to blowing leads, their bullpen management has been terrible.
There is a lot less “luck” involved in holding onto a one run lead.
Rsox
There is, that’s why Closers exist and without a good one you tend to lose more one run games than you win
Rsox
What does that even mean? Of course winning will be “on par” with a teams overall record
MetsSchmets
LOLMETS used to mean something idiotic the Mets did that was unlikely to happen to another club.
Now in 2024, literally any negative statistic, milestone or event and some mouth breathing rube runs around yelling LOLMETS LOLMETS.
Old York
@MetsSchmets
Sorry to hear that you’re a LOLMets fan. I don’t think I could be caught in public wearing anything LOLMets related.
MetsSchmets
Nobody cares about your wardrobe plans or what your sorry for
Steinbrenner2728
“Rube” that’s a word I haven’t heard of in a long time now haha
SimbaHOF2019
Burleson will definitely take Noot’s spot in the lineup. He is raking and getting better. lose some on defense but hes not terrible.
Blackpink in the area
He has a 749 OPS. I wouldn’t use the term raking. It’s nice that he’s performed decent when given a chance and he’s earned more opportunities but let’s not get carried away.
RobblyDobs
He was poor and is now quite good. But Nootbar is more valuable given his D.
Lets Go DBacks
Hi!
Brew’88
The Padres need Cecil Fielder
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Get prince out of retirement to play for the blue jays
ChuckyNJ
Darvish got lit up by the Yankees last weekend … then he only lasted 3 innings next time out. Is he tipping his pitches like he once did in the World Series?
drasco036
You mean when the Astros were illegally stealing signs then said “oh Darvish was tipping his pitch” I guess reading the catchers call could in fact be considered “tipping your pitch”.
ChuckyNJ
Darvish started Game 7 of a World Series for the Dodgers — at Dodger Stadium — and got pulled after allowing 5 runs over 1.2 innings. You didn’t need to bang on a trash can to raise suspicions about that pitching line for a starter in the biggest moment of his career.
(Though Darvish was able to wangle a big-money contract from the Cubs for doing so.)
C Yards Jeff
He’s aging. Fatiguing more often along with aches and pains, not tipping pitches, is the issue?
Atlanta Jack
White Sox to do nothing.
jerseyjohn
Why does the author try to run cover for Lopez? The original reporter went back to him to clarify his comments. He said he “probably” said the Mets were the worst #### team in MLB. He doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt since he doubled down. He’s from PR and speaks enough English, no need to carry his water…
Blackpink in the area
Probably?
That doesn’t sound clear to me fella.
Why are you trying so hard to villify him? That’s probably a better question.
jerseyjohn
Because he’s a grown man and he should face the consequences. If you listened to him (seems like you didn’t) he even said “if I’m back here tomorrow”. He doesn’t need any spin doctoring efforts on his behalf.
deweybelongsinthehall
See my other post. Lopez is going through a family medical matter and most likely his frustrations came out the wrong way. We all have done it. I heard this on FAN this morning . Something to do with his child. Imagine not being able to help your kid and not knowing how to handle things. I’m not sure but I think they said she needs a transplant.
Blackpink in the area
The Mets suck. They are trying to scapegoat a middle reliever who actually had good numbers before yesterday as if he’s the reason they suck. That’s lame as can be.
Why are you so angry about this? Is it because of what Lopez said or is it because your team sucks?
You don’t have to answer that. You already have.
jerseyjohn
I was unaware of that. Prayers up for his kid. He’ll get his salary even being cut so at least money won’t be an issue.
jerseyjohn
See above about mitigating factors. I am a Yankee fan seeing the Mets implode is actually great for me personally.
My focus on this issue is based on not appreciating rich athletes being D-bags. We’d all crawl fifty feet through salted broken glass to make 2 million per year.
Blackpink in the area
He was mad. He performed poorly. The team has been performing poorly. He’s mad. It’s ok to have human emotions. We aren’t all conservative old white men. It’s ok to have feelings.
deweybelongsinthehall
I looked it up. He’s been dealing with his son’s medicals since birth and apparently he may need another transplant
deweybelongsinthehall
And have great medical insurance as a pro with team access to the best available care.
MetsSchmets
“I am a Yankee fan seeing the Mets implode is actually great for me personally”
This is so bizarre coming from an adult. Like weird little man child harebrained simpleton logic. Grow up.
Blackpink in the area
And now after being let go he no longer has insurance correct?
Cue the lunatic fringe crowd. They can now find a new scapegoat…..
jerseyjohn
There’s a thing called COBRA. Between your winning personality and depth of knowledge the comment section is lucky to have you!
Blackpink in the area
You are a world class clown. Mute isn’t my first choice but that’s the way it’s going here. Take it easy.
MetsSchmets
Wow. Very condescending but I guess that’s because you’re so very knowledgeable…btw how many pediatric bone marrow transplants do you think COBRA covers every year?
Old York
Best pitchers in baseball this year by ERA+
1 Lugo • KCR 238
2. Suárez • PHI 230
3. Imanaga • CHC 219
I look forward to Lugo starting the All-Star Game.
MetsSchmets
You mean that in earnest or did you think that was clever? Based on how high you seem to get from making negative comments id wager you don’t care about Lugo at all and you saw a stat that would give you a chance to make a spiteful weasel-like comment. Apologies if I read that wrong but I doubt it
Old York
@MetsSchmets
I meant it. He’s the best pitcher in MLB right now. Why wouldn’t I want him starting the AS game?
MetsSchmets
Ok so you’re rooting for a LOLMETS draft pick
Pads Fans
Starting pitchers. There are relievers like Suarez with an ERA+ over 500.
Pads Fans
I look forward to seeing Lugo in the All Star game too if he continues to pitch like he has so far. What a huge mistake it was for the Mets to let him go and not give him a chance to start.
Tigers3232
@Pads He actually went through Mrts farm system and started his MLB career for them as a starter.
He wasn’t spectacular as a SP for them, wasn’t particularly bad either. I’m guessing it was having deGrom, Thor, Wheeler, Matz, Harvey, Vargas that they transitioned him to bullpen.
The McNasty1
New York Mess
MetsSchmets
You spelt that wrong. It’s the New York Mets. You typed an S instead of a T. No apology necessary just do a spell check next time.
Old York
@MetsSchmets
I thought it was the New York Mutts?
MetsSchmets
You’ve misspelt it also. It’s not that hard. M E T S. You losers are not very grammatically inclined.
Cohens_Wallet
@ Hotdog
The Diamondbacks will start a series against the Mets tonight, the Mets have usually been able to Kickstart every struggling team they’ve played this season. I expect nothing less now.
You heard it here first, the Mets will put the D Backs on a winning roll starting tonight.
jerseyjohn
You seem like a lot of fun. Nice racism of lowered expectations. I didn’t know his kid was having some kind of medical struggle but… My issue with the interview still stands even if I’m willing to extend some small grace for his circumstances. I don’t care about the glove or the heat of the moment on field stuff. He is representing his team and teammates when he gives a locker room interview, he needs to do better.
cah011381
Lars Nootbaar=Tyler O’Neill 2.0