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Stats / MLB on Yahoo! Sports:
Mariners' Bergman to start opener at Nationals — WASHINGTON — It is amazing what leaving Denver can do for pitchers and their confidence, not to mention their ERAs. — That appears to be the case for Christian Bergman, who is slated to start on the mound for the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Notes: Harris, Robertson, Bullpen, Rotation — Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post shares an excellent look at Doug Harris' road back to the Nationals following a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. Harris, the Nationals' assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel …
Discussion:
Washington Post
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
GM Mike Rizzo vows to fix long Nationals nightmare - their flailing bullpen
GM Mike Rizzo vows to fix long Nationals nightmare - their flailing bullpen
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, Sporting News, Nationals Pastime and Federal Baseball
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Terry Collins, Mets need to find way to relieve strain on bullpen — Only three major-league relievers appeared in 80 or more games last season. — The Mets, with their season approximately one-fourth complete, have five relievers on pace to appear in 80 or more games …
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Regular work has Matt Bush feeling like Rangers' closer — When a team is winning, everyone seems to get in on the action. — During their recent 10-game winning streak, the Texas Rangers saw contributions in some shape or form from all 25 players on the roster, even long man Austin Bibens-Dirkx.
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Bullpen backs Darvish as Rangers top Tigers
Bullpen backs Darvish as Rangers top Tigers
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Bullpen carries Rangers to victory over Tigers
Bullpen carries Rangers to victory over Tigers
Discussion:
WFAA-TV, Dallas Morning News and Lone Star Ball
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
‘Warhorse’ Wainwright still has it — Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com — Cardinals manager Mike Matheny had first-hand knowledge of both of Sunday's starting pitchers. As a player — and he hasn't played for 10 years — he caught both of them.
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David Hill / Fox Sports:
Atlanta Braves AAA Team Seeking a Name Change — With the exception of one minor league team, each squad in the Atlanta Braves farm system shares the Braves name. That may be set to change soon. — If one is a fan of the Atlanta Braves, there is not a lot of memorization needed when it comes to knowing the farm system.
Discussion:
Baseball America and Gwinnett Daily Post
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Fox Sports:
Yankees try to get back on track vs. Royals (May 22, 2017) — NEW YORK — Seven losses in 11 games may constitute a slump for the New York Yankees. — Meanwhile, Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge are hardly slumping as New York opens a four-game series with the Kansas City Royals on Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, DRaysBay and baseballmusings.com
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Angels Option C.J. Cron To Triple-A — The Angels announced on Monday that they've optioned first baseman/designated hitter C.J. Cron to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled infielder Nolan Fontana in his place. — Entering the season, Cron was a popular trade candidate once the Angels signed Luis Valbuena …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Jeff Seidel / Detroit Free Press:
How did Tigers backup catcher Alex Avila become one of the best hitters around (for now)? — How did he do this? — How did Alex Avila climb to the top of the major league standings? — Why is he hitting the ball so well? — Maybe, it's because he is healthy. Maybe, it's because he's more aggressive.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Astros Designate Andrew Aplin For Assignment — The Astros announced that they've designated outfielder Andrew Aplin for assignment in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Jordan Jankowski, whose contract has been selected from Triple-A Fresno.
Arizona Republic:
Next Slide — Ali was unable to take leave to make it to Citizens Bank Park for Tommy's MLB debut. So instead, Ali went back and forth between helping a mom through labor and trying to watch his big-league debut on a computer. — However, her assignment ended in time to be there for his next game three days later.
ESPN:
Power Rankings: Astros still rule, but new challengers emerge — Despite some up-and-down play from each last week, there was no change in the top five in this week's Power Rankings. But look past the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles …
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Minor MLB Transactions: 5/22/17 — Here are Monday's minor moves from around the league... - The Astros will select the contract of right-hander Jordan Jankowski from Triple-A Fresno today, reports Brian McTaggart of MLB.com (Twitter link). He's not on the 40-man roster …
Discussion:
Houston Chronicle, The Crawfish Boxes and FanRag Sports
Tom Haudricourt / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Brewers criticize Cubs for postponing game Saturday before rain stopped — CHICAGO - Just call it Weathergate. — Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns made it clear Sunday he was not happy that the Chicago Cubs postponed the game at Wrigley Field on Saturday around 11:30 a.m. …
Discussion:
Sporting News, CBS Chicago, FanRag Sports and Brew Crew Ball
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Dayn Perry / CBSSports.com:
The Brewers throw shade at Cubs over decision to postpone Saturday's game
The Brewers throw shade at Cubs over decision to postpone Saturday's game
Discussion:
FanRag Sports, CBS Chicago, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Brew Crew Ball
Dave Sheinin / Washington Post:
As their all-stars return to health, last-place Blue Jays could still be dangerous — The six-week pile-up of injuries that has left the Toronto Blue Jays on the brink of the abyss finally reached the point of absurdity last Thursday. Outfielder Darrell Ceciliani, called up from the minors …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Xavier Alatorre / Fox Sports:
Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt Can Make History as a First Baseman — In 44 games played, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is hitting .310/.447/.563. His .351 BABIP and 18.8 percent strikeout rate indicate that he is right where he should be.
ESPN:
How have all 30 teams answered their most intriguing question? — Spring training is a time for fresh starts, optimism and lots and lots of questions. Think back to mid-February, when all 30 MLB teams were seeking answers to questions that would play a major role in how their seasons unfolded.
Rotoworld.com:
Dose: Perez Pounding — Salvador Perez was the seventh catcher selected on average in fantasy drafts this spring. Coming off of four consecutive All-Star seasons, the 27-year-old backstop has developed into one of the strongest and most consistent offensive performers at the catcher position.