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Hello baseball fans! This time out we’ve got a war of words between MLB and the MLBPA, a heartbreaking moment for Trevor Story, and a look at whether or not the Marlins could already be in sell mode.
My name’s AJ… and this is Two-Strike Count.
MLB responds to MLBPA about pitcher injuries
Less than 24 hours after MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark lambasted MLB’s pitch clock for the unprecedented rash of pitcher injuries, MLB responded. MLB released a statement saying Clark’s criticism ignores “the empirical evidence and much more significant long-term trend, over multiple decades, of velocity and spin increases that are highly correlated with arm injuries.”
The statement went on to say that the league is already conducting a study into the causes of all the pitcher injuries.
Nice try, Tony.
I’m not saying the pitch clock isn’t part of the problem, but it’s not the problem. Pitchers have been blowing out their arms for years. And for years, teams have been putting more and more emphasis on velocity and spin. And the philosophy needs to change. We can’t have pitchers (or any players) getting hurt like this.. It’s bad for them, bad for fans, and bad for baseball.
Here’s hoping MLB and the MLBPA can work together and figure things out.
Trevor Story can’t catch a break
Red Sox fans let out a collective groan when Trevor Story landed hard on his shoulder Friday night. The shortstop is officially on the 10-day IL for now, but he’s slated to be examined by team doctors on Monday.
Even though he’s only listed on the 10-day IL, there’s no timetable for Story’s return and it’s likely he’ll be out longer than that. It’s just another bad break for Story and the Red Sox, who’s been plagued by injuries since signing with Boston in 2022. It’s heartbreaking for the former All-Star, who’s only played 145 games since joining the Red Sox.
So, with Story out, who do the Red Sox turn to at shortstop?
Luckily they’ve got options. The first is Pablo Reyes, who played 31 games at short last year. The other is David Hamilton, a skilled prospect the Red Sox recalled from Triple-A Worcester.
No matter who plays short for the Red Sox, Trevor Story leaves behind awfully big shoes to fill. And leaves Red Sox Nation holding their collective breath and hoping for a speedy recovery.
Are the Marlins already ready to sell?
Teams usually wait until close to the Trade Deadline to decide whether or not they’re gonna be buying or selling. But it might not take that long for the 2024 Marlins. Miami’s off to a dreadful 1-9 start (while boasting the NL’s second-worst run differential) and looking nothing like the team that went to the playoffs last year.
True, it’s still April. True, the Marlins are dealing with their fair share of injuries. And yes, baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. But, despite the Marlins winning their first game on Sunday, it doesn’t look good for them to turn things around anytime soon. And unless they do, they face some tough decisions when the deadline rolls around.
Especially when it comes to their top-tier talent like Jazz Chisolm Jr, Luis Arraez and Jesus Luzardo.
I’m not saying the Marlins have to decide what to do right now, but if they can’t find a way to right the ship… they’ll have to make a choice soon.
That’s it for this edition of Two-Strike Count, baseball fans. Until next time!
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