Take a look at some of the most recent Major League Baseball News and Notes:
Kenley Jansen Struggles in Return
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen returned to the team on Monday night and suffered the loss. Jansen gave up back to back home runs to Jedd Gyorko and Matt Carpenter that gave the Cardinals the 5-3 win. Jansen has missed the last 11 days of the season after being placed on the disabled list with an irregular heartbeat. The Dodgers team doctors cleared Jansen to return to the team on Monday, but it was clear that the time off had an effect on the All-Star closer. This was only the second time in Jansen’s career that he surrendered multiple home runs in the same outing and the first time since May 2013. With the loss, the Dodgers fell to 2.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West.
Altuve Set to Return To Astros
Reigning American League Most Valuable Player, Jose Altuve, is set to return to the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Altuve was placed on the disabled list after leaving the game on July 25 against the Colorado Rockies with a sore knee. He has missed the previous 21 games for the Astros, who have struggled without him. Altuve is hitting .329 on the season and has an on-base percentage of .392. The Astros went 8-13 without Altuve in the lineup and are now tied with the Oakland Athletics for the top spot in the American League West.
Chris Archer Leaves Game With Injury
Pittsburgh Pirates starter, Chris Archer had to leave the game after the fourth inning due to an apparent leg injury. Archer appeared to injure his leg while batting in the third inning. He tried to check his swing, but wound up striking out and falling to the ground. He remained in the game and completed the fourth inning before being removed. Archer was making his fourth start for the Pirates after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31st. He allowed one run on five hits and suffered the loss on Monday night. He is now 1-1 with a 4.91 earned run average since joining the Pirates.
Bryse Wilson Shines in MLB Debut
The Atlanta Braves called up 20-year-old Bryse Wilson to make his Major League debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. The right hander was impressive, throwing five scoreless innings to earn the win. Wilson joins Mike Soroka and Kolby Allard as starting pitchers to make their Major League debut with the Braves this season. Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is also 20 years old and has already established himself as one of the top young players in baseball. With the victory on Monday night, the Braves increased their lead in the National League East to one game over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cano’s Homer Leads Mariners to Victory
Robinson Cano’s three-run homer in the top of the eighth inning on Monday night gave the Seattle Mariners a much-needed win. Cano was reinstated last week after serving an 80 game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. The Seattle Mariners were able to stay in the race during his absence, but Cano’s bat will be key for them down the stretch. The eight-time All-Star is hitting .346 (9-26) in the six games since his return. He went 3-5 on Monday night including the home run to give the Mariners a 7-4 victory. With the win, the Astros fell into a tie atop the American League West while the Seattle Mariners moved to just 3.5 games back. Cano would be ineligible to play in the postseason if the Mariners are able to earn a playoff spot.
Second Annual Player’s Weekend Set to Begin
The second annual Major League Baseball Player’s Weekend will run from Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26. Players all across the league will have a nickname that they chose featured on the back of their uniform. Teams will also be wearing bright colored uniforms that were designed using inspiration from the Little League World Series. Each jersey will also have a patch on the sleeve for players to honor someone who has helped them throughout their baseball career. Players will be able to wear colorful spikes, sleeves, and socks without facing a fine from Major League Baseball.
