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Reliever Roundup and Bullpen Bonanza, Episode 8 — Week 9 Rankings By Evan M. Thompson, Editor-in-chief Reliever Roundup & Bullpen Bonanza — Week 9 (May 27 to Jun 2) Individual Rankings We are in Week Nine of the 2024 season, and it is time for another Episode of Reliever Roundup & Bullpen Bonanza! These rankings take it to a different level than the other reliever rankings you’ve seen. We will separate our rankings by closers, setup men, and middle relievers. (We’re not going to worry about ranking long relievers but will lump them in with the middle relievers.) Statistics are up to the end of play on Monday, May 27 and exclude position pitchers. To qualify for the leaderboards, a pitcher must have at least 11 relief appearances. We have created a convenient new glossary page. If a stat name is linked, click/tap it to see, in a new tab, the definition of that stat. Click/tap here to see the ranking method. League averages: AL — 1.243 WHIP, 2.9 HR%, 14.2 K–BB%, 72.8 ScOtg% (ER), 3.2 GE/BE, 2.6 GE, 32.3 IS%. NL — 1.285 WHIP, 2.6 HR%, 13.5 K–BB%, 71.8 ScOtg% (ER), ... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/gfCtk4Jz Origi...

Rangers Steal Series Opener from Diamondbacks By Nate Miller Rangers 4, Diamondbacks 2 ARLINGTON, Tex. (May 28) — The Texas Rangers used a three-run homer by Corey Seager to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4–2, on Tuesday evening. It runs their winning streak to two, and it puts them within three games of .500 at 26–29. Tuesday also marked the first time they have won back-to-back contests since May 6–7 against the Oakland Athletics. Their pitching staff chipped in with the win in this short two-game rematch of the 2023 World Series. The Rangers will have a chance to sweep the abbreviated series on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 1:35 pm Central at Globe Life Field. Right-hander Ryne Nelson (3–3, 6.03 ERA) will take the hill for the Diamondbacks, and fellow righty Dane Dunning (3–3, 4.43 ERA) will toe the slab for the Rangers. Seager Makes it a Dozen The Diamondbacks took a 1–0 lead in the top of the second off Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi. Pavin Smith scored Christian Walker with a double to left. Smith reached on a double to... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/g8av7pCV Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sport Relay: Your Connecti...

Reliever Roundup and Bullpen Bonanza, Episode 7 — Week 8 Rankings By Evan M. Thompson, Editor-in-chief Reliever Roundup & Bullpen Bonanza — Week 8 (May 20 to 26) Individual Rankings We are in Week Eight of the 2024 season, and it is time for another Episode of Reliever Roundup & Bullpen Bonanza! These rankings take it to a different level than the other reliever rankings you’ve seen. We will separate our rankings by closers, setup men, and middle relievers. (We’re not going to worry about ranking long relievers but will lump them in with the middle relievers.) Statistics are up to the end of play on Sunday, May 19 and exclude position pitchers. To qualify for the leaderboards, a pitcher must have at least 10 relief appearances. We have created a convenient new glossary page. If a stat name is linked, click/tap it to see, in a new tab, the definition of that stat. Click/tap here to see the ranking method. League averages: AL — 1.256 WHIP, 2.4 HR%, 13.4 K–BB%, 72.8 ScOtg% (ER), 3.2 GE/BE, 2.6 GE, 31.5 IS%. NL — 1.313 WHIP, 2.4 HR%, 13.7 K–BB%, 71.5 ScOtg% (ER), 3.... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/gywnYn53 Origi...

Ronald Acuña Diagnosed with Torn ACL By Brooks Thomason Braves superstar and 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. was diagnosed with a torn ACL on Sunday. The Venezuelan right fielder suffered the injury in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Acuña opened the game with a double, giving the Atlanta Braves early offense. After trying to steal third, he scurried back to second, but fell. His injury was non-contact and now is the worst severity possible. Acuña suffered a torn ACL in July of 2021, with his other knee now now the recipient of the bad news. https://lnkd.in/gmTWcb5C Ronald Acuña 2024 The electrifying speedster and slugger Ronald Acuna Jr's 2024 season is over before it fully rolled around. After playing in 48 games, Acuña's se... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/g9zsQ8C4 Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sport Relay: Your Connection to ...

Ronald Acuña Jr Hurt in Braves Win against Pirates By Brooks Thomason Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. went down after trying to scramble back to second base on Sunday afternoon. In the first inning, Acuña slapped a double to open the game, giving the Atlanta Braves an early scoring chance. After trying to steal third, he scurried back to second, but fell. His injury was non-contact and a scary sight for a lot to see in baseball. The Braves do not have an estimated timetable of when he will be back. According to Brian Snitker, Acuña will be placed on the 10-day IL before any major decisions happen. https://lnkd.in/gjW-Q-Pt Acuña Injury History Ronald Acuña's injury history can be described as lengthy but only major knee injuries, and other one can be added to the ... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/g55wD89x Originally Published on Sport Relay. Spor...

Rockies Blow Three Leads, Fall to Athletics By Evan M. Thompson, Editor-in-chief Athletics 10, Rockies 9 (11 Innings) OAKLAND, Calif. (May 23) — The Colorado Rockies blew three leads — two that were by four runs — en route to a 10–9 loss to the Oakland Athletics in 11 innings Thursday afternoon. All six Rockies relievers gave up runs, adding to their relief woes on the season. The loss wasted a strong effort from starting pitcher Ryan Feltner, who tossed six scoreless innings before yielding to the ‘pen. “It was tough for our bullpen today for sure,” said manager Bud Black. “To a man, it was a struggle.” Rockies – Athletics Game Summary The Rockies scored a pair in the top of the first for the third straight game. This time, it did not involve a home run, however. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar led off the game with a double to left-center. Two batters later, he scored on an errant throw. Third baseman Ryan McMahon had flied to center on a routine play, but JJ Bleday’s throw back to the infield missed the relay man and rolled all the way into the Rockies’ dugout be... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/gJtWSJrz Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sport Relay: ...

Rockies Prevail over Athletics in 12, Snap Losing Streak By Evan M. Thompson, Editor-in-chief Rockies 4, Athletics 3 (12 innings) OAKLAND, Calif. (May 22) — A two-run home run by Ryan McMahon in the top of the 12th gave the Colorado Rockies a 5–4 victory over the Oakland Athletics Wednesday night before 3,617 at the Coliseum. Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber gave them eight terrific innings, holding the Athletics to one run on five hits while walking none and striking out six. But his effort went for naught after the Athletics rallied off Jalen Beeks to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. Victor Vodnik and Nick Mears kept the Athletics off the scoreboard prior to the McMahon dinger. Mears recorded two more outs while allowing one run before Matt Koch finished the Athletics off. “It was hard-fought,” manager Bud Black said. “Good win for us.” Rockies – Athletics Game Summary The Rockies repeated their first-inning formula from the previous night, taking the lead on a two-run homer. And in both cases, Charlie Blackmon was on first. This time, however, the blast cam... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/gYTaAM2A Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sp...

Braves Injury Updates By Brooks Thomason Here are the latest Atlanta Braves injury updates. Catcher Sean Murphy's return since his injury is marked with success in Triple-A, while Austin Riley looks to return soon. Sean Murphy Braves starting catcher, Sean Murphy, went down on Opening Day in Philadelphia. On a swing in the seventh inning, Murphy strained his left oblique and exited the game. The Braves won 9–3, but lost Murphy for multiple weeks. On May 21, Murphy returned to action for a rehab assignment, going to Triple-A. In his first at-bat, Murphy worked a 2–0 count. He got a high fastball that he tattooed out to center, hitting the batters eye. The ball went 449 feet and opened the scoring for the Stripers in the first inning. In totality, he caught seven innings, homered, drew a walk, and scored two runs. In Murphy's only game this season, he went hitless in three at-bats. The Braves hope to see Murphy healthy, as their bats need a spark in a cold hitting time. https://lnkd.in/gF6yPhvN... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/gSmMCEJA Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sport Relay: Your Connection to the Diamond! #Braves #ForT...

Late Long Balls Doom Rockies, Boost Athletics By Evan M. Thompson, Editor-in-chief Athletics 5, Rockies 4 OAKLAND, Calif. (May 21) — A two-run seventh-inning homer by Seth Brown and solo shot in the eighth by Abraham Toro led the Oakland Athletics to a 5–4 come-from-behind victory over the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night in front of 4,005 at the Coliseum. The comeback snatched a win away from Cal Quantrill, who allowed two runs on three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts across six innings. Rockies – Athletics Game Summary Third baseman Ryan McMahon gave the Rockies a 2–0 lead with a one-out homer in the top of the first, driving in designated hitter Charlie Blackmon. The Athletics slashed the lead to 2–1 in the bottom of the third thanks to a leadoff homer by DH J.D. Davis. Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar made it a 3–1 game with a one-out solo homer in the top of the fifth, a no-doubter to the left-center-field seats. In the bottom of the sixth, the Athletics pulled to within 3–2. Center fielder JJ Bleday cracked a sinking liner to left. Jordan Beck, com... ... View full article with images (always free): https://lnkd.in/guC7ac5X Originally Published on Sport Relay. Sport Relay: Yo...