As the 2024 regular season gets underway, here are three things we'll be looking at around the world of baseball throughout the day today:
1. Who will start today for the Orioles?
The Orioles are looking to snap a four-game winning streak against the Yankees after winning the first two games but dropped Game 3 last night. With the clubs tied for first in the AL East, the division lead is on the line. Baltimore has yet to announce who will take the mound against the Yankees southpaw Carlos Rodon (2.48 ERA). The most obvious choice would be the right hand Kyle Bradish, who is expected to make his 2024 debut this week after missing the first five weeks of the season with a UCL sprain. The righty enjoyed a breakout 2023 season that saw him post a 2.83 ERA and 3.27 FIP in 30 starts to finish fourth in AL Cy Young voting.
Things could get tough for the Orioles if Bradish isn't ready to go. Recently activated lefty John Kusho it would be just three days off if he takes the ball. The same goes for right-handed users Albert Suarez. Left hand Cole Irvin he'll be rested regularly, but he's started just one game on rest this season and didn't make it past the fifth inning, allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Twins.
2. Buxton will undergo an MRI:
The Twins center fielder is always injured Byron Buxton could be looking at another trip on the injured list after he was pulled from yesterday's game against the White Sox with a knee strain. As noted by Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune, Buxton will undergo an MRI when the Twins return to Minneapolis today according to the manager. Rocco Baldelli. Buxton injured his knee trying to steal second base.
Buxton hit .250/.300/.391 with a 99 wRC+ average. Still, he'll be sorely missed by Minnesota should he need a trip to the injured list. After all, his +3 Outs Above Average this season ranks in the 94th percentile per Statcast, making him a valuable player even as a league-average bat. Should Buxton need a trip to the shelf, the twins can turn to her Austin Martin in the middle field. The youngster hit .226/.294/.371 (93 wRC+) in his first taste of major league action earlier this season but was recently optioned to Triple-A to make room Carlos Correa.
3. Matz will undergo an MRI:
Buxton isn't the only player set to be photographed today, as Katie Woo of The Athletic notes that the Cardinals lefty Steven Matz and set up to get an MRI. As noted by MLB.com's Injury Tracker, the news about Matz comes on the heels of manager Oli Marmol noting that the lefty has been dealing with back strain since his brutal seven-run, 4 1/3 inning start. with the Diamondbacks in April. 23.
The issue appeared to affect Matz during his start in Detroit earlier this week, as his velocity was low as he allowed four runs in 3 1/3 innings of work on 73 pitches before being ejected from the game. Should Matz need a trip to IL, the Cardinals could turn to lefty Zack Thompson round their rotation as they did in the season Sonny Gray he was on the shelf earlier this season. Another option would be to call up a player on the 40-man roster who has yet to make his MLB debut, as a top prospect. Sem Robbersewho is off to a good start in Triple-A.
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