After guiding the majors’ youngest club to a division championship and the AL Division Series in 2022, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-fernando-tatis-jr-breaks-the-silence-on-his-suspension-2583-20220824-SPD-2583.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Guardians</a> manager <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-padres-owners-opens-up-on-fernando-tatis-jr-340m-contract-extension-2628-20220830-SPD-2628.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terry Francona</a> has committed to return for his 11th season. Apparently, the discussions went well.



Despite having his previous two seasons cut short owing to health difficulties, Francona was able to see out the whole 2022 campaign. Back in 2020, he had to battle stomach problems and a blood clotting emergency that landed him in the intensive care unit. 



He had to take some time off last year around the trade deadline to recover from two operations (one on his hip, the other on his foot) so that he would be fully operational this spring and throughout the season. The team’s leadership has always said that Francona is welcome to continue leading the club for as long as he sees fit. Francona’s desired length of time in charge has been the main topic of discussion.



<h2>Terry Francona to remain with Guardians at least until end of next season</h2>



“I want to enjoy what I’m doing. It’s getting harder to do that, just because physically it’s harder. I just want to be careful. And at the same time, I want to be fair to the team,” Francona said back in September.



In terms of managerial success, the 63-year-old is among the all-time greats. Since taking over as manager of the Cleveland Indians in 2004, he has led those players to three American League pennants and two World Series victories, while winning more than 54 percent of his regular-season games in three different cities (2004 and 2007).

Terry Francona to lead Guardians as manager once again in 2023 - thesportsdrops NEWS

Terry Francona to lead Guardians as manager once again in 2023

miniaturas

Nothing has gone according to plan for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-fernando-tatis-jr-breaks-the-silence-on-his-suspension-2583-20220824-SPD-2583.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernando Tatis Jr</a>. this year. Having missed the first half of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season due to a fractured wrist, his return date was just around the corner when he received another blow.



Tatis Jr was given an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for Clostebol, violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. That means he’s not playing at all this year, and he will also miss games in 2023.



Before this chaotic year, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-rumors-joe-musgrove-turns-down-padres-contract-extension-offer-339-20220504-SPD-339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padres</a> had given Tatis Jr. a 14 year, fully guaranteed $340 million contract. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, team chairman Peter Seidler said he had no regrets in striking that deal.



<h2>Padres owner doesn’t regret giving Fernando Tatis Jr. $340m deal</h2>



“It was a significant body blow for him, for the organization, and for the fans,’’ Seidler said. “But yelling, screaming, breaking glasses, that wasn’t going to help anything. In my experience, this can make you stronger and better. The wrong way to look at it is to be angry at a 23-year-old young man. We’ve had him since he was 17. He has grown up in front of our eyes. I know he’s a good guy with a good heart and he cares.



“No regrets. No. No. No. Fernando knows I have his back. There’s no way you go into a 14-year relationship and think it’s going to be a smooth ride for pure joy and happiness. Your eyes are wide open. There’s going to be a mistake or hiccup. I knew that going in. It’s a similar feeling in any long-term relationship. You’re going to have your speed bumps. My expectation is that we got rid of a lot of the speed bumps here.’’

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

This year didn’t begin well for Fernando Tatis Jr., who was unable to play in the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> regular season due to a fractured wrist he picked up in the offseason. When he was finally getting close to come back, the Padres star received another blow.



A few weeks ago, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> suspended Tatis Jr. for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the league’s drug policy. That means he is not seeing the ballpark this year, and will also miss games of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a>.



On Tuesday, the 23-year-old shortstop addressed the media for the first time since his suspension. Far from making any excuses, Tatis Jr. took responsibility and apologized for what happened.



<h2>Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks silence on MLB suspension</h2>



“I’m truly sorry, I am,” Tatis said, via ClutchPoints. “I have let so many people down… I failed the front office, San Diego Padres. I failed every fan in this city, I failed my country, I failed my family, my parents. I’m really sorry for my mistakes. I’ve seen how my dreams have turned into my worst nightmares… There is no one else to blame but myself.”



Tatis’ return would have come in a great moment for San Diego. Having landed Juan Soto and Josh Bell before the trade deadline, the Padres head into the final stretch of the regular season with high aspirations.



Unfortunately, Tatis Jr. won’t be joining their powerful lineup this year. However, it’s good to see that at least he took accountability. After all, that’s the first step to make things different next time.

MLB News: Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks the silence on his suspension - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks the silence on his suspension

On Saturday, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-marlins-jazz-chisholm-jr-ruled-out-for-another-six-weeks-2334-20220723-SPD-2334.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Brewers</a> locked up left-handed pitcher <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Ashby </a>to a new five-year deal through 2027 with additional options for the following two seasons. The news was broken by David Stearns, the side’s president of baseball operations.



According to Joel Sherman of The New York Post, Ashby’s guaranteed salary under the five-year deal is $20.55 million. If all options are exercised and Ashby reaches all of his escalators, Sherman writes that Ashby’s total compensation could be more than doubled, reaching $52.5 million.



The agreement not only ensures that Ashby will be a key component of the Brewers’ future, but also provides the 24-year-old with financial stability and peace of mind at a crucial time in his professional development. He was taken by the Brewers in the fourth round of the 2018 draft and swiftly rose through the minor leagues, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2019 and making his Major League Baseball debut the following year.



<h2>What David Stearns and Craig Counsell had to say on Aaron Ashby’s new deal</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We are very happy to reach a multi-year agreement with Aaron. Throughout his time in our organization, Aaron has demonstrated a unique combination of persistence, character and talent. He is establishing himself as one of the premier young pitchers in baseball, and we look forward to watching his continued growth and success,” David Stearns said.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He’s very early in his big league career, but he’s a player that I think everybody thinks can have great success in this league. I’m happy that it kind of worked out for both sides and that he’s going to be a Brewer for a long time“, Brewers manager Craig Counsell added.</blockquote>

MLB News: Aaron Ashby signs new long-term contract with Brewers

MLB News: Aaron Ashby signs new long-term contract with Brewers - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Marlins</a>‘ All-Star second baseman <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/2022-mlb-all-star-game-shohei-ohtani-and-aaron-judge-present-in-midsummer-classic-lineups-2119-20220710-SPD-2119.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> is expected to miss the rest of the month of August. On Friday, the Marlins announced that Chisholm has a stress reaction in his lower back. 



He will be out for around two months. For the first time in his career, 24-year-old Chisholm made the National League All-Star squad. 



Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it to Tuesday’s game in Los Angeles due to a scheduling conflict. Because of a right lower back ailment, he has been out of commission since June 29.



<h2>What Marlins manager Don Mattingly said about Chisholm’s injury</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He was really pushing hard to get to that All-Star Game, so we knew there had to be something more seriously wrong when he couldn’t make it. Now, it’s time to take the steps for him to get it right and go through that process. You feel bad for Jazz. He’s having a great year.”</blockquote>



This new setback seems likely to keep the explosive Miami second baseman out for the foreseeable future. The first-time All-breakthrough Star’s season has been hampered by recurring back problems since he was placed on the 10-day injured list in late June with what was first diagnosed as a lower back strain.

MLB News: Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. ruled out for another six weeks

MLB News: Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. ruled out for another six weeks - thesportsdrops NEWS

It’s the end of the road for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/2022-mlb-all-star-game-shohei-ohtani-and-aaron-judge-present-in-midsummer-classic-lineups-2119-20220710-SPD-2119.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Montoyo</a> with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toronto Blue Jays</a> after a rough month of July. It was reported on Wednesday that John Schneider will take over as temporary manager after the dismissal of manager Charlie Montoyo. 



Casey Candaele, the skipper of Triple-A Buffalo, has been named temporary bench coach. So far this season, Toronto have only won three games in July, after a 1-7 road trip that featured a four-game loss to the Seattle Mariners. 



It was announced that Montoyo will be leaving his post after Tuesday’s 4-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays have a record of 46-42 and are currently in third place in the American League’s Wild Card standings and fourth place in the AL East, respectively.



<h2>Charlie Montoyo leaves Toronto with even record</h2>



When Montoyo signed a contract extension through 2023 one week before the start of the new season. His 236-236 record with the Blue Jays is a stalemate at the conclusion of his time in Toronto.



The Blue Jays spent a lot of money to bring in the next generation of players like George Springer, Jose Berroa, and Hyun-jin Ryu. In addition, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette had made their MLB debuts during Montoyo’s fourth season as manager.

MLB News: Blue Jays and Charlie Montoyo part ways, John Schneider appointed temporary coach - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Blue Jays and Charlie Montoyo part ways, John Schneider appointed temporary coach

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, will be another edition of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB All-Star Game</a>. The Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host the All-Star Game for the second time, after hosting the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-phillies-bryce-harper-out-indefinitely-after-breaking-left-thumb-1809-20220626-SPD-1809.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midsummer Classic</a> in 1980.



The game will once again feature the pennant-winning managers from the previous season in both the American and National leagues. As a result, Astros manager Dusty Baker will take charge of the American League, while Braves manager Brian Snitker will oversee the National League.



While fans elect the team’s starting lineup, players and the commissioner’s office are responsible for selecting the team’s backup lineup. Managers are no longer involved in any way.



<h2>2022 MLB All-Star Game lineups:</h2>



<h5>American League Starters</h5>



C: Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays 1B: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays 2B: Jose Altuve, Astros 3B: Rafael Devers, Red Sox SS: Tim Anderson, White Sox OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees; Mike Trout, Angels; Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees DH: Shohei Ohtani, Angels



<h5>National League Starters</h5>



C: Willson Contreras, Cubs 1B: Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals 2B: Jazz Chisholm, Marlins 3B: Manny Machado, Padres SS: Trea Turner, Dodgers OF: Ronald Acuña, Jr., Braves; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Joc Pederson, Giants DH: Bryce Harper, Phillies



<h5>American League reserves</h5>



C: Jose Trevino, Yankees IF: Luis Arraez, Twins; Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox; José Ramírez, Guardians; Andrés Giménez, Guardians OF: George Springer, Blue Jays; Byron Buxton, Twins; Andrew Benintendi, Royals; Kyle Tucker, Astros; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners DH: Yordan Alvarez, Astros



Legacy: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers



<h5>National League reserves</h5>



C: Travis d’Arnaud, Braves IF: Nolan Arenado, Cardinals; Pete Alonso, Mets; Jeff McNeil, Mets; C.J. Cron, Rockies; Dansby Swanson, Braves OF: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Juan Soto, Nationals; Starling Marte, Mets; Ian Happ, Cubs DH: William Contreras, Braves



Legacy: Albert Pujols, Cardinals



<h5>American League pitchers</h5>



Shane McClanahan, Rays Nestor Cortes, Yankees Alek Manoah, Blue Jays Framber Valdez, Astros Martín Pérez, Rangers Paul Blackburn, Athletics Justin Verlander, Astros Gerrit Cole, Yankees Shohei Ohtani, Angels Clay Holmes, Yankees Emmanuel Clase, Guardians Gregory Soto, Tigers Jorge López, Orioles



<h5>National League pitchers</h5>



Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Corbin Burnes, Brewers Luis Castillo, Reds Max Fried, Braves Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers Joe Musgrove, Padres Edwin Díaz, Mets Josh Hader, Brewers Ryan Helsley, Cardinals David Bednar, Pirates Joe Mantiply, Diamondbacks

2022 MLB All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge present in Midsummer Classic lineups - thesportsdrops NEWS

2022 MLB All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge present in Midsummer Classic lineups

The <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-world-series-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-80-20220502-SPD-80.html">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> are going through a great moment in the 2022 <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season, as they’re atop the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-213-20220503-SPD-213.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National League</a> with a 50-29 record. But there’s one thing that may concern fans ahead of next year.



Veteran pitcher David Price is playing the final year of his contract, and at 36 years of age, many believe he could call it a career at the end of the season. Price has already ccomplished some incredible things, including a World Series with the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/alex-cora-explains-what-the-red-sox-can-learn-from-the-celtics-830-20220517-SPD-830.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Sox</a>, a Cy Young award, and several All-Star games.



But all good things come to an end, and maybe there’s not much left for him at this point of his career. Though the season is far from being over, Price admits that he’s thinking about retirement.



<h2>Dodgers’ David Price considering retirement at the end of 2022 MLB season</h2>



“I mean, yes and no,” Price said, via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “My (two) kids love it so much. That’s the only thing that makes me even think about playing any longer. I always told myself I’d ask my son, ‘Do you want daddy to play baseball or do you want daddy to be home all the time?’ I asked him before this year and he said, ‘I want you to be home.’ I said, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ Now when I ask him, he says, ‘No, I want you to keep playing.’”



It’s certainly been a wonderful ride for Price, regardless of when he decides to step away from baseball. Many players dream to achieve what he did, so he should be proud of his career.

MLB News: Dodgers' David Price opens up about retirement rumors - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Dodgers' David Price opens up about retirement rumors

Blake Snell’s fastball hit <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/yankees-news-josh-donaldson-is-full-of-praise-for-nestor-cortes-805-20220516-SPD-805.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia Phillies</a> outfielder <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/alex-cora-explains-what-the-red-sox-can-learn-from-the-celtics-830-20220517-SPD-830.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryce Harper</a> on Saturday night, breaking his left thumb. Thus, it will keep the reigning National League MVP out of action for the foreseeable future.



The 29-year-old was hit by a ball as he leaned away from the pitch in the fourth innings of the team’s 4-2 victory against the San Diego Padres. Apologies were made by Snell and Harper seemed to assure him he didn’t want to purposely injure him as they went off the field.



Shortly later, the Phillies revealed the fracture and that their player will undergo additional medical review in the coming days. For his rehabilitation, they didn’t give him a specific time frame.



<h2>What Harper said after his injury</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Things happen for a reason. Everybody says that. This reason sucks right now, but at the same time, it is what it is. I’ve got to be positive. I’ve got to be positive for the guys in here. I know they’ll pick up the slack. I’m just really bummed for the organization, the guys, the city of Philadelphia, the fans. I love running out there and playing every day. Definitely bummed.”<cite>Bryce Harper told MLB.com</cite></blockquote>



Although he had been playing with a ruptured UCL in his right arm since mid-April, Harper was enjoying one of the greatest seasons of his career. Mickey Moniak has been promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and is now a member of the team.

MLB News: Phillies' Bryce Harper out indefinitely after breaking left thumb - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Phillies' Bryce Harper out indefinitely after breaking left thumb

<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-146-20220502-SPD-146.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Rendon</a> will have season-ending surgery on his right wrist early in the next week, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/what-is-the-highest-scoring-mlb-game-of-all-time-156-20220502-SPD-156.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Angels</a> announced Friday. Injured on June 14, Rendon was taken out of a game against the Dodgers and hasn’t played since.



There were five home runs in 45 games for Rendon, 32, in the 2022 campaign, which came to a conclusion at the end of the season with a slash line of 228/324/383.



Since signing a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Rendon has been plagued by a series of ailments. In addition, such a series of injuries in 2021 prevented him from playing more than half of the season.



<h2>Anthony Rendon had been cleared to play before</h2>



Discomfort in his wrist was affecting both his fielding and hitting, according to the two-time Silver Slugger winner. Despite this, Nevin and sports trainer Mike Frostad did not mention the possibility of an extended layoff at Tuesday’s press conference. 



Resting Rendon’s wrist seemed like a good idea by Wednesday. However, his availability for Thursday’s first game of a five-game series against the Mariners had not been ruled out.

MLB News: Angels' Anthony Rendon to undergo wrist surgery and miss remainder of season - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Angels' Anthony Rendon to undergo wrist surgery and miss remainder of season

H<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/what-is-the-highest-scoring-mlb-game-of-all-time-156-20220502-SPD-156.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/what-is-the-highest-scoring-mlb-game-of-all-time-156-20220502-SPD-156.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">yun-Jin Ryu</a>, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/how-many-baseballs-are-used-in-mlb-game-200-20220503-SPD-200.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/how-many-baseballs-are-used-in-mlb-game-200-20220503-SPD-200.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Jays</a>‘ left-handed starting pitcher, will miss the rest of the season after having to undergo surgery on his pitching elbow, the team said on Tuesday. Since he’s had a comparable procedure done in 2004, it’s not yet clear how extensive the next operation will be.



In any case, Ryu’s 2022 season is finished, and he’ll have a long road to recovery, particularly if the complete treatment is the course chosen with his elbow. In 2023, Ryu, 35, will be entering the last season of a four-year, <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/which-is-the-most-valuable-mlb-team-180-20220503-SPD-180.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/which-is-the-most-valuable-mlb-team-180-20220503-SPD-180.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$80 million contract</a>.



In six starts, he had a 5.67 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and four walks in 27 innings while dealing with ailments almost from the start of the season. At the start of this year’s season against him, opponents were hitting.294 (541) with a.541 slugging percentage, and he gave up six runs on five hits in only 3 1/3 innings of work.



<h2>What will Toronto do now without Ryu?</h2>



The silver lining of the Blue Jays is that they are resilient enough to take this setback. As of now, Kevin Gausman is the only starter in the five-man rotation. 



Alek Manoah is the only other starter in the group. Stripling began the season as a relief pitcher, but his past two starts, in particular, have shown that he can succeed as a starter (zero runs on two hits in 11 innings).

MLB News: Hyun-Jin Ryu to undergo elbow surgery and miss rest of Blue Jays' season - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Hyun-Jin Ryu to undergo elbow surgery and miss rest of Blue Jays' season

<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grayson Rodriguez</a>, a <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/which-is-the-most-valuable-mlb-team-180-20220503-SPD-180.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baltimore Orioles</a> pitching prospect, has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right lat strain, according to Zachary Silver of the Baltimore Sun. Rodriguez is expected to remain out until September or so late in the season, so the Orioles will instead concentrate on the next campaign.



The 22-year-old Triple-A pitcher, was sidelined earlier this week when he sustained the injury. For the season, he had an ERA of 2.09 with a K/BB of 5.71. Rodriguez’s return to the field will be determined by further testing.



His inclusion on the team’s roster for the 2022-23 season is not certain. To further manipulate his service time, the Orioles might take advantage of his injuries as they did with catcher <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/what-is-the-highest-scoring-mlb-game-of-all-time-156-20220502-SPD-156.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adley Rutschman</a> earlier in the year.



<h2>Rodriguez could return on Opening Day next year</h2>



Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias wouldn’t rule out anything, but he acknowledged that the team may decide to keep him off the mound until spring training in 2023, with the goal of having him pitch on Opening Day in ’23.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I mean, the timing of this really stinks, is all I can say. He was basically at the point of checking every box you could think of in terms of his Minor League work. I think that he’s shown that if he’s healthy and himself, we want him to be in a position to help this team next year out of Spring Training.”<cite>Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias told MLB.com</cite></blockquote>

MLB News: Injured pitcher Grayson Rodriguez likely to miss remainder of Orioles season - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Injured pitcher Grayson Rodriguez likely to miss remainder of Orioles season

Right-hander <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-146-20220502-SPD-146.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brandon Woodruff</a> has been put on the 15-day injured list by the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-world-series-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-80-20220502-SPD-80.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brewers</a> due to a high ankle injury, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The team does not believe that the injury will have long-term consequences.



A squad already struggling with the long-term absence of Freddy Peralta will take a hit from this injury, which is not yet known to be severe. Peter Strzelecki, a right-handed reliever from Triple-A Nashville, has been called up to the active roster. During his final outing in St. Louis on Friday, the 29-year-old felt an ankle ailment, but he was confident in his ability to continue. 



However, the pain lingered when he mounted the mound for the fifth inning, and he was forced to leave the game. Milwaukee sent Woodruff for diagnostics and an MRI, which revealed that the outer ligament of his ankle had been damaged.



<h2>Woodruff’s injury not serious</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It’s just normal baseball. That’s the sad part about it. Everybody wants to be healthy. It sucks because it came at a bad time, but honestly, I would rather this pop up right now than it pop up in August or September. We can manage the middle part of the season. “But yes, it’s very bad timing because Freddy just went down and he’s going to be out for a while. I don’t think it’s going to be a month-long deal or nothing. I’m hoping it’s going to be a couple of weeks and I get to be back out there. I’ll have to rest these first couple of days and let everything calm down.”<cite>Woodruff told MLB.com</cite></blockquote>

MLB News: Woodruff placed on the injured list by Brewers - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Woodruff placed on the injured list by Brewers

<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kris Bryant</a> has returned to the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado Rockies</a>‘ disabled list due to a strained back.



A lower-back injury has landed the outfielder on the 10-day injured list, the Rockies announced on Wednesday. 



Back trouble had kept him out for 21 games until his comeback from the disabled list this past Saturday. 



<h2>Kris Bryant ruled out with back injury</h2>



He appeared in two games against the New York Mets, but it was the last time he played.



Unavailable for 21 games, he returned to the field on Saturday after being on the injured list. After two appearances against the New York Mets, he hasn’t returned to the field.

MLB News: Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant goes back to injury list - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant goes back to injury list

One of the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/which-is-the-most-valuable-mlb-team-180-20220503-SPD-180.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wealthiest</a>, <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-world-series-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-80-20220502-SPD-80.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winningest</a>, and most popular franchises on Earth, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/the-top-3-mlb-rivalries-of-all-time-267-20220503-SPD-267.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Yankees</a> hope to get back to glory days fast. Fortunately, they are on pace to do that in the 2022 MLB season.



<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/yankees-news-josh-donaldson-is-full-of-praise-for-nestor-cortes-805-20220516-SPD-805.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Boone‘s men</a> are currently atop the American League East, which they hope to win for the first time since 2019. But it would be unfair to talk about their great start without mentioning Aaron Judge.



If they have any title aspirations, they owe that to his fantastic level this season. Trying to explain the reason behind his performances, Gerrit Cole said Judge is simply on a different tier than the rest.



<h2>Gerrit Cole on Aaron Judge: “He’s just better”</h2>



“Sometimes I feel like he’s salivating for something, gets it, and drills it,” Cole said, via ClutchPoints. “And sometimes I feel like he’s just being a good baseball player, staying up the middle, and drills it the same way. Not all the things are going his way; he’s not looking for slug all the time. He’s just putting better swings than guys are throwing. He’s just — better.”



‘Better’ is certainly right to describe Judge right now. He is comfortably the MLB home run leader this year with 17, five more than Yordan Alvarez and Mike Trout who are tied in second place. As a result, he is certainly making a case to win MVP, while he makes the Yankees a title favorite as well.

MLB - Page 2