Friday’s Major League Baseball news focuses on Los Angeles, where two of baseball’s biggest stars are taking the next steps in their return from injury. The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw pitched in a rehabilitation start, and the Angels’ two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani, says he’s ready to return (as a hitter only) by the end of the month. For that and more of today’s MLB news, read on.
The long-awaited return of four-time National League Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw is getting closer. Kershaw spent Thursday night in Oklahoma City, pitching for the Dodgers’ Triple-A team. The results were middling, but what’s important is that Kershaw felt no pain.
Clayton Kershaw on his night. Said next step is “probably” another rehab start. pic.twitter.com/qoa09UoduZ
— Jacob Unruh (@jacobunruh) April 5, 2019
Meanwhile, two-way player Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching this season because of Tommy John surgery, but he hopes to return to the lineup soon.
Shohei Ohtani: “Personally I feel like I can get back this month, but it’s going to be up to the team.” … https://t.co/CZxPE3nfON
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 5, 2019
Among players who are still playing, Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer is turning into a superstar. He pitched seven no-hit innings last night but had to leave because of a high pitch count. The bullpen lost the no-hitter in the ninth inning.
Trevor Bauer took a no-hitter through 7 innings last night!
Want to watch a recap? Yes, you do.#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/Cdre9I7pOu
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 5, 2019
The Mets’ Noah Syndergaard wasn’t quite as successful, and he blamed his and his team’s sluggish performance on a brutal travel schedule: The team returned from Miami at 2 a.m. and had to be back at the ballpark for an early afternoon game.
Noah Syndergaard says that he doesn’t think the Mets were in position to win today due to their travel situation.
Adds that he wishes the Mets played tonight or played a day game yesterday: pic.twitter.com/qpUGv82Dbk
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 4, 2019
Ichiro is a future Hall of Famer, but for now, he’s declining awards in his home country.
Ichiro turned down the People’s Honor Award … again. He doesn’t want it until he’s ready to “draws the curtain on his life.”
Jesus, Ichiro is cool. https://t.co/k8C7r5ZWDn
— Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) April 5, 2019
Top Stories
• Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw gives up two runs and four hits in triple-A rehab start | Los Angeles Times
• Shohei Ohtani injury update: Two-way player could return to Angels by end of month | Sporting News
• Trevor Bauer on decision to remove him from no-hitter: ‘I knew it was probably time to come out’ | Yahoo Sports
• Noah Syndergaard questions Mets’ schedule after drug testing delay causes late arrival ahead of home opener | CBS Sports
• Even in retirement, Ichiro still not ready to accept Japan’s prestigious People’s Honor Award | Japan Times
