The nation’s capitol prepares for the return of Bryce Harper, another NL East team locks up its own superstar of the future, an early-season trade sends Kevin Pillar to the West Coast and the Yankees are dealing with a major injury already. That and more in today’s MLB news.
Andujar could be shelved for season
Bad news in the Bronx: Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar, who won the American League Rookie of the Year award last season, could miss the rest of the season if his torn labrum requires surgery.
#Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar might need season-ending shoulder surgery. https://t.co/aOKmxyzRFR pic.twitter.com/AeDHA9CZwn
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) April 2, 2019
Acuna’s extension
The new trend in MLB is for teams to buy out young stars’ arbitration and free agency years, giving them an earlier payday but saving the team some money down the road. The latest example is Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna, who reportedly is ready to sign an eight-year $100 million deal.
Ronald Acuña Jr., @Braves finalizing 8-year, $100 million extension with two club options, source tells @JeffPassan. https://t.co/vZ6cQUqA2x pic.twitter.com/poFeUh5wZs
— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2019
Harper’s return
Bryce Harper called Washington, D.C., home for seven seasons before leaving in free agency for the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason. On Tuesday, he returns with the Phillies to face his old team, the Washington Nationals, for the first of 19 times this season. But the first one figures to be the most emotional, no matter what mixture of boos and cheers Harper hears.
Bryce Harper on Instagram today, in part: “When I run on the field tonight I am sure to hear some boos, but I will always remember the cheers and the screams that are still with me right now, as I start my new chapter.” @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 2, 2019
Pillar goes from Canada to the coast
The Giants acquired a veteran outfielder on Tuesday when they traded three young players to the Blue Jays for Kevin Pillar, who’s known for his speed and defense in center field.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired INF Alen Hanson, RHP Derek Law and RHP Juan De Paula from the @SFGiants in exchange for OF Kevin Pillar. pic.twitter.com/rq5c1Vu58M
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 2, 2019
Mattingly complains about umpires
Don Mattingly and the lowly Marlins lost again Monday night, and the manager took the rare step of blaming the umpires afterward, specifically about a hit-by-pitch called during the Mets’ ninth-inning rally.
Wow. WOW. W O W. @Marlins Manager Don Mattingly is visibly upset. I watched game and he’s right. I have never ever seen Mattingly complain about umpires. Most frustrated I have ever seen of normally calm and cool guy. Give @mets credit. They kept coming back to win. pic.twitter.com/Y1dowCZ1jR
— Marlins_Man (@Marlins_Man) April 2, 2019
Headlines
• Harper sentimental upon return: ‘DC was home’ | ESPN.com
• Braves, Ronald Acuna finalizing 8-year contract extension | Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Giants acquire center fielder Kevin Pillar from Blue Jays in four-player deal | San Francisco Chronicle
• Andujar (labrum tear) could face surgery | MLB.com
• Marlins manager Don Mattingly critical of umpiring following loss to Mets — ‘It was shaky tonight’ | South Florida Sun Sentinel
