Daily Dose: Say It Ain't Zo
Ben Zobrist appears destined for a trip to the disabled list after sustaining a dislocated thumb in the fifth inning of Wednesday’s victory over the Mariners. He suffered the injury sliding headfirst while attempting to steal second base. Afterwards, a dejected Zobrist quipped, "Best-case scenario is that it heals very quickly and I can get back on the field, maybe within a week", though he did acknowledge that he’d be surprised if he didn’t require a DL stint.
On the positive side of things, the injury occurred on the top joint of the thumb, which is less important and requires lesser recovery time than if it had happened to the lower joint. It would have at least been some small solace to fantasy owners had he been successful on the stolen base attempt. Sean Rodriguez and Logan Forsythe are likely to share time at second base for as long as Zobrist may be sidelined.
Masa-Zero: Tanaka Shuts Out Mets
Masahiro Tanaka put his brilliance on full display in the third game of the Subway Series on Wednesday, notching his first major league shutout in only his eighth career start. The young right-hander threw 114 pitches in the complete game gem, scattering four hits while striking out eight and walking none.
Tanaka has been nothing short of dominant to this point, compiling a 6-0 record, 2.17 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 66/7 K/BB ratio over 58 innings of work. Not only does he look well worth the massive investment that the Yankees made in him, but he currently looks like the early front-runner for the American League Cy Young Award.
Mets release “closer” Kyle Farnsworth
The Mets made a bit of a curious move late Wednesday, releasing Kyle Farnsworth. The 38-year-old right-hander served as the closer for the ballclub as recently as Monday, working a scoreless inning against the Yankees to notch his third save of the season.
He was informed on Tuesday that he would be relieved of his job as the team’s primary option in the ninth inning, and it’s certainly possible that he didn’t take the news well. While the Mets made the right call in removing him from the closer’s gig, he still could have been a useful arm in middle relief, so the release feels somewhat extreme.
As Jon Heyman of CBS Sports points out, the 45-day waiver period related to advanced consent forms is up on Thursday, meaning that by cutting him now the Mets stand to save the majority of Farnsworth’s $1 million salary. Farnsworth will likely catch on elsewhere, and this comment Wednesday indicated that he’ll hold a grudge against his former employer: "Hopefully I'll find a team where I can play against this one."
It’s unclear where Terry Collins will turn next in the ninth inning, but Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia are the two most likely candidates to assume the role.
National League Quick Hits: Jason Grilli (oblique) threw 24-pitches in a simulated game on Wednesday and could soon be nearing a minor league rehab assignment… Jaime Garcia (shoulder) is on track to rejoin the Cardinals starting rotation on Sunday… Francisco Rodriguez looked human again on Wednesday, allowing three runs in a loss to the Pirates… Wily Peralta turned in his seventh consecutive quality start but had to settle for a no-decision against the Pirates… Rafael Montero was handed a loss in his MLB debut against the Yankees, surrendering three runs over six innings… Travis d’Arnaud reported concussion symptoms during Wednesday’s workout and could be placed on the seven-day concussion DL… Hunter Pence went 4-for-5 with a homer and three RBI as the Giants thrashed the Braves… Pablo Sandoval left Wednesday’s contest after aggravating his left big toe injury, he’s considered day-to-day… The Cardinals recalled 2B Kolten Wong from Triple-A Memphis… Carlos Gomez missed Wednesday’s game due to lower back tightness… The Reds and Padres had their game postponed on Wednesday, which will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday.
American League Quick Hits: Michael Brantley left Wednesday’s game due to mid-back tightness and is likely considered day-to-day… Jose Abreu belted his league-leading 15th home run, proving to be the difference in Wednesday’s win over the Athletics… Matt Harrison has been diagnosed with a displacement of a vertebra in his back and is likely facing season-ending spinal surgery… Martin Perez has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his left elbow and is likely looking at Tommy John surgery… Jake Odorizzi allowed just one hit and struck out seven over six scoreless frames in a win over the Mariners… David Murphy went 5-for-6 with three doubles and three RBI in a rout of the Blue Jays… Joe Nathan picked up his third save in three days as the Tigers completed a sweep of the Orioles in Baltimore… The Twins activated Oswaldo Arcia from the 15-day disabled list and inexplicably optioned him to Triple-A Rochester… O’s manager Buck Showalter was non-committal on who would receive the team’s next save chance, fueling speculation that Tommy Hunter may soon be replaced.
