Mets take on Braves in Free Game of the Day
There was much confusion in the Atlanta Braves clubhouse on Saturday night. Moments after the Braves ended the Mets six-game winning streak with a stunning walk-off victory in 10 innings, it appeared that A.J. Pierzynski’s retirement party had commenced without a warning or official announcement.
#Braves Pierzynski hugging all teammates, passed out cigars. He's retiring, apparently right now.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) September 11, 2016
The hugs actually started in the dugout after Pierzynski singled and was pinch-run for in the decisive tenth inning. That had people curious. Then the cigars seemingly sealed the deal, though apparently there was actually a better explanation for that as well.
Pierzynski said not retiring now, that he didn't pass out cigars, that Teheran did for son born last month https://t.co/2c6zZsqWhP
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) September 11, 2016
What we know for sure is this:
Pierzynski was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injured left hamstring Sunday morning. That means he won’t be in the lineup for their matchup against the Mets, which is featured as the MLB Free Game of the Day on Yahoo Sports, so we can all watch and perhaps learn together. You can stream the game at Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET.
Some people are questioning the validity of the injury considering he seemed fine last night. Whatever the case, he’s not playing Sunday and likely won’t play again this season. Whether he continues beyond this season could be addressed soon.
If this is the end, it would certainly be an interesting way to go out. Perhaps even fitting when you consider how Pierzynski has never been shy about standing out or doing things his way. Many times his personality has rubbed people the wrong way, but he is what he is. He hasn’t changed over the last 19 years, why should he change now?
He may only be hitting .219 with two homers this season, but he’s also had a very productive career. Maybe even more productive than you think. A World Series championship is always a good way to start a resume. Two All-Star selections is better than none. Beyond that though, his longevity had been remarkable.
Pierzynski is one of just ten catchers all-time with 2,000+ hits and one of just four with 400+ doubles. #Braves @680_The_Fan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) September 11, 2016
When you can make claims like that, you’ve done pretty well. Now we’ll just wait to see what the real story is, and perhaps of more interest, how Pierzynski decides to end it.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
