Padres are #ElPasoStrong, Báez bats lefty, Acuña joins exclusive company
By Tab Bamford
#ElPasoStrong
The El Paso Chihuahuas are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. After the horrific events of earlier this week the Padres paid tribute to the lives lost with the Chihuahuas logo on their pitcher’s mound.
#ElPasoStrong in San Diego tonight. ⭐️
— El Paso Chihuahuas (@epchihuahuas) August 9, 2019
?️: @FOXSportsSD pic.twitter.com/xcNBEttXIn
A switch for El Mago
Cincinnati’s Kyle Farmer started Thursday night’s game at catcher. With the Cubs leading by seven in the eighth inning he found himself on the pitcher’s mound. The radar gun had Farmer’s pitches in the mid-50s so Javier Báez decided to give it a try from the left side.
We’re not sure of this stat is impressive for El Mago or bad for Albert Almora.
Average exit velocity in 2019
— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) August 9, 2019
Javy Baez batting lefty: 89.2 mph
Albert Almora Jr: 85.1 mph
Acuña, Andruw and Trout
Ronald Acuña Jr. joined some elite company with his 30th home run of the season.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is the 3rd player in MLB history to have a 30 home runs and 25 stolen bases in their age-21 season or younger.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 9, 2019
The other two players to do so are Mike Trout (2012) and Andruw Jones (1998). pic.twitter.com/bnRSdPheWn
Minor League familia
The Dodgers recently promoted Jacob Amaya to Advanced-A Rancho Cucamonga. His family made sure his Quakes debut was a memorable one for the young shortstop.
Like we said, the Amaya family doesn't disappoint. ? pic.twitter.com/zokvqQwt2g
— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) August 9, 2019
Ready to battle Puerto Rico
This team from Mexico is ready for the next round.
Fan Post of the Day
How do scouts grade this footwork?
Pro Post of the Day
After a victory Fernando Tatís Jr. and Luis Urías celebrated. What does the future hold for the Leap of Los Niños?
OTD
2013 – With Nelson Cruz suspended for the remainder of the season the Rangers acquired Alex Ríos from the White Sox in return for a player to be named later.
2012 – José Reyes‘ major league-leading 26-game hit streak ended against the Marlins.
2002 – Vladimir Guerrero hit his 200th career home run.
1999 – For the first time in major league history, five grand slams were hit in a single day. Cardinal Fernando Tatís, Expo José Vidro, Marlin Mike Lowell, Yankee Bernie Williams and Mariner Jay Buhner went yard with the bases loaded.
1998 – Atlanta’s Dennis Martinez earned the 244th victory of his career, passing Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for the most wins by a Latin American pitcher.
1976 – Pittsburgh’s John Candelaria threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers. The Pirates won 2-0.
1976 – Houston’s César Cedeño hit for the cycle against St. Louis.
Happy birthday!
Steven Moya (b. 1991)
Brian Fuentes (b. 1975)
Juan Alvarez (b. 1973)
Julián Javier (b. 1936)