Baseball's current season has not been kind to some of the top pitchers in the league, as a slew of injuries has forced teams to rethink their strategies and rely on less tested players. Among the notable shifts, Luis Gil has stepped up for the Yankees in place of Gerrit Cole, who is dealing with elbow problems. Over two starts, Gil has shown promise, giving up three runs across nine innings, striking out 14, and walking seven.
Unfortunately, the Atlanta Braves have not been as fortunate. Spencer Strider is sidelined for the remainder of the year due to elbow surgery, thrusting Allan Winans into a starting role against the Mets. Winans' outing was rough, yielding six earned runs over five innings. Additionally, the Braves' prospects have faced challenges, with AJ Smith-Shawver struggling at the Triple-A level and plans for Darius Vines to start against Houston, indicating the depth of the pitching crisis.
Similarly, Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians is slated for Tommy John surgery, disrupting the team's pitching rotation. Despite these setbacks, the Guardians are managing with their remaining starters, aided by a rainout and a scheduled day off. Guardians fans can expect to see Xzavion Curry and Ben Lively make their season debuts soon, adding fresh arms to the rotation.
The Houston Astros are experiencing their own share of pitching woes. Absences of Justin Verlander and an injury to Framber Valdez have left significant gaps. However, Ronel Blanco has been a bright spot, pitching a no-hitter on April 1, though not all replacements have fared well. Blair Henley struggled mightily in his appearance, and Spencer Arrighetti allowed seven runs in a single inning against Houston.
Impact on Top Teams
Not Immune to the pitching struggles, the Texas Rangers have yet to see Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer take the mound this season. The Rangers did, however, find some success with Cody Bradford, who boasted a 3-0 record and a 1.40 ERA before a back strain landed him on the injured list.
The Miami Marlins are also feeling the strain with Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez undergoing Tommy John surgery. Edward Cabrera and Braxton Garrett add to the Marlins' injury list. Despite these setbacks, Max Meyer has managed a 2-0 record with a 2.12 ERA, offering some hope amidst a challenging season.
Remarkable Comebacks
Despite the turmoil on the mound, the past week saw some compelling moments that remind fans of the unpredictable nature of baseball. The Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and Cleveland Guardians each mounted last-at-bat comebacks. Notably, the Oakland Athletics overcame a five-run deficit in the sixth inning to secure a win. The San Diego Padres also made headlines by scoring seven runs in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs, culminating in a 9-8 victory. A highlight was Fernando Tatis Jr.'s two-run homer in the eighth inning, which clinched the game for the Padres at a time when their win probability had dwindled to a mere 0.6%.
Highlight of the Week
In a week filled with notable performances, the Kansas City Royals emerged near the top of the AL Central, attributed in part to their impressive run differential. Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an exceptional game against Houston, going 4 for 5 with two home runs, five RBIs, and four runs scored, in addition to a stolen base. The Royals' 13-3 victory over Houston ended the latter's seven-game winning streak, underscoring the Royals' potent offense and resilience.
As teams navigate through injuries and roster adjustments, the dynamic nature of baseball continues to offer unexpected moments of triumph and showcases the depth of talent across the league. Whether through strategic pitching changes or dramatic offensive rallies, the current baseball season is proving to be as unpredictable as it is entertaining.