Pujols 2,000 RBI, Fiers No-Hitter, Ohtani Returns, Felix Injured, Jackson Traded
Ai! 2K…
Albert Pujols collected his 2,000th RBI with a solo homer against the Tigers and was just the third player in MLB history to do so officially. He joins Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Alex Rodriguez and Cap Anson atop the list. Pujols’ production has waned in his twilight years, but he proves that senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.
Fire Starter…
The Athletics Mike Fiers threw a no-hitter against the Reds this week. Even more unlikely for the somewhat average pitcher was that for Fiers it was the second no-hitter of his career. So, lightning can strike twice. And when it does, it starts Fiers. (Oh boy, that was terrible. Sorry.)
It’s Sho-Time…
The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani returned from the Injured List and will serve exclusively as the team’s designated hitter this season. The two-way superstar underwent Tommy John Surgery on his elbow late last season and isn’t expected to pitch in games until next year, so he’s not nearly as captivating as he was originally. The sequel is almost never as good as the original – like the disappointment we all felt watching Baby Geniuses 2: Superbabies.
Dethroned…
The Mariners have placed King Felix Hernandez on the injured list with a strained right shoulder – a day after he became the 36th pitcher in major league history to reach 2,500 strikeouts. The team says there is no truth to the rumor that Felix will be sent to a farm upstate.
The Jackson 14…
Edwin Jackson was traded from the Athletics to the Blue Jays his MLB record 14th team. Jackson started with the Dodgers all the way back in 2003 and has moved throughout the league since. The Blue Jays could really use the pitching help and Jackson will help them out there as he prepares to sign with his 15th team.
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