Top News:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Joe Maddon wants Cubs hitters to learn from Ben Zobrist's quality at-bats — Chicago Tribune — Ben Zobrist's strong performance in Miami last weekend calmed any doubts manager Joe Maddon had about the health of his versatile veteran. — “Coming out of camp, I was a little concerned,” Maddon said.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs' Ian Happ needs to adjust from ‘pull mode’ to succeed batting leadoff — Chicago Tribune — Ian Happ assessed his high strikeout total as if he was a seasoned veteran rather than an inexperienced second-year man trying to establish himself as a leadoff hitter.
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Zobrist: Reds grounds crew ‘nearly ran me over’ — Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist was on the field when the Cincinnati Reds' grounds crew snapped into action in advance of Tuesday's scheduled game at Great American Ball Park. And he said they didn't wait for him to leave …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Red Reporter
Alex Butler / UPI:
Bryce Harper is on a home-run-hitting tear
Bryce Harper is on a home-run-hitting tear
Discussion:
The Comeback, Federal Baseball, Talking Chop, Elko Daily Free Press, MLB Baseball News … and NESN.com
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Ben Zobrist to bat leadoff for the Cubs
Ben Zobrist to bat leadoff for the Cubs
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
Yankees' Jacoby Ellsbury shut down ‘for a couple of days’ with hip issue — NEW YORK — Injured veteran Jacoby Ellsbury's return has hit a snag as the New York Yankees' banged-up outfield waits on a couple of key players to come off the disabled list. — According to manager Aaron Boone …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Pinstripe Alley, MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
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Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Gregorius' 2 HRs, 8 RBIs lead Yanks over Rays in home opener — NEW YORK (AP) - Didi Gregorius hit a pair of three-run homers and drove in a career-high eight RBIs, and the New York Yankees overcame five strikeouts by Giancarlo Stanton in his first game in pinstripes to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 11-4 …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Giancarlo Stanton receives rude welcome to New York as fans boo his five-strikeout performance — It didn't take long for some Yankees fans to turn on their newest superstar. — Welcome to New York, Giancarlo. — One minute, they love you. The next minute, they hate you.
Daniel Popper / New York Daily News:
Matt Harvey gives up one hit in five innings as Mets beat Phillies, 2-0 — On a frigid and rainy Tuesday night in Flushing, Matt Harvey took the mound for his 2018 debut and gave the few fans who braved the nasty weather a reason for hope in what could be a resurgent season for the man formerly known as The Dark Knight.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Phillies Nation
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Brian Heyman / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Matt Harvey sharp as Mets top Phillies, 2-0 — NEW YORK — The Dark Knight days seem so long ago after two seasons of injuries and poor pitching. But Matt Harvey has a chance to write a better script in 2018. — It doesn't have to revolve around a flamethrowing, top-of-the-rotation superhero.
ESPN:
Shohei Ohtani launches 3-run HR in first home at bat for Angels — Shohei Ohtani has his first major league home run. — The Japanese slugger launched a three-run shot in his first home at bat Tuesday night for the Los Angeles Angels, giving them a 6-2 lead in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians.
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Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times:
Mariners bang out 12 hits and withstand San Francisco Giants' late rally to hold on for a 6-4 win — Edwin Diaz put an end to the Giants' hopes of a comeback win and notched his third save of the season for Seattle — SAN FRANCISCO — Coming into the 2018 season, it was apparent …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
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Andy McCullough / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Dodgers call up Zach Neal to aid pitching staff after 15-inning loss — PHOENIX — The miracle of childbirth aided the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. A day after a 15-inning loss to Arizona that lasted 5 hours 46 minutes, the team needed to add a pitcher to its roster but lacked one they wanted to send to the minors to create space.
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Ian Harrison / Associated Press:
Donaldson homers again as Blue Jays rout White Sox 14-5 — Chicago White Sox's Tim Anderson is met by Adam Engel after Anderson hit a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Toronto. (Fred Thornhill/The Canadian Press via AP)
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ESPN:
Astros reveal World Series rings in Tuesday presentation — The Houston Astros unveiled their World Series rings in a presentation at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night before their game with the Baltimore Orioles. — On the top, the colors of the team, orange and blue, are topped by an …
Discussion:
USA Today
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Alex Butler / UPI:
Rays' Carlos Gomez robs go-ahead homer from Yankees' Tyler Wade … April 3 (UPI) — Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Carlos Gomez came up with a home run robbery against the New York Yankees Tuesday at Yankee Stadium — Gomez vandalized a deep shot from Yankees second baseman Tyler Wade in the sixth inning of the contest.
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Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays Journal: Kiermaier slippery on plan to stay warm
Rays Journal: Kiermaier slippery on plan to stay warm
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, MLB Baseball News … and DRaysBay
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Brewers beat Cards' Leone with two homers in ninth, 5-4 — MILWAUKEE • All three Cardinals outfielders, Dexter Fowler, Tommy Pham and Marcell Ozuna, hit their first homers of the season. And rookie Jack Flaherty struck out nine in five innings Tuesday night,
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers can't shake off bad weather in 1-0 loss to K.C. Royals — This is one way to speed up the pace of play in baseball. — The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals played in terrible weather conditions on Tuesday afternoon at Comerica Park; the temperature was in the high-30's …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
RELATED:
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Commanding the strike zone is key for the young pitchers in the Cincinnati Reds rotation — Next time you watch Tyler Mahle pitch, watch Tucker Barnhart's mitt. If it's not moving, Mahle is likely going to be good. If Barnhart is reaching for pitches, Mahle is probably going to be in trouble.
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Associated Press:
Hanley Ramirez helps Red Sox beat Marlins 4-2 in 13 innings — MIAMI (AP) — Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run double with two out in the 13th inning, and another night of stingy pitching helped the Boston Red Sox extend their winning streak to five games by beating the Miami Marlins 4-2 Tuesday.
Sean Farrell / USA Today:
Mets send Anthony Swarzak to the DL, recall Hansel Robles — The Mets placed reliever Anthony Swarzak on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to April 1 with a left oblique injury. — Hansel Robles was recalled from Las Vegas to take his spot on the roster.
Discussion:
Farmington Daily Times
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Mike Fitzpatrick / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mets put Swarzak on 10-day DL; Conforto close to return
Jack Dickey / Sports Illustrated:
Tommy Pham Waited Forever to Make It. Now, He's Got Plenty to Say About His Journey. — Created with Sketch. — The Cardinals may have cost Tommy Pham millions by stashing him in the minor leagues, but that won't stop the outfielder from maximizing his time in the big leagues …
Discussion:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, baseballmusings.com, Deadspin, MLB Baseball News … and Viva El Birdos
Bill Center / UPI:
Ross returns to Padres' rotation to face Rockies — SAN DIEGO — When Tyson Ross was healthy and at his best, the 6-foot-6 right-hander was an All-Star for the Padres. — He had a 23-26 record over the 2014-15 seasons with a 3.03 ERA in 64 starts covering 391 1/3 innings.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball