Sports

Braves’ Strider makes return for NLDS vs. Phillies

Published

3 years ago

October 11, 2022

admin

10:21 AM ET

ESPN News Services

Rookie Spencer Strider, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 18 because of an oblique injury, has been included on the Atlanta Braves‘ roster prior to Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

A decision on whether he will be used as a starter or reliever has yet to be made. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Strider will throw on the side before Tuesday’s matchup against Philadelphia but would not be available to pitch in Game 1.

“He’s succeeded in both roles,” Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud said Monday. “Just to have him out there is big for us and would be tremendous.”

Strider, who turns 24 this month, has made just 33 big league appearances, but he has quickly become one of the team’s most popular players with his 100 mph fastball and bushy mustache.

The right-hander signed a six-year, $75 million deal with the Braves on Monday.

Strider, who threw off a mound on Sunday, said he feels “great” entering the postseason. “I feel good, and hopefully it keeps trending in that direction,” Strider said.

Relief pitcher Tyler Matzek was left off the Braves’ NLDS roster because of elbow discomfort, and starting pitcher Bryce Elder also was not on the roster.

Matzek had a 1.69 ERA in last year’s World Series and got the victory in Game 4..

Atlanta’s roster offered few other surprises. The infielders are first baseman Matt Olson, second basemen Orlando Arcia and Vaughn Grissom, shortstop Dansby Swanson, third baseman Austin Riley, utility man Ehire Adrianza and catchers Travis d’Arnaud and William Contreras.

The outfielders are Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II, Eddie Rosario, Robbie Grossman, designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and Gulliermo Heredia.

The Braves’ rotation consists of Game 1 starter Max Fried, Game 2 starter Kyle Wright, Charlie Morton, Jake Odorizzi and possibly Strider. The bullpen is made up of closer Kenley Jansen, A.J. Minter, Raisel Iglesias, Collin McHugh, Dylan Lee, Jesse Chavez and Jackson Stephens. Atlanta has yet to decide on a Game 3 starter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sports

Reds place 3B Marte on IL due to oblique injury

Published

52 mins ago

May 7, 2025

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Reds place 3B Marte on IL due to oblique injury

Associated Press

May 7, 2025, 03:44 PM ET

ATLANTA — The Cincinnati Reds placed third baseman Noelvi Marte on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain Wednesday.

Marte was scratched minutes before the first pitch of the Atlanta Braves‘ 2-1 win over the Reds in 10 innings Tuesday night. He was reported to have left side discomfort, and the oblique injury was disclosed Wednesday.

Marte is hitting .294 with three homers, 17 RBIs and four stolen bases.

The Reds placed another third baseman, Jeimer Candelario, on the injured list on April 30 with a lumbar spine strain. Santiago Espinal was the fill-in starter for Marte on Tuesday night.

The Reds recalled outfielder Rece Hinds from Triple-A Louisville before Wednesday night’s game against the Braves.

Sports

Brewers’ Contreras playing with fractured finger

Published

52 mins ago

May 7, 2025

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$Brewers' Contreras playing with fractured finger$

Field Level Media

May 7, 2025, 02:46 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras intends to continue playing through a fractured finger that the team believes he first suffered last season.

An X-ray revealed the fracture on his left middle finger, his catching hand, which had grown so painful the team ordered the scan.

Contreras plans to play with a splint on the finger while catching and hitting, according to MLB.com.

Coming off his second All-Star season, Contreras is batting .242 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 35 games. Contreras hit .281 last year and .289 in 2023. The pain is worse when he’s batting, according to MLB.com.

Contreras, 27, was not in the lineup for Wednesday’s matinee against the Houston Astros, getting the day off after catching the previous two games of the series.

Sports

Astros optimistic on Alvarez as MRI shows strain

Published

52 mins ago

May 7, 2025

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Astros optimistic on Alvarez as MRI shows strain

Associated Press

May 7, 2025, 12:46 PM ET

MILWAUKEE — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.

The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.

“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.

Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBI in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBI in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.

He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.

“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”

His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.