Yes, once again we were treated to a score much like the world of SEC football in the 70’s. Braves got 2 touchdowns and hit both extra points, Marlins missed an extra point on their one touchdown.
Some bad: Kyle Wright‘s shoulder apparently again had “an episode.” Kranitz went out to make a visit and got really mad. THEN, he called out the trainer. My guess is that Wright said “shoulder’s been hurting since the last start.” With how hard shoulders are to fix to major league pitching standards, I have significant concern that “effective Kyle Wright” is never seen again in MLB. Also, Michael Harris, II apparently hyperextended his knee coming over first base.
Some good: This offense is very good. 18 hits. The Marlins pitching failed the first test of the Athaletic Oath. 2 walks (hey!, at least we threw strikes!). 5 LOB (with 6 homeruns, you don’t have as many opportunities to leave people on). Every lineup position got at least one hit. Hilliard was 0 for 1 after coming in for Harris.
The “might be good, might be bad”: Marcell Ozuna hit 2 home runs. After 2 hits on Tuesday, this is supposedly a resurgence and a hot streak worthy of more playing time (per Brian Snitker after the game). If this is actually a resurgence or a partial resurgence, then it is good. If this is just a blind hog finding an acorn, then it probably costs us 2 games over the next 2 weeks before order is restored to the universe. I know if a hog can sniff a truffle 2 feet below ground, he can find an acorn without seeing it. And, I believe the universe tries to restore its order. So, no, I do not subscribe to the resurgence theory.
Today, the start is “a little early” at 4. Prime thunderstorm time in South Florida. So, the top is probably closed. Dylan Dodd was on a plane before the game started last night to make a spot start and keep the rota
Just my guess, but I don’t think we’ll see Kyle again until the 2nd half. He already had an injection and a period of rest, then in < 20 innings, it’s bothering him again. I’m imagining a long rest period and some (hopefully) good PT.
Of course Ozuna has his best game of the year in a game we win by 8. 5 RBIs and we didn’t even need them. Way to make a difference, dude. /only-half-sarcasm
All we need is for Ozuna to be an acceptable 8th hitter against left-handed pitching. That could happen, maybe?
He ain’t acceptable to me, but I’m not holding the pursestrings.
Btw, I asked a question about d’Arnaud in an injury mailbag at The Athletic. Here’s what they said:
https://theathletic.com/4430998/2023/04/20/mlb-injury-mailbag-checking-on-bryce-harper-a-rundown-on-rehabbing-aces-and-more/
I figured he might be having lingering symptoms. If he is having lingering symptoms, then he may never be well enough to play effectively enough (despite also the risk). If full time or most time DH was possible at his current condition (and consistent with his preferences and his doctor’s concerns), then it is time to make the move.
Hope TdA makes the best decision for himself. He would be a great DH for us.
We are so fortunate to have RAJ on our team. After last year, so good to see how much fun he is having.
Verlander pitched better than Scherzer but Mutts still lost. Lead could swell to 6 games with a victory tonight.