This Week in Baseball – Opening Day, Keuchel Rumors, Upton Injury, Dodgers Home Runs, Sox Payroll

by  |  March 31, 2019

Opening DayOpen House…

Opening Day of 2019 launched us into the next great season of Major League Baseball. There will be thrilling wins and unbelievable individual performances. Hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Cheering for our teams, rooting against our enemies and more tanking than you can even begin to imagine.

Proof of Life…

Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel remain unsigned, but there are finally some rumors for Keuchel. His agent said that the lefty starting pitcher is throwing 95-pitch simulated games. He then added, “We are in discussion with a number of clubs.” It is unclear at this time if he’s referring to baseball clubs or a local chess club our even the Auto Club.

Upton Funk…

Angels outfielder Justin Upton is expected to miss 8-12 weeks after injuring his toe running into the outfield wall at Angel Stadium while attempting to catch a flyball. Looks like the Angels have gotten an early start on their tradition of leading the league in injured players.

Having a Blast…

The Dodgers set a Major League record of six home runs by one team on Opening Day by hitting eight home runs in their first game against the Diamondbacks. In the first three games of the year the Dodgers have hit a total of 13 home runs. All in all a pretty effective way to deal with the problem of losing two of their best starting pitchers to injury.

Hey, Big Spender…

For the second year in a row, the Red Sox have the highest payroll in baseball. Their payroll came in at just under $222 million, though that figure was the lowest for a top payroll at season’s start since 2012. “I know,” said Craig Kimbrel.

Get these weekly stories in the comfort of your own inbox by signing up for our newsletter The Box Score.