In the first three games of the series with the Nats, the Dbacks scored 11 runs (swift), 0 runs(sluggish), and 2 runs (sparing).
Diamondbacks @ Nationals Series
Not all grand slams are created equal. The difference is in win probability added (WPA). In this series, Andrew Young’s grand slam had a WPA of 15%. Against the Padres on 28 Sept 2019, Christian Walker’s grand slam had a WPA of 57%. Nevertheless, all grand slams are appreciated!
Saturday’s two homers give the Diamondbacks 20 homers for the season. Their homers rank in a 3-way tie for third place in the Majors.
The last game of series with the Nationals starts at 10:05 am Arizona time. The game preview and game day thread can be found at AZ SnakePit.
Stories from the opposing dugout (SB Nation fan site for Nationals).
They reported that the Nationals DFA’d their opening-day starting-catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who had “…performed admirably…” and “…he has opted for free agency after clearing waivers.”
Their series preview mentioned two Dbacks: Bumgarner and Cabrera.
- Although they expect more disappointing pitching from Bumgarner, I’m more than ready for an upside surprise. “The hosts [Nationals], who are currently slashing a strong .328/.377/.462 against southpaws this season, will look pile on the misery for Bumgarner [on Sunday].”
- For the Nationals, Asdrubal Carbrera played second base in 2014 and 2019, and he played first base & third base in 2020. For the Diamondbacks, he primarily plays third base. “…[Asdrubal Cabrera] started off strongly in his new digs….After three stints with the Nationals, ….”
Highlights of their recap of Saturday’s game were:
- Their fans were pleasantly surprised that their starter Erick Fedde pitched well. Indeed, he pitched very well. Erick Fedde matched a career high 9 strikeouts.
- Eduardo Escobar hit a homer against Sam Clay, who had not given up a homer since August 12, 2018 in double A. His 6 homers lead the Diamondbacks.
Diamondbacks News
D-backs acquire Nick Heath from Royals for Herrera, DFA Beasley
“Our group, our front office does an unbelievable job of day by day and piece by piece trying to add players or make us better. And I think this is one of those situations.” — Torey Lovullo. Tweeted comments follow.
The #Dbacks have acquired outfielder Nick Heath from the Royals in exchange for pitcher Eduardo Herrera.
To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Jeremy Beasley was designated for assignment.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 17, 2021
The Diamondbacks today acquired outfielder Nick Heath from the Royals in exchange for pitcher Eduardo Herrera. Heath gives them center field depth they have lacked since Ketel Marte’s injury. Sounds like Heath will be added to the roster soon. He has minor league options.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 17, 2021
Locastro injures pinkie on first career CS
“While sliding headfirst into second, Locastro jammed his left pinkie into the base. He got up and signaled to the dugout that he was hurt, and his finger appeared to be pointing off to the side.” — Steve Gilbert. Tweeted comments follow.
Tim Locastro has been caught stealing for the first time in his career, ending a major league record 29-steal streak. He also appeared to possible dislocate his finger sliding into the bag.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 17, 2021
The Diamondbacks say it is, indeed, a dislocated pinky finger for Locastro. Dislocated better than some alternatives, but not sure yet on what that means in terms of a timetable.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 17, 2021
Baseball News
San Diego Padres activate star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (shoulder) off 10-day injured list
On 5 April he subluxated his left shoulder. The injury has recurred throughout his career. On 16 April, his first day back, Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a homer and made a throwing error.
Max Scherzer Passes Cy Young in Career Strikeouts
On 16 April, Diamondback Asdrubal Cabrera was strikeout number 2,804. Scherzer’s strikeouts rank 22nd in career strikeouts. Ahead of him are 16 Hall of Famers and one future Hall of Famer, Justin Verlander.
deGrom K’s 9 in a row (1 shy of mark), 14 total
Tom Seaver has a 51-year-old record of 10 consecutive strikeouts. On 17 April, Jacob deGrom almost tied the record. At least his team won the game giving him his first win of the season over the Rockies to open a seven-inning doubleheader.
Not one, not two … Votto turns TRIPLE play
On 17 April, runners were on the corners and no outs. Josh Naylor hit a line drive to Joey Votto, who immediately tagged the runner at first. The runner at third, mistakenly thinking it was a ground ball headed home. Votto threw the ball to third base to complete the triple play. “It was the 31st triple play in Reds history and Cincinnati’s first since July 25, 2017, at Yankee Stadium.”
First triple play of the 2021 season belongs to the @Reds! Check out full details of every triple play in @MLB history at the #SABR Triple Plays Database: https://t.co/muHvEF7dwP https://t.co/FRqMtcOAnr
— SABR (@sabr) April 17, 2021
Baseball Puzzle of the Day.
Zach Buchanan wrote an Athletic article that said Diamondbacks outfielder Kole Calhoun does crossword puzzles before every game. I made a stat-heavy crossword puzzle for Diamondback fans. Enjoy!
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Stat leaders through 16 April from Baseball Reference.
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