Bases Covered is a daily roundup of the most interesting stories in baseball.
Kemp brought down by umpire
After Atlanta’s Julio Teheran hit San Diego’s Matt Kemp up high early in yesterday’s matchup at Turner Field, Kemp threw down his bat in anger. Both benches cleared, and mayhem ensued. Kemp was headed for Teheran, but umpire Jordan Baker tried to stop him—bringing him down in the process.
Cozart’s Requiem
Cincinnati shortstop Zack Cozart is done for the year. The 29-year-old has torn ligaments and a tendon in his right knee, injuries he suffered in the first inning of yesterday’s game versus the Phillies. He’ll undergo reconstructive surgery on Monday; rehabilitation is expected to take about nine months, which would bring Cozart back in time for spring training 2016.
Could Bryce Harper be a Yankee?
When the Nationals recently made a trip to the Bronx for a two-game series, there was a lot of talk once again about the possibility of Washington outfielder Bryce Harper someday donning the pinstripes. Harper is under team control until the end of the 2018 season, when he’ll be just 25. Here’s a look at the reasons why Harper might end up in New York, and why he might not. And if you’re itching to read more about Harper, FanGraphs has an interesting look at the evolution of Washington’s young star—specifically, how his hitting has changed of late.
The new kids on the block
Here’s something you may have noticed about this MLB season: there’s been a long string of MLB debuts from top prospects—guys like Kris Bryant, Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Correa. So what’s behind this influx of young talent, and is it unusual? Here’s a look at the top prospects who’ve earned the call this year, and what this new wave of talent says about the state of the league.
That’s entertainment
Over at Sports on Earth, Will Leitch makes the argument for the All-Star Game as a showcase for baseball’s most entertaining players. His breakdown includes one must-watch player from each MLB team—”someone whom you can’t take your eyes off, someone who stands for what’s so giddy and exciting about the game.” For Toronto, that means Josh “Bringer of Rain” Donaldson.
