Bases Covered is a daily roundup of the most interesting stories in baseball.
Twins without wins
With their 4–1 loss to the White Sox on Monday, the Minnesota Twins are now at 0-7 out of the gates for the first time in franchise history. The Twins’ ugly start led one writer to suggest that Paul Molitor ought to take the boys out for some ice cream on their off day. Maybe that’ll get them some wins.
The Atlanta Braves, too, have yet to win a game this MLB season. They lost to the Nationals, 6–4. The last time Atlanta started a season 0-6 was back in 1988.
The Orioles, meanwhile, remain unbeaten. They earned their sixth win of the season on Monday in Boston—and facing off against Red Sox ace David Price, no less. Price had a pretty disappointing showing in Boston’s home opener, allowing five runs on five hits over five innings. Mostly it was a bad third frame that cost Price, who got the no-decision (final score: 9–7).
“It’s kind of been my Achilles heel—having that one bad inning,” said Price.
Multitasking
Bryce Harper stole second while running with his batting gloves in his mouth on Monday during the Nationals’ win over Atlanta.
As if you needed any other reason to cheer for the 23-year-old whose infectious enthusiasm is a nice antidote to Old Men With Bad Opinions, Harper is on the hunt for his 100th career home run, and his bat currently features a certain appropriate emoji.
Thor versus Jose
On Tuesday evening at Citi Field, baseball fans can witness a marquee matchup of 23-year-old righties. Mets starter Noah Syndergaard will face off against the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, who homered on New York starter Steven Matz during Miami’s 10–3 victory on Monday. Jose Fernandez will take the mound for the Marlins.
In Syndergaard’s first start of the year, he lasted six innings, allowing three hits, one walk and zero runs and striking out nine. Fernandez, meanwhile, allowed five runs on five hits and a walk over five and two-thirds innings—though he did strike out 13. It was Fernandez’s first time losing a home start in his career; his results have generally been less impressive on the road.
“I don’t know how to explain that,” said Fernandez of the difference between his home and road results. “Maybe this year it’s going to be a little different.”
Unnecessary speed
We all know Cincinnati Reds centre-fielder Billy Hamilton is quick on his feet. On Monday, the 25-year-old hit a home run off Cubs starter Jon Lester, and he rounded the bases with incredible speed. It was the fastest home-run trot in Statcast history, measuring 16.2 seconds.
“I didn’t know it was a home run,” Hamilton said, explaining why he ran so fast. He added: “My motto is, ‘If that ball falls, I’m trying to get an inside the park home run.’ I’m going full speed all the time.”
Detroit rocked city
The Tigers lost to the Pirates on Monday, 7–4, and Detroit starter Justin Verlander had a poor outing. The 33-year-old allowed seven runs and 10 hits in four and a third innings.
There’s more bad news for the Tigers: Catcher James McCann sprained his right ankle during the fifth inning, the result of a collision at first base. McCann has been place on the 15-day disabled list—the first time he’s ever hit the DL in his career. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will take over in McCann’s absence.