Here are three things we’ll be watching for around the baseball world today…
1. Antone exits early
Reds reliever Tejay Antone exited last night’s game with a trainer after experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired right elbow. After the game, Antone told reporters that his elbow “flared up” but that he doesn’t think there’s a serious issue at play (via Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer). The Reds will surely exercise caution, however, and figure to take a closer look to ensure there’s no injury of note. The 29-year-old Antone only just returned from a two-year absence following his second career Tommy John surgery. While he’s hardly a household name, the righty has quietly been one of the game’s most effective relievers in his brief career to date. In 74 2/3 innings dating back to his 2020 debut, Antone carries a 2.41 ERA with a hearty 32.4% strikeout rate against a 10.7% walk rate. He’s also kept the ball on the ground at a strong 49.4% clip and averaged just 0.84 homers per nine frames.
2. Rays, Orioles begin series that could determine division
The Rays and Orioles open a four-game set in Baltimore today, with righty Kyle Bradish (3.03 ERA) taking the mound for the O’s opposite fellow righty Aaron Civale (2.96 ERA). It’s a matchup of quality starting pitchers and the first of four pivotal games for the two rivals, who are separated by just two games in the standings at present. Baltimore currently leads the East and also boasts the American League’s best record. The Rays could flip the standings with a series sweep, whereas the O’s could effectively put the division on ice if they can take all four against the Rays. The second game of the series is slated to feature Tampa Bay righty Zach Eflin (3.53 ERA) taking on Baltimore right-hander Jack Flaherty (4.98 ERA). The Rays will send Tyler Glasnow (3.15 ERA) to the mound against Grayson Rodriguez (4.88 ERA) on Saturday, and the series finale will pit Rays righty Zack Littell against O’s righty Dean Kremer. Both pitchers have identical 4.25 earned run averages (Kremer’s coming in a larger number of innings).
One additional source of intrigue surrounding the series is the potential debut of 2020 No. 2 overall pick Heston Kjerstad. The young Orioles slugger is reportedly on his way to Baltimore in the event that first baseman Ryan Mountcastle’s shoulder requires a trip to the injured list. Kjerstad, 24, hit .310/.383/.576 in Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A, where he’s slashed .298/.371/.498. He’s collected 21 homers, 29 doubles and eight triples between those two levels so far in 2023.
3. Twins injury updates
The Twins are awaiting updates on several injured players and could gain more clarity today. Byron Buxton recently received a cortisone injection in his ailing knee, and trainer Nick Paparesta told the Twins beat he expects Buxton to return before season’s end (link via Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune). Minnesota could also get outfielder Michael A. Taylor back in the near future, per Miller. Taylor ran the bases yesterday and is expected to return during the current road trip, which kicks off today against the White Sox. Young infielder Jose Miranda, meanwhile, won’t be back this season, as he’s set for shoulder surgery today. Miranda dealt with shoulder troubles in spring training and struggled in both the big leagues and in Triple-A before hitting the injured list in July. He’ll go under the knife today, and the Twins will provide further details on the nature of the procedure and the expected recovery after the operation has been performed.