Athletics infielder Zack Gelof pushed his hitting streak to 21 video games with a solo homer on Wednesday in opposition to the Pirates. Accidents and poor efficiency have restricted his time within the majors not too long ago, however Gelof is again to being a fixture within the A’s lineup.
1. Bradish punches out a dozen
Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish was knocked round for 5 earned runs over 4 innings in opposition to the Mariners final week. He acquired his revenge in a rematch on Wednesday, placing out a career-high 12 over 7 2/3 innings in a win over Seattle. Bradish has flashed sturdy swing-and-miss abilities the previous two seasons. He posted a 32.5% strikeout price over eight begins in 2024 earlier than needing UCL surgical procedure. The righty got here again for six outings final 12 months and punched out opponents at a 37.3% clip. The strikeouts have been down in 2026, as Bradish got here into Wednesday’s begin with a 22.6% strikeout price. Extra regarding is likely to be the 12.1% stroll price, which went up after two free passes in opposition to the Mariners.
2. Espino makes his debut
Former prime pitching prospect Daniel Espino lastly acquired right into a sport on Wednesday after being referred to as up final week. The correct-hander fired an ideal sixth inning, placing out two. Espino solely tossed 12 pitches in his clear body, however they have been spectacular. He sat at 99.8 mph with the four-seamer. The Brewers swung at it 4 instances, and all have been whiffs. Espino’s three sliders averaged 91.6 mph. This look was clearly a low-leverage spot, with Cleveland trailing by three runs within the center innings, however Espino might need the stuff to push for late-inning alternatives.
3. Rodriguez reaches profession milestone
Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez tossed seven innings of one-run ball in a win over the Angels final evening. The veteran earned the a hundredth victory of his profession. Rodriguez is having a resurgent season in his third 12 months in Arizona. He’s posted a 2.45 ERA throughout 15 begins. The anticipated stats don’t purchase the sturdy begin, as Rodriguez has a 4.91 xERA and a 4.41 xFIP. His 4.78 SIERA appears to be like quite a bit just like the ERAs over 5.00 he’s put up the previous two seasons. Rodriguez has been buoyed by a career-low .256 BABIP and a sub-10% HR/FB price, however he’s additionally made a pitch tweak that would clarify his enchancment. The lefty has added an inch of induced vertical break and a bit extra arm-side run to his four-seamer. The fastball has a +6 Run Worth and has paired nicely together with his changeup (+3 Run Worth).
Picture courtesy of Steven Bisig, Imagn Photographs
