As many of you know, I had a cardioversion in October for A-Fib. A cardioversion is a procedure used to return an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm. This procedure is used when the heart is beating very fast or irregularly. Mine does not beat fast… just irregular. The cardioversion worked… for six months, and about three weeks ago, it reverted back to Atrial Fibrillation. Since that day, every day, I have been getting more and more tired. It sucks, and I get winded just walking a few short stops. I am scheduled to have an ablation at Cleveland Clinic on August 30th, but that is four damn months away.
An ablation is a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. It uses small burns or freezes on heart cells to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart. This helps break up or insulate the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. This can help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm. However, I am having a Pulsed-field ablation (PFA), which is a nonthermal method of tissue ablation technology that utilizes high-amplitude pulsed electrical fields to create irreversible electroporation (IRE) in tissues. Unlike traditional thermal ablation technologies, PFA does not rely on heating to damage and destroy tissue.
But having to wait four months during summer sucks. We are opening our pool this weekend and I can’t always be short of breath. So, last week, I talked to my cardiologist (who is a friend) and asked if he could “fit me in” to do another cardioversion in the meantime. They called yesterday, and I will have it done on Friday! WOOO HOOOO! I will soon be able to leap tall buildings with a single bound. I may miss a couple of days…
OK, back to reality!
Dodger Dogs
- Yes, last night was a Dodger dog. Knack pitched 5 very efficient innings (64 pitches) and probably could have gone longer, but I think they are limiting his innings right about now. Grove was OK as he allowed a walk and a hit but struck out 2 in his inning of work. Joe Kelly allowed a hit but did not walk anyone, and then Daniel Hudson coughed up the string run, and of course, in the 10th inning, Crismatt coughed up the game. It was just one of those games…
- Last night was a “bullpen game” for AZ and they won it. You have to find a way to win. It’s still “everybody hits or nobody hits!“
- Yamamoto vs. Montgomery tonight.
- Nothing to see here… move along, folks!
- Walkler Buehler threw an uninspired 5 innings last night for OKC. When I say “uninspired” I mean that it is probably hard for him to get excited about a AAA gamer when you know you should be in the Show. His fastball was 92-94. He never hit 95 and he didn’t walk anyone as he gave up one run. The only question is, “Can he be effective at 92-94 MPH? I have no opinion. I have to see!
- Blake Treinen is probably a week away.
- Injuries, especially arm and shoulder injuries are becoming the norm as pitchers are pushing the envelope by going to Driveline and other pitching works to increase velocity and spin rate. Witness Brock Stewart. He went on the “Trend Program” and at 29 years old, added 5 MPH to his fastball in two months. It’s risk vs. reward. As a Dodger, Brock used to throw 91 MPH. Now he is at 97 MPH. BTW! Brock loves the Dodgers: “I loved my time with the Dodgers. That’s about as big league as you get: Dodger Stadium, and Hollywood.” Then he blew his elbow out, but now he is back and one of the best relievers in baseball. He is virtually unhittable. Arm injuries will continue to mount. Friedman is ahead of the curve with a battalion of arms in the systems of all shapes and sizes!
- BTW, when Trout signed his extension, I said it would be a boat anchor. It’s even worse then I thought.
Minor League Report
- OKC BOX – Miguel Vargas hit leadoff and was 1-3 with a BB (.313 BA/1.053 OPS). John Rooney coughed up 2 runs for the loss.
- TULSA BOX – FLASH: Cartyaya got a hit (.133 BA). Wrobleski got rocked for 4 runs and everyone else was sleepwalking.
- GREAT LAKES BOX – Ferris was shakey 4 H, 4 ER, 3 BB in 3 IP, but the Loons won as they scored 6 runs. Karros goes today.
- RANCHO CUCAMONGA BOX – Rancho was smoked 14-6. Kendall George was 2-6 with 4 Ks. Perez continues to rake and Carlos Duran was absolutely rocked – 1.2 IP/4 H/5 ER/2 BB.
BA’s Top 20 Fast-Rising Prospects
6. Jeral Perez, 2B, Dodgers
Team: Low-A Rancho Cucamonga (California)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: .360/.467/.800 (9-for-25), 6 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 6 RBIs, 5 BB, 4 SO, 1-for-2 SB
The Scoop: If you read Dylan White’s weekly RoboScout article on Monday, then you already know about the arrow pointing up on Perez. He’s been one of the best ball-strikers in the minors in the early going, posting an average exit velocity of 91.2 mph, which is the same figure fellow Hot Sheeter Orelvis Martinez has produced so far this season. The power should come as no surprise, given that his 11 home runs in the Arizona Complex League in 2023 were tied with Rangers prospect Echedry Vargas for the most on the circuit. (JN)
Watch for Matt”Tugboat” Wilkinson
He’s the next big thing: WSJ Article. From 2015:
This is now:
Glad to hear your Doc will help you out. Will be praying for a successful result. Get healthy and enjoy your family.
Update above about Brock Stewart.
Wow. Brock Stewart, I thought he was out of baseball. Come to find out he was in 28 games for the Twins last year.
This season he has appeared in 12 games for the Twins and hasn’t allowed a run. If memory serves he got knocked around pretty good when he was a Dodger in 2019. Kudos to him for sticking with it.
Wishing you good health and a speedy recovery! We need you at full strength for controversial commentary.
Wednesday Dodger Minor League Schedule
9 a.m. PT: Tulsa (Ben Casparius) vs. Springfield (Tekoah Roby)
9:05 a.m.: Oklahoma City (Dinelson Lamet) vs. Salt Lake (TBD)
10:10 a.m.: Great Lakes (Jared Karros) at Wisconsin (Patricio Aquino)
7:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (TBD) at Modesto (Tyler Gough)
Dustin May could start throwing off a mound in “a week to 10 days,” Dave Roberts said. Has been working out at Camelback Ranch and is at Chase Field today.
Clayton Kershaw is close to starting up bullpen sessions, as well.
Bobby Miller is throwing, but not off a mound.
Astros to option former MVP
Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors
By Darragh McDonald | Last updated 4/30/24
“First baseman José Abreu is not with the Astros and will be optioned to West Palm Beach on Wednesday. As a veteran with over five years of major league service time, Abreu cannot be optioned without his consent but agreed to be sent down in an attempt to overcome his struggles. Chandler Rome of The Athletic was among those to relay the news on X”.
Before possibly releasing Chris Taylor I wonder would he agree to be optioned and go to Glendale and try to improve his swing and confidence
Encouraging news about May and Kersh.
Not so on Bobby Miller IMHO. Was thought to be back quickly but it is already a month now and not yet throwing off a mound. Does not sound good.
Best wishes to you Mark for your procedure on Friday. BTW, is that similar to what Kenley Jansen had couple years back ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!1
Agree great news about May and Kershaw. Need Treinen and Graterol back and in form. Sounds very disappointing for Miller.
As big a star as Ohtani is it just feels disappointing that he is not impacting games in clutch situations. With just 2-3 key hits he would have changed 2-3 games. Is that too much to ask for 700 million? I guess if things do even out he will have a great run at some point.
Ohtani is simply too smart and talented to accept what’s happening now. And I believe his competitiveness will spur him on to do whatever it takes to reverse the results he’s had so far with men on base.
We shall see.
What about his famed Asian work ethic?
Who was the guy who was on that trope? Is he/she one of those who are beefing with Mark?
“Clutch” is pretty much a myth. What we’re seeing with Ohtani is just small sample size variance. Ohtani is fine; and, will be fine. Just sit back and enjoy.
god speed mark! it looks like the dodgers will eventually need at least one bullpen arm , maybe 2. no reclamation projects please! and no, not kenley! loved the guy, but LA has to move on from him. last night was a tough one to swallow, sh-t happens! dodger s have been playing better against lefties but still could use another right handed hitter. (vargas?) i don’t understand why pages would be in consideration to be sent back down when heyward comes back!! if he’s playing then like he is now that’s crazy !! if James continues to struggle it’s either him or taylor that needs to go!! hopefully they get to montgomery early. seems like the dodgers see lefties all the time!! oh by the way in case you haven’t noticed, max fried coming to town this weekend!
Looks like we need a bullpen arm here on Dodgertalk. Good luck. See you soon
I have also seen that information about Brock Stewart where they say that with the Dodgers he threw 91 MPH.
That is wrong and false, with the Dodgers he threw 94-95 MPH and occasionally touched 97 MPH, to corroborate this just go to You Tube and watch his videos when he was in LAD
Here’s the article:
https://www.gazettextra.com/sports/national/bill-shaikin-risk-and-reward-this-ex-dodger-used-to-throw-91-mph-now-he/article_5a86f17b-869e-5b9e-98fe-22d5131d79b3.html#:~:text=Log%20In-,Bill%20Shaikin%3A%20Risk%20and%20reward%3A%20This%20ex%2DDodger%20used,Now%20he%20throws%2097&text=LOS%20ANGELES%20%2D%2D%20Brock%20Stewart,story%2C%20and%20a%20good%20one.
They say that his average fastball was 93 and dipped to 91.
According to Baseball Savant: https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/brock-stewart-592779?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb
here is what his average fastball was:
2016- 93.9
2017 – 93.7
2018 – 90.9
2019 – 91.7
2020 – 2022 – OUT OF BASEBALL REHABBING
2023 – 97.3
2024 – 97.5
That seems to confirm what the article was saying.
Is tonight the night we see Outman, Lux, and Muncy all on the bench?
CT3 might need to pull an Abreu and agree to a AZ assignment.
Lux, Outman, and Taylor could all be off the 26-man by the All-Star Break… and none have trade value.
“When you watch any of them swing, are you confident they will figure it out?”
I’m not.
The Dodgers could have an All RH outfield soon enough with no platoons.
LF – Vargas
CF – Pages
RF – Teoscar
Whether it’s Vargas or not, a good-hitting LF must be found. And if Lux is jettisoned, who plays 2B full-time? Rojas? Can he continue batting an .800 OPS ..and would his body really hold up well enough at his age to play there full-time for at least half a season? Seems very risky…
He doesn’t need to play every day. Hernandez can spell him. If Lux and Taylor move on, they could always recall Chris Owings. He has MLB experience. Can play SS, 2B and has been playing some outfield at OKC. I believe they are making the right move putting Mookie at SS and not moving him around.
You’re right, Kiki can spell Rojas too. Besides Owings at OKC, why not Lipcius as an option to play 2B?
I still can’t decide is Andre is a prospect or an opportunistic AAAA player. He will be 26 this month.
In 106 ABs he has 9 HR – 12 is has career high and that was in 4 Times the ABs.
He has struck out at 20% or less in the past, but this year is pushing 30%. So, I assume the Dodgers are working on his swing. I would be surprised if he gets called up this soon, but you never know.
Vargas, Pages, and Hernandez? Not a very good defensive outfield. Pages is better at one of the corners. Graterol probably won’t be back before August the way things are going. Whatever holes there are by the trade deadline I think AF will make the moves he needs to make. Although fans might be, it doesn’t seem the front office is panicking at all. Angels added Willie Calhoun and Kevin Pillar to their outfield mix. Trout will be out at least two months. I am giving Ohtani a little time to figure this out. With the Angels, he was never in very many important games. Pages took one off of his wrist last night and looked like it did not bother him at all. Talking about AAA players who are raking, what about Ryan Ward? He has been mashing the ball. He has 11 homers, and 30 driven in. Vargas has nothing to prove in AAA. He has shown he can hit pitchers at that level. Whether or not he has the same success at the major league level remains to be seen. Whether he gets his shot this year, iffy, or next, remains to be seen. One thing for certain, the later he is called up, the shorter his runway is. He won’t get the same shot as Pages unless there is an injury. Just my opinion. Best of luck with your surgery Mark.
I have watched Miguel quite a bit this year. He has good speed, and he is now getting good breaks on balls. I think he can be an above-average LF’er. He is settling in at the position.
Still doesn’t make Pages into a good centerfielder. Looks like he does not get good reads on balls hit his way. With Hernandez here for only one year, I can’t see them playing Miggy in left or right. Outman is the best centerfielder on the team at this point. Next best is Heyward, then Kike and Taylor. I still think they wait until next year unless someone goes down to an injury.
Still doesn’t make Pages into a good centerfielder. Looks like he does not get good reads on balls hit his way. With Hernandez here for only one year, I can’t see them playing Miggy in left or right. Outman is the best centerfielder on the team at this point. Next best is Heyward, then Kike and Taylor. I still think they wait until next year unless someone goes down to an injury.
9:40 PM ET
Dodgers (19-13)
Diamondbacks (14-17)
SP Y. Yamamoto R
2-1 3.54 ERA
SP J. Montgomery L
1-1 2.77 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
RF T. Hernandez R
3B E. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
2B Miguel Rojas R
LF Chris Taylor R
C A. Barnes R
In Domed Stadium
NO Ohtani
Receiving first day off
May 1, 2024
Ohtani is out of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Diamondbacks, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
“It hasn’t been reported that Ohtani is dealing with any type of injury, so he’s presumably just receiving his first rest day of the season. Ohtani still has a 1.017 OPS on the campaign but has gone 5-for-26 over the past six games, and Thursday’s team off day will provide a chance for two straight days to reset. Will Smith will rest his legs as the designated hitter while Austin Barnes starts behind the plate”.
wouldn’t it be something if our outfield was vargas, outman, and pages? of course all 3 being productive. all home grown. all with good speed. wouldn’t that be something?
mason miller looks so good in oakland! aand no , they ain’t trading that kid! even if they would it would take a king’s ransom! i have a soft spot in my heart for tha A’S. my youngest son was a 35th round draft pick for them. didn’t make it to the show, butit sure was a great ride!
It’s something to even be a draft pick. The level of talent it requires is amazing!
When I was in grad school my next door neighbor was on the baseball team. He got drafted by the A’s. Was invited to spring training one year and I believe he was the last player cut.
Another pitcher maybe headed to the IL:
Bill Plunkett
@billplunkettocr
#Dodgers Dave Roberts said Joe Kelly felt something in his right groin muscle while fielding bunt in the 7th inning. Won’t be available Wednesday. Will be re-evaluated.
Should be getting Treienen back soon after his 4th semi-successful rebab appearance today.
Matter of time for Kelly. Everyone had to know it was coming. 9 million for 20 innings sounds about right. Kike is a good centerfielder. Eventually, Vargas, Teo, pages in the of with Outman, Heyward, kike, and Barnes on the bench.
From the Dodger Official Page:
May 1: RHP J.P. Feyereisen recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City; RHP Landon Knack optioned to Triple-A
This is the third stint with the Dodgers this season for Feyereisen. He gave up three runs in one inning in the second game of the Seoul Series before being sent down to OKC, then he was recalled on April 13 and gave up three runs in one-third of an inning in his only appearance before being sent down again.
Knack, 26 and ranked by MLB Pipeline as the club’s No. 13 prospect, found himself in a rotation that is missing injured pitchers Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, and acquitted himself well, posting a 2.81 ERA over three starts. But the Dodgers’ bullpen is just as depleted as their rotation, so this move was more about needing a fresh relief arm.
Let’s hope JP is ready!
Knack going down means Buehler coming up.
We are settling into our new house. Excuse the mess… but my office is coming together.
You are not an APPLE household, I see.
Ok. Pages for ROY!
He has that slow heartbeat in the clutch!
Impressive opening act by Pages in his ML career.
His batting skills are legit.
Rojas making a case to play every day.
… at least platoon.
Sure looks like we scored a good one with Pages
So many good ones.
Kind of liking Miggy Rojas, plus the dude has a stellar glove . Needs some more playing time. Liking us right now., bullpen is hangin better without two huge pieces, Trienen and Graterol. Say what you want about Roberts, the ones that call for his ass are so shortsighted. If you would truly pay attention you will see him and Freidman are playing the long game for October, trotting guys out there that suck right now, but they have to know what they have before they make any big time moves. Dave Vasseghe in Dodger talk is about the closest reporter you’ll get to the team, He always says that what you see on the roster will be way different than what you will see come late September. I believe that, so many variables and so many players to figure out,. You can cap on Doc all you want, but when you say fire the guy you are telling me you haven’t done the true research on how the team rolls , just a knee jerk reaction. And like Colletti always preaches, if you’re gonna make a move, you better be DAMN sure you are replacing him with somebody way better. Looking around ,I don’t see anybody even close who could handle the Dodger pressure cooker.
What we all have been waiting for. From the Official Dodger Page:
“May 1: RHP Walker Buehler to start for Dodgers Monday
Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Buehler will be called up and start for the Dodgers on Monday at Dodger Stadium against the Marlins.
Buehler, who last appeared in the big leagues on June 10, 2022, has been recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. He had the procedure after being drafted in 2015 and then again in August 2022. He made his sixth rehab appearance on Tuesday, and his performance followed by healthy recovery was enough to convince the Dodgers he is ready.
“I was really impressed because he was pitching,” Roberts said. “I thought he used his entire pitch mix really well, and the velocity was still there and he was getting outs. So last night I thought was clearly his best one.”
Roberts said he expects Buehler to have some nerves after such a long absence, but he’s sure it’s nothing the 29-year-old can’t overcome.
“I’m sure there’s going to be some anxiousness, some nerves that there naturally should be until you get a couple starts under your belt. Clayton Kershaw is going to have that when he comes back, so if he’s going to have that then sure as heck Walker is going to have that, which is normal.”