MLB News

As teams hit the quarter mark of the season, fans are starting to get a better idea of the contenders versus the pretenders. While most of the focus is on the play on the field, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from around the league this week.

Seager Fractures Hand

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a huge blow this week as shortstop Corey Seager was put on the injured list with a fracture in his right hand. The injury was suffered on Saturday when he was hit by a pitch on his hand by the Marlins’ Ross Detwiler.

The fortunate news for Los Angeles is that, according to manager Dave Roberts, the injury will not require surgery. Still, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports that he will likely be out for at least a month.
The 27-year-old Seager has gotten off to a nice start this season. He is currently hitting .265/.361/.422 with four home runs, 22 runs batted in, and 20 runs scored.

In his place, Gavin Lux will likely take over shortstop duties. In 101 at-bats this season, Lux is hitting .228/.266/.317 with a home run and 13 runs batted in.

Dodgers Bring In Pujols, Tsutsugo

While the Dodgers may have lost Seager, they also made a couple of additions this week. The most notable is bringing in future Hall-of-Famer Albert Pujols.

According to Jorge Castillo of the LA Times, the two sides agreed on a major league deal after Pujols cleared waivers following his release from the Los Angeles Angels.

Pujols, currently 41-years-old, is hardly the player that he used to be, but the Dodgers are hoping that the slugger can benefit the team in a part-time role this season.

With the Angels, in 86 at-bats, Pujols hit .198/.250/.372, but he did have five home runs and 12 runs batted in.
Pujols isn’t the only player Los Angeles brought in this week. The Dodgers also made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire Yoshi Tsutsugo.

In the deal, the Dodgers gave up a player to be named later or the possibility of cash considerations.
Primarily a designated hitter or first baseman, Tsutsugo was hitting just .167/.244/.218 with no home runs in 78 at-bats this season.

The 29-year-old, who was a star in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, will look to prove that he belongs in the majors as he switches both coastlines and leagues with the switch from Tampa Bay to Los Angeles.

Athletics Looking For New Home

The Las Vegas Raiders recently moved out of their home in Oakland in the NFL, and it appears that the Oakland Athletics might not be too far behind them. As the Athletics and the city of Oakland discuss a $12-billion proposal for a new stadium, MLB appears to be taking a different stance.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, it appears that MLB has told the ball club to consider other options for relocation. He also reports that, like the Raiders, Las Vegas may be one of the more viable options.

In response, the city of Oakland has indicated that they are willing to negotiate a deal that will work for both sides so that Athletics can stay in Oakland. Still, with an old and outdated Coliseum currently serving as its home, the Athletics and Major League Baseball will hope for a resolution sooner than later.