The MLB Season Is Off and Running Down Under
After much anticipation, the 2014 MLB Season is underway. After an hour delay, the action began at 5am ET at the Sydney Cricket Grounds between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scott Van Slyke won the evening offensively going 2-3 with a double and a two run shot. Clayton Kershaw threw 6 2/3 innings of one run ball, striking out seven. Following him was the dominant bullpen of Chris Perez, Brian Wilson and Kenley Jenson. Wade Miley started for Arizona and allowed three runs on three hits through 5 innings. It was offensively quiet as Mark Trumbo drove in the only run via ground out. Game two of the two game series is on tonight at 10 pm ET.
Tigers' Bruce Rondon to have Season Ending Surgery
The Detroit Tigers bullpen took a blow as it was announced that Bruce Rondon will have Tommy John Surgery next week and miss the '14 season. Rondon joins a growing list of pitchers that will miss the season due to the surgery (Patrick Corbin, Kris Medlen, Bruce Beachy, Jarrod Parker). Rondon was expected to have set up duties behind closer Joe Nathan.
Ortiz, Red Sox Close to Extension
David Ortiz and the Red Sox are close to adding another year on to his current deal which will look to pay him $15 million next season. Ortiz is coming off a very productive '13 campaign where he hit .309 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs for the championship club.
Chapman on the Mend
Aroldis Chapman has undergone a successful operation to repair a broken bone above his left eye after being struck with a comebacker off of Kansas City's Salvador Perez last week. It's expected Chapman will need 4-6 weeks until he is ready to return to game action. Meanwhile Perez has been keeping informed of the progress and visiting Chapman in the hospital.
