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Hey everybody and happy Wednesday! The M’s have a rare off-day on this Wednesday as they prep for a weekend series in Kansas City. Until then, here’s the latest from around baseball.
In Mariners news...
- The Mariners are one of the most clutch teams in MLB history.
In 25 of Seattle's 126 games this season, the @Mariners took the lead in their final at-bat to win the game (19.8%).
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) August 24, 2021
Only one team in American League history has had a higher percentage of their games end in a last at-bat victory: the Washington Senators in 1918 (20.0%).
- It’s easy to forget this was their mantra for years.
You may not like Jerry Dipoto or agree with his roster construction philosophy, but "his" Mariners are doing exactly what he said they would do from Day 1 -- control the zone.
— Ryan Blake (@_ryan_blake) August 24, 2021
Here's a look at the Mariners last 162 games by my pitch selection metric. pic.twitter.com/A1CbodI1xE
Around the league...
- Eno Sarris at The Athletic checks in on the state of the foreign substance craze in baseball and how players might be adjusting with the new guidelines in place. ($)
- The Mariners may have some competition within their own division this winter: Rangers GM Chris Young says the Rangers expect to be pretty active in free agency this year.
- This former Mariner is approaching a dubious record.
important thing to watch: Padres RHP Austin Adams has already set an MLB record for most HBPs in a single-season by a reliever with 17 (!!!!!)
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) August 24, 2021
the modern single-season HBP record for all pitchers is 21, held by Kerry Wood (2003) and Tom Murphy (1969), who both threw 200+ IP
- We have our second official foreign substance suspension.
Diamondbacks pitcher Caleb Smith has been suspended 10 games for having a foreign substance on his glove, a source said. The suspension is pending an appeal.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 24, 2021
- Yadier Molina will be sticking around in St. Louis for another year.
The Cardinals have agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract extension with Yadier Molina, sources tell The Athletic.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) August 24, 2021
Anders’ picks...
- In case you missed it, the former NBA star will be playing collegiate golf this school year.
The NCAA has cleared J.R. Smith to play golf for the NC A&T Aggies pic.twitter.com/vLP8y4Lm35
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 24, 2021