The long-term deals signed last winter have turned into one of the ugliest in recent memory, from the teams’ perspectives.
The Nationals get Mark Melancon, a reliever who has been as good as Aroldis Chapman.
Stephen Strasburg’s perfect season gets befouled. Meanwhile, a baseball traveled 484 feet and Francisco Liriano righted himself.
Stephen Strasburg coasts to a record win, Ryon Healy gets his first big-league knock, and Santiago Casilla balks his way out of extra innings.
Notable starts this week from Stephen Strasburg, Dallas Keuchel and Anthony DeSclafani
Colon/Giolito is a dud, but the game is wildy satisfying nonetheless. Meanwhile, Glasnow debuts, Trout steals home, and the Cubs keep slouching toward San Diego.
June in Clayton Kershaw’s Zone 12 pitching.
Scherzer threatens another signature start, the Dodgers dip toward .500, and Whit Merrifield is a thing.
Just throw it against the wall and see what sticks / Gotta write a hit / I think this is it / It’s a hit.
Carl Crawford’s tumultuous time in Tinsel Town comes to an end and Trea Turner gets the call.
The teams that are doing things radically different than last year, and whether they mean anything.
Chase Anderson (almost) shuts down the Cubs, Scherzer vs. Syndergaard lives up to the billing, and Kershaw vs. Trout lives up to Kershaw.
Standout arms (for good or ill) from this week, including, duh, Max Scherzer. Also Aroldis Chapman (good) and Luis Severino and Derek Holland (ill).
20 Ks, y’all, 20 Ks. Also: Good for the Astros, Good for the Giants, Good for the Mariners.
Washington Nationals