1. Trout Is Out…Of The MVP Race?
Mike Trout has landed on the disabled list, again, this time with right wrist inflammation. Trout actually hasn’t played since August 1st, and honestly, with the Angels lackluster season, it isn’t going to matter much for The Angels playoff hopes. With that being said, it matters a metric ton to the MVP voting, which at the time of writing is currently off the board, which is why this article is coming out a little bit late, as I was hoping to give you all a breakdown of the new market.
ANAHEIM — The Angels will have to carry on without Mike Trout for longer than they had hoped. Trout was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Friday with right wrist inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 6.
Trout has not played since Aug. 1 after jamming his wrist on an awkward feet-first slide into third base during a game against the Rays. Trout received a cortisone injection on Monday, and the Angels were initially optimistic that the 27-year-old center fielder would be able to avoid the disabled list and return to action for this weekend’s series against the A’s.
Friday’s transaction means Trout won’t be eligible to return until Aug. 16. It is only Trout’s second career stint on the disabled list. He missed nearly seven weeks last season after tearing a thumb ligament on a head-first slide into second base on a stolen-base attempt.
The Angels have gone 4-3 in their first seven games without Trout in their lineup. He is batting .309 with an MLB-high 1.083 OPS, 30 home runs and 60 RBIs in 109 games this season. *Via Maria Guardado of MLB.com
With Trout essentially kissing the title goodbye, The AL MVP will likely come down to Jose Ramirez, JD Martinez, or possibly an outside shot from Francisco Lindor. If you took a share of Trout MVP to pay for another longshot, now is the time to take a flier on one of-if not both-Ramirez and Martinez.
2. Kenley Jansen’s Heartbeat Ain’t Great
If anyone has ever gotten sick in elevation in Colorado, you know how miserable an experience elevation sickness can be. Kenley Jansen had a flare up of such an issue with an irregular heartbeat after the teams visit to Coors Field. This isn’t the first time Jansen has had issues with this issue, going to the hospital for an irregular heartbeat in both 2011 and ’12. Jansen also had problems at Coors Field in 2012, when he felt an irregular heartbeat during a game, while also feeling out of breath on every pitch he made.
Jansen underwent heart surgery in October 2012 and hasn’t had an episode since, according to Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi. Roberts said Jansen had his heart medication with him.
“I think he’s had some discomfort with the altitude in the past, but beyond that, we don’t really know,” Zaidi said. “We’re just glad he felt something, got help right away and he’s feeling pretty normal right now from what we understand.” *Via MLB.com
This is something of a huge blow to The Dodgers, who are in the midst of a pennant race, although they are still the favorites to win the National League.
Jansen is expected to miss around a month of action while undergoing treatment for an irregular heartbeat condition that’s also popped up on occasion for him in the past. Scott Alexander is expected to be the first choice for saves in the Dodgers’ bullpen while the All-Star closer is on the shelf. *Via Rotoworld.com
3. Players Weekend Is here
If you’re not familiar with players weekend and are a die-hard MLB fan with illusions of protecting the game and it being played “the right way” you’re probably going to hate it. For the second consecutive year, Major Leaguers will put their personalities and passions on the field when Players’ Weekend takes center stage during all games from Friday, Aug. 24, through Sunday, Aug. 26. Players will be able to put their nicknames on the back of their jerseys all weekend, and there are some great ones out there, Travis Shaw will wear a Mayor Of Ding Dong City jersey, but Diamondbacks pitcher Brad Boxburger will take the cake-or burger (get it?)
The full list of MLB players nicknames can be found here.
Here is the full article of everything you need to know about Players Weekend.
Buy Players Weekend gear here.
