We’re back for the second edition of First To Third, your three biggest takeaways from the week that was, and the weekend ahead in Major League Baseball. Since we last talked on Monday, let’s dig into the headlines and what’s ahead:
First: Ron Kulpa May Have Killed An Entire Profession
I’ve never seen an unsolicited temper tantrum like the one I saw from Ron Kulpa against Gerrit Cole. Let’s take a look at a nice thread:
this. fucking. guy. pic.twitter.com/Rdluuf5OJZ
— Calhoun (@linkcalhoun) April 4, 2019
“i can do anything i want.” – jackass pic.twitter.com/LDz0X7iXPT
— Calhoun (@linkcalhoun) April 4, 2019
Here is how Home Plate Umpire Ron Kulpa handled Gerrit Cole “going over the pitch clock” in between the 4th inning. Cole was interrupted during his warm-up pitches. 🧐 #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/hVPVG7aPLC
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) April 4, 2019
There’s tons more video’s out there, but you get the point. I’m not sure how he possibly still has a job, but it’s a black eye for the sport and a call to arms for those clamoring for automated balls and strikes. We may get there sooner rather than later if this continues.
Inject the robot umps directly into my veins. pic.twitter.com/AUnrXJ9W8i
— Rob Pizzola (@robpizzola) April 1, 2019
To: Down Goes Turner
Here is a closer look at Trea Turner’s finger injury suffered on his bunt attempt. Could be broken.
He headed to the locker room shortly after, visibly frustrated. Tough break for the #Nationals. pic.twitter.com/vRhMzY9Pia
— Snack Time Fantasy (@Snack_TimeFS) April 3, 2019
Absolutely brutal break for The Nationals, as Trea Turner suffered a non-displaced fracture of his right index finger. His timetable is somewhere in the realm of 4-6 weeks, but it’s something that can linger on much longer. If you wagered on any player to have more than 50 stolen bases-YES, your best bet just went up in flames. Turner was turning in an MVP candidate year already, with a .357 BA 2 HR 4 RBI 4SB season. He’ll be back, but the stats won’t look nearly as gaudy as they should have at seasons end.
Third: The Weekend Ahead
Seattle will send Yusei Kikuchi to the mount in his first real road test of the season against the struggling White Sox for the series opener, while the brilliant pitching of The Rockies looks to be tested at Coors for the first time against The Dodgers white hot lineup. Julio Urias will get his second start of the season on Saturday. Inter-league play is also back as Boston opens a series with Arizona, and a marquee divisional matchup takes place with The Cubs heading to Milwaukee trying to get back on track. There’s not a ton of pitching matchups that stand out this weekend, the best on the board is likely a rematch of game three for both teams as The Nationals Patrick Corbin takes on The Mets Zack Wheeler.
