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Astros News
- Yesterday’s game had a couple of less-than-ideal outcomes, starting with the 3-1 loss (MLB.com)
- But probably bigger than that is that Verlander exited early with a sore triceps muscle (Astros.com)
- Which might temporarily bump LMJ up in the rotation, so here’s a look at how he has evolved (The Athletic, $$$)
- Here’s a fun interview with Joe Smith, who was quizzed on how well he knew Joe Smith (Astros.com)
- Forrest Whitley has taken it slow this spring and isn’t looking to start 2020 on the MLB roster, but it’s all part of the plan (Texas Sports Nation, $$$)
- The A’s think that the Astros’ tears of infinite sadness will line their path to an AL West crown this season (USA Today)
- Meanwhile, Joe Maddon has pledged to keep the Angels from plunking our players in retaliation (Bleacher Report)
- Collin McHugh talked with the Boston media about the scandal, noting that he wishes the pitching staff would have done more to stop it (Houston Chronicle)
- Speaking of things that won’t die, the Astros will be hosting a ghost tour of Minute Maid Park this season (ABC 13)
- If you’re heading to Spring Training, be aware the Astros have changed their autograph protocols thanks to the virus outbreak (KHOU 11)
Around the League
- In an extremely scary moment, Willie Calhoun took a ball off the face in a game against the Dodgers yesterday, breaking his jaw (MLB.com)
- Which signaled that it may be time to integrate safer helmets for players (Sporting News)
- Manfred will address COVID-19 concerns for the upcoming season with owners, but plans to start on time (The Athletic, $$$)
- One possible change is that teams are considering restricting locker room access (Houston Chronicle)
- Meanwhile Japan has had to delay their Opening Day because of the pandemic (ESPN)
- The Yankees are one of the top teams in the league if they can only stay healthy (538 Sports)
- Which doesn’t seem likely after Judge was diagnosed with a fractured rib this weekend (AP News)
- Followed by Gary Sanchez taking days off with a sore back (ESPN)
- Ironically, Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish may be the biggest retrospective beneficiaries of the cheating scandal as people rewrite their postseason legacies (The Ringer)
- Juan Soto has had his 2020 contract renewed by the Nationals and did you hear he’s only 21? (MLB Trade Rumors)
- The Orioles’ Trey Mancini has left camp with for an undisclosed, non-baseball medical procedure, and teammates are expressing concern for him (MLB.com)