A Dominican record, Pudge the fan and Lindor gets another opinion
By Tab Bamford
Dominican Strong
This year marked the first Opening Day a country outside the United States had more than 100 players on major league rosters (including injured reserve).
This year there were 102 Dominican Republic players on #OpeningDay rosters and inactive lists.
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) March 29, 2019
It's the first time any country or territory outside of the U.S passed the 100 player mark. pic.twitter.com/VxmnqDFmI7
Lindor back soon?
Francisco Lindor hasn’t made his 2019 debut yet. A calf strain limited him during spring training, and he sprained an ankle while coming back from that injury. On Monday he will reportedly get a second opinion on the severity of the ankle injury. We hope to see Mr. Smile in the lineup soon!
Dad in the stands
Dereck Rodríguez made his first start of the year on Saturday for the Giants. He picked up the win. There was a proud Hall of Famer in the stands to cheer for DRod.
Proud dad here ⚾️?? Orgulloso de ti hijo DTB Love you ? @DereckrodRF3 pic.twitter.com/J1u3pjHxMH
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) March 31, 2019
Ready to see @DereckrodRF3 play tonight ⚾️?? excited for this opportunity thank you God for allowing me to be part of this @SFGiants @Padres Aquí ya listos pal juego de esta noche! Bendiciones @DereckrodRF3 pic.twitter.com/VhOtyfjHVs
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) March 31, 2019
Cuban Power
The White Sox won two of three in Kansas City to open the season, and the offensive leaders had something in common. Chicago’s Cubans connected in a big way at Kauffman Stadium.
#WhiteSox this season: 4 HR this season - all by Cuban-born players
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) March 31, 2019
José Abreu, Yoán Moncada, José Abreu, Yonder Alonso
Cincinnati Welcome
Yasiel Puig opened the season in red, not Dodger blue, for the first time in his career. The entire city is excited to have the outfielder in town – and Puig picked up a new kit for his collection.
#TeamCincinnati ⚾️⚽️ https://t.co/yzWR6qYBCE
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 1, 2019
Fan Post of the Day
The Yankees had some of their biggest fans in attendance over the weekend. Unfortunately, JLo didn’t get to see a pinstripe victory.
Pro Post of the Day
It was a wild weekend at Chavez Ravine for the Dodgers and DBacks. Home run records were set, and both teams used a catcher on the mound. As usual, Kiké Hernández took it all in stride with a smile.
When your friends throw a party, don’t invite you, but you still show up anyways!! pic.twitter.com/pThP6dBJlu
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) March 31, 2019
OTD
2011 – Félix Hernández started his defense of his AL Cy Young Award with the first Opening Day complete game in Mariners history. Seattle defeated Oakland 6-2.
2011 – Led by two home runs from rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia and a strong pitching performance from Ricky Romero the Blue Jays defeat the Twins 13-3 in their home opener.
Happy Birthday!
José Martínez, the pitcher from the Dominican (b. 1971)
Manny Castillo (b. 1957)
Willie Montañez (b. 1948)
Featured Image: Ed Zurga / Getty Images Sport