Laureano strikes again, Astudillo is clutch, Cuba announced available players
By Tab Bamford
What a throw!
Oakland’s Ramón Laureano showed off one of the most impressive arms in the big leagues last year after the A’s called him up. On Monday he threw out Boston’s Xander Bogaerts at the plate on a throw that StatCast clocked at better than 96 mph from right field. He picked on Bogaerts again Tuesday, throwing the shortstop out at third.
Coming soon – from Cuba
The Cuban Baseball Federation announced the list of players who would be available to sign with MLB clubs soon.
? Federación Cubana de Béisbol publicó lista de peloteros que están disponibles para ser contratados por equipos de Grandes Ligas ??#Cuba
— Silvia Colunga ?? (@SilviaColungaSC) April 2, 2019
⚾https://t.co/oZzsZtKnIq
? Cuban Baseball Federation announced the list of players that would be available to sign with Major Leagues ??#US pic.twitter.com/Q6dRutAMrJ
Touch ’em all
Adalberto Mondesi is known for his speed, which was on display Tuesday when he hit an inside-the-park home run.
It’s La Tortuga’s world
Willians Astudillo continues to be one of the most entertaining players in baseball. He’s making an impact for the Twins. He drove in a big run in extra innings Tuesday as Minnesota won again.
Another day, another extension
Hours after Atlanta agreed to a long-term contract with Ronald Acuña, Jr., the Colorado Rockies reportedly locked up one of their young starters. According to Jeff Passan, Germán Márquez has agreed to a five-year, $43 million contract extension.
Starter Germán Márquez and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a five-year, $43M contract extension, pending a physical, league sources with knowledge of the deal tell ESPN. It includes a club option that can vest into a mutual option if he has two top-3 Cy Young finishes.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2019
Fan Post of the Day
Colombia is an emerging hotbed for baseball. These kids look ready to follow Jorge Alfaro or José Quintana to the big leagues.
Pro Post of the Day
Yasiel Puig was thrilled to get his first knock of the year.
OTD
2012 – Alfredo Despaigne of Granma hit his 34th homer of the year, reclaiming the Cuban single-season home run record he had previously held until José Abreu and Yoennis Céspedes set a new mark the previous season.
2011 – In his first career start at first base, the Indians’ Carlos Santana started a triple play against the White Sox. Santana dove to catch a popped-up bunt attempt in the fourth inning off the bat of Alexei Ramirez.
2000 – Andres Galarraga hit a home run in his first game back after missing the entire 1999 season following cancer surgery as the Braves defeat the Rockies, 2 – 0.
1998 – Brewers shortstop José Valentín hit three home runs and drove in five runs to lead Milwaukee to a 7-1 victory over the Florida Marlins.
Happy Birthday!
Víctor Alcántara (b. 1993)
Quilvio Veras (b. 1971)
Danny León (b. 1967)
Miguel García (b. 1967)
Featured Image: Ramón Laureano Instagram