Cookie returns, Venezuela keeps dancing, Puig takes NY
By Tab Bamford

Cookie’s comeback begins
Carlos Carrasco appeared in a game for the first time since being diagnosed with leukemia in June. He came out of the bullpen for the Akron RubberDucks.
Carrasco got another standing ovation after finishing a strong inning.
Carlos Carrasco finishes off his inning with a strikeout and a roaring ovation. He threw 16 pitches, 9 for strikes.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) August 20, 2019
0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K pic.twitter.com/FQO2RGMoRF
After the game, he spoke about the appearance. His fastball hit 97, which is a great sign. We’re rooting for you, Cookie!
Carrasco on hitting 97 mph on his first pitch: pic.twitter.com/VVNDdpLiwr
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) August 20, 2019
Keep dancin’
The kids from Venezuela came back to beat Mexico at the Little League World Series on Monday. Their handshake game might be the strongest in the entire tournament.
Albert takes two
Albert Pujols stealing bases? In 2019? If you needed video evidence, here it is:
? ALBERT PUJOLS STEAL ? pic.twitter.com/mTB1Bro56b
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2019
Puig Your Tour Guide
Yasiel Puig continues living his best life. He had a busy offday in New York. They visited Wall Street.
Took a helicopter ride.
Visited the September 11 Memorial.
And he hosted a dance party at Camp Simcha, a camp for kids/teens dealing with childhood cancer and chronic illness.
Pro Post of the Day
Gleyber Torres shared this great photo of the Yankees flying in style. Are they playing in Oakland or joining a bowling league?
Fan Post of the Day
This fan is absolutely doing it right at a recent Copa de la Diversión game hosted by the Lancaster JetHawks (aka Viento).
OTD
2018 – Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen returns after missing two weeks due to an irregular heartbeat. He gave up two home runs to the Cardinals in a 5-3 loss.
2009 – Astros starter Wandy Rodríguez retired 15 consecutive batters to lead Houston to a 4-1 win over the Marlins in which the Astros allowed only four hits. Florida came in with a 15-game streak of at least 10 hits, the longest such streak since the St. Louis Browns set the record with 18 consecutive such games in 1937.
2009 – Francisco Rodríguez pitched a perfect ninth for his 48th save, establishing a new Angels franchise record.
1996 – Sammy Sosa’s season ended when a hit-by-pitch resulted in a broken wrist. The HBP happened with the bases loaded in the first inning; Sosa picked up his 100th RBI of the season on the play. He had appeared in 304 consecutive games.
1995 – Indians closer José Mesa set a major league record with 37 saves in 37 games.
1980 – Pittsburgh’s Omar Moreno became the first player in the 20th century to steal 70 bases in three consecutive seasons.
Happy Birthday!
Frank Gracesqui (b. 1979)
Israel Sánchez (b. 1963)
José Cecena (b. 1963)
Bobby Cuellar (b. 1952)
Al López (b. 1908)
Featured Image: Minor League Baseball Twitter