Let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including tidbits on the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB news: Cincinnati Reds ready to promote prospect Matt McLain
When the Reds open a three-game series in Denver against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, Cincinnati will reportedly have one of its top five prospects as a part of the roster.
According to reports, Cincinnati will promote fifth-ranked prospect Matt McLain to take over the shortstop duties. The 23-year-old McLain finished Sunday slashing .348/.474/.710 for Triple-A Louisville this season. Those numbers include a .435/.542/.935 in 46 May at-bats.
We will be at Coors Field for Monday’s game and bring you more information on the call-up and what it means for the future in Cincinnati.
MLB news: Bryce Harper of Phillies explains Sunday issues with Rockies
Speaking of the Rockies, there were some tense moments between Colorado and Philadelphia in Sunday’s series finale in Denver, with Harper taking offense to some of the emotion being shown by Rockies reliever Jake Bird.
The benches cleared in the 7th inning. 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ag1TZDVHHW
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 14, 2023
“I get emotion. I understand getting fired up for an inning and stuff like that. But once you make it about a team or make it about yourself and the other team, that’s when I got a problem with it,” Harper told reporters on Sunday. “You guys saw my reaction. I wasn’t very happy. He did what he did and, after that, he kind of flew away and went into in the dugout.”
You can read comments from both sides of the tussle here, including what Bird said about the incident.
San Diego Padres news: Frustrations continue in Los Angeles
There were plenty of reasons to think the Padres might be one of the teams to beat in the National League in 2023. While the season is still young, there are some troubling signs already in San Diego.
After a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers in Los Angeles, the Padres are now 19-22 and trying to break a five-game losing streak. Part of the problem for San Diego this season has been the offense, especially with runners in scoring position. After posting an 0-for-9 line with RISP on Sunday, their batting average with RISP this season is .198. That simply won’t cut it for a roster loaded with All-Star talent and high salaries.
Who are three Padres who didn’t play well in San Diego? Our friends at Friars on Base shared some thoughts here.