Let’s start a new week off with some of the latest MLB news and notes, including a history-making run for a member of the Chicago Cubs, prospect news for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a sign of life from the San Diego Padres.
Chicago Cubs news: Christopher Morel makes franchise history
There was plenty of discussion about what kind of impact Morel would make this season when the Cubs called him up on May 8. Since then, the 23-year-old Morel has not only given the Cubs a big boost, but also made history in the process as well.
In Philadelphia’s 2-1 home over the Cubs on Sunday, Morel provided all of the offense for Chicago on the day with a solo homer. It was also a homer that would Morel into a class of his own.
Christopher Morel is the first Cub in franchise history (since 1901) to record eight home runs in the first 11 games of a season! pic.twitter.com/zwZWl3NSw3
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 21, 2023
Now the question becomes if Cubs manager David Ross can actually find a way to get Morel playing time on a crowded roster. The way he is hitting, it seems tough for Ross to do anything but play him moving forward. Will he thought? We’ll see.
Los Angeles Dodgers news: Time is now for pitching prospects
With the Dodgers needing to find healthy arms and a big road series with the Atlanta Braves looming, it appears Los Angeles will turn to youth in order to hopefully give them a boost.
Here they come.
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 21, 2023
Gavin Stone (MLB's No. 44 prospect) will start for the Dodgers on Monday, Dave Roberts confirmed, and Bobby Miller (MLB's No. 19) will reportedly debut on Tuesday.
Details: https://t.co/bhzIGGVxGQ pic.twitter.com/caRMnuTe8M
Stone has started one game this season for L.A., allowing eight hits and five runs (four earned) against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 3. Now Stone will get another chance at an NL East opponent, and will then be followed by Miller, the club’s top pitching prospect.
Dodgers-Braves already had plenty of intrigue as a battle of two division leaders. Now it has even more as the future of the Dodgers rotation will be on display at Truist Park.
MLB news: San Diego Padres finally get some runs
The Padres came into Sunday’s action with a 20-26 mark and 8.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. One of the big reasons for San Diego’s issues? An offense that has scored just 3.80 runs per game, ranking them 26th out of MLB’s 30 teams in that department.
How bad has it been for the Padres? Check out this note from Sunday.
The Padres lead 4-0 in the first inning after Rougned Odor's bases-loaded double.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) May 21, 2023
This is their first four-run inning anywhere besides Mexico City.
There is still time for the Padres, who were expected to be an offensive juggernaut this season, to get back in the race, but it’s going to take more innings like that for it to actually happen.