As we head into the outer fringes of Memorial Day weekend, let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes. We’ll have a focus on pitching today with an update on a San Diego Padres injury, a Washington Nationals pitcher wearing cleats for a good cause and a flame-throwing member of the Minnesota Twins.
San Diego Padres news: Drew Pomeranz injury timetable keeps getting longer
Because of arm injuries, the San Diego Padres haven’t seen Pomeranz take the mound in an MLB setting since August 10, 2021. Now it sounds like the 34-year-old southpaw will miss even more time this season because of an additional surgery.
Drew Pomeranz had what Bob Melvin called “a cleanup surgery in his elbow” yesterday. No timetable for his return, but Melvin said the expectation is that the rehab won’t be all that long. Team is still hopeful Pomeranz pitches meaningful innings down the stretch.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) May 24, 2023
Pomeranz is in the final year of a four-year, $34 million deal that is looking more and more like sunk money for the Padres. While Pomeranz has been effective when he has been on the mound in San Diego (2.21 ERA/3.03 FIP/1.066 WHIP in 146.1 innings over 64 games), he hasn’t been present enough to make the costs worth the investment.
MLB news: Washington Nationals pitcher wears cleats to support wife, cause
Nationals pitcher Chad Kuhl received a very special pair of cleats that he donned when he faced off against the Padres on Tuesday night in our nation’s capitol. With Kuhl’s wife, Amanda, battling breast cancer, the cleats are something that the 30-year-old right-hander will wear throughout the season to support all of those going through this battle.
We’re sending our love and support to @KuhlWhhip_11, @RealMrsKuhl and their incredible family.
— Stadium Custom Kicks (@stadiumck) May 24, 2023
These custom cleats, adorned with delicate cherry blossoms, not only represent the beauty of the city connect uniforms but also serve as a symbol of strength and hope as we stand… pic.twitter.com/xeULaJmGwW
Amanda Kuhl retweeted that photo, adding, “Thank you for these! Chad wore them last night & will wear them throughout the season #CancerIsntKuhl”
Minnesota Twins news: Johan Duran throws gas against San Francisco Giants
Duran recorded just two outs on 13 pitches in Minnesota’s 7-1 win over the visiting Giants on Wednesday afternoon, but his short time on the mound left a big impression.
pitchers to throw 104.0+ pitches, pitch-tracking era (2008):
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 24, 2023
Aroldis Chapman: 66
Jordan Hicks: 12
Jhoan Duran: 3 ** all in today’s game
Ryan Helsley: 2
Mauricio Cabrera: 1
Tayron Guerrero: 1
Camilo Doval: 1
Neftali Feliz: 1 https://t.co/TypdHllvIb
It’s likely no surprise that Duran’s two outs both came via strikeout, giving him 24 in 18.1 innings so far this season.