Welcome to Inside the Diamond’s first MLB News & Rumors column. In this series, we will be discussing some of the biggest news and rumors in baseball’s most competitive league.
Twins Sign Pablo Lopez to Big Extension
Before the start of the 2023 season, the Minnesota Twins made a notable addition when they acquired starter Pablo Lopez from the Miami Marlins. So far, he has lived up to the hype, as he has a 1-1 record to go along with a 1.73 ERA and a league-leading 33 strikeouts. The Twins have been so impressed with his play that they have signed the 6-foot-4 righty to a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension.
Lopez was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, so it is massive that the Twins have inked him to this multi-year deal. Now he will continue to be one of their top pitchers for several years to come as they aim to cement themselves as legitimate contenders.
Rangers’ Jacob deGrom Leaves Start Early
Jacob deGrom had a fantastic start for the Texas Rangers on Monday night (April 17), but it came to an early end due to wrist soreness. It was a shame, as the two-time Cy Young Award winner threw four no-hit innings before his early departure. Now, the Rangers will be hoping that this issue is nothing too serious.
Following the contest, deGrom said that he believes it isn’t a serious issue and hopes to make his next start this weekend. We will need to wait and see if he does, in fact, get to.
In four appearances for the Rangers this campaign, deGrom has a 1-0 record, 3.48 ERA, and 32 strikeouts.
Brewers’ Corbin Burnes Suffers Left Pec Strain
Speaking of star pitchers, Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes also left his last start early. In his situation, he suffered a left pec strain against the Seattle Mariners and lasted 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs. Overall, he was having a solid start, so it is disappointing to see that it ended early due to injury.
Burnes will be evaluated today (April 18), and we will need to wait and see the severity of his injury from here. The former Cy Young Award winner has a 2-1 record and a 4.76 ERA in four appearances this campaign.
Insider Links Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds to Rangers
Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder Bryan Reynolds is the biggest name in the rumor mill right now. Teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to him, but a new team has entered the mix. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers are considering acquiring Reynolds, too.
Reynolds requested a trade during the offseason but has also had extension talks with the Pirates. It is clear that the Pirates’ number-one priority is to keep him around, but if the Rangers can offer up a big enough package for him, perhaps a deal could come to fruition. The Rangers also could use a star in their outfield as they aim to maintain their AL West lead.
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