Here is a look at what’s happening around the majors today:
HOUSTON HOMECOMING
First-year Tigers manager A.J. Hinch returns to Houston for the first time since being suspended by Major League Baseball for his role in the sign-stealing scandal that rocked the sport. With Hinch as their manager, the Astros have used cameras and banged on trash cans to get an unfair advantage en route to winning the World Series 2017.
Hinch was fired following a lengthy investigation and was prohibited from managing last season before being hired by the Tigers. He’s expecting a warm reception in his first game back at Minute Maid Park. Houston fans have tremendously supported my family and me,” he said. “It’s home for me. That city matters to me. The fans have been tremendous, and obviously, it will be very emotional when I see them.” Detroit will be without slugger Miguel Cabrera, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with soreness in his left biceps.
RAIN GAMES
The Mets’ meteorological abilities will again focus a day after an embarrassing snafu Sunday that drew criticism from New York right-hander Marcus Stroman. Despite wet conditions in Queens, the club pushed ahead with a 1:10 p.m. start against Miami, and umpires delayed and then postponed the game after Stroman threw just nine pitches. Home teams decide whether to create fun, but once it has begun, umpires decide whether to stop playing because of bad weather. Stroman called the decision to make “not smart at all.” Rain remains in New York’s forecast for Monday when the Mets host Philadelphia. Lefty David Peterson is set to face Phillies righty Chase Anderson.reinstated from the injured list Monday. They’ve been out all season under COVID-19 protocols, an outbreak that delayed the start of Washington’s season and left the Nats short-handed. However, Martinez said their returns to the field likely wouldn’t happen simultaneously as they ramp up their preparation.
The 2019 World Series champs are 1-5 and were swept over the weekend by the Dodgers. They’ve been shut out three times in four games and hope to get things going as they open a series in St. Louis. Stephen Strasburg (0-0, 0.00) makes his second start against John Gant (0-0, 0.00).
NOT SO SUNSHINE STATE
Toronto hopes to get a home series against the Yankees without more weather woes. The Blue Jays are playing home games at their spring training park in Dunedin, Florida, due to Canada’s COVID-19 policies, and the state’s April showers are wreaking some havoc. Their game Saturday against the Angels was delayed 2 hours and 38 minutes by rain and wind gusts up to 45 mph, and they postponed Sunday’s finale against Los Angeles because of more rain.
Monday’s forecast looks clear. Robbie Ray is set for his season debut against New York ace Gerrit Cole (1-0, 1.46).
BETTER BELIEVE
Shane Bieber’s Cy Young Award defense is off to a strong start for Cleveland. The right-hander has 24 strikeouts through two starts and hopes to pile up some more in a start against the White Sox. Bieber (0-1, 3.65 ERA) quickly led the majors in strikeouts last year with 122 in 12 starts. He’ll face Chicago left-hander Carlos Rodón (1-0, 0.00).
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