LEADING OFF: Minor league opening day, Dodgers’ May needs TJ

Here is a look at what’s happening around baseball Tuesday:

MAJOR DAY FOR MINOR LEAGUES

From the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks.

Much has changed since the end of the 2019 campaign – the pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated 40 affiliates, and Commissioner Rob Manfred instituted experimental rules changes that will differ by level to speed up play and improve player safety.

Of course, the charms of minor league ball remain plentiful. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways, and excellent team branding remain critical pillars of the experience. As does the chance for thousands of players to pursue their big-league dreams.

“If you have young guys that need to play baseball, they’ve been void of it for almost two years now; they’ve got to get out there and play,” Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon said. “This is one time I will be paying attention to minor league reports coming up. I want to see and hear how our guys are doing.”

DODGER DOWNER

Right-hander Dustin May needs Tommy John surgery, costing the World Series champion Dodgers one of baseball’s brightest young pitchers for the rest of the season.

May will undergo the operation next week. Recovery time is usually at least 12 months, often a few months longer. May winced in pain after throwing a pitch Saturday in Milwaukee and left the mound. He was 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in five starts this season. Last year, May pitched seven times in the postseason, including twice in the World Series against Tampa Bay. He made three starts for short stints in the earlier rounds of the NL playoffs. May joins a crowd of Dodgers pitchers on the injured list, including David Price, Joe Kelly, Corey Knebel, and Tommy Kahnle.

CHISOX SETBACK

White Sox center fielder Luis Robert could miss the remainder of the season after another injury to a Chicago outfielder. Robert couldn’t put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field Sunday with a torn right hip flexor. General manager Rick Hahn said Robert wouldn’t resume baseball activities for at least three to four months. Second, in the AL Rookie of the Year voting and a Gold Glove winner last season, Robert is batting .316 with one homer and 11 RBIs. White Sox outfielder Eloy Jiménez is expected to miss most of the season after rupturing his left pectoral tendon in an exhibition game. Outfielder Adam Engel strained a hamstring in spring training and is about three weeks away from rehab.

MAY THE 4TH

“Stars Wars” is celebrated across the galaxy every May 4, and big-league stadiums are no exception. ESPN is going into hyperdrive, putting commentators in costume for the telecast as the Astros visit the Yankees. Karl Ravech will do a play-by-play as Luke Skywalker, with commentary provided by Yoda (Tim Kurkjian) and Jawa (Eduardo Perez). Fans don’t figure to be as bothered by the dark side as by visiting Houston – this will be the Astros’ first visit to Yankee Stadium since their sign-stealing scheme was uncovered in 2019.

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