Standings via MLB.com
Washington Nationals
You probably know by now: teenaged Bryce Harper has a pretty swell mohawk (keep the dream alive!) And he was just called up for the Nats on Saturday, albeit early, to fill in for the ailing Ryan Zimmerman, who is on the 15 day DL. Um, of course this one will go down in history as Bryce Harper’s first major league hit… along with the full moon (or were there three?) that was out behind home plate. You stay classy, Los Angeles. Unfortunately Matt Kemp blasted a walk off home run to take home the win for the Boys in Blue. But don’t let those guys rain on your parade, Harpy.
In other news, Tyler Moore is joining the squad because Mark DeRosa is disabled with an oblique strain.
Read more on the Nationals on Win For Teddy
Atlanta Braves
Did you catch Dan Uggla’s terribly wonderful outfield grab from Friday? He and Pastornicky had a bit of a romp on the grass. Check out the video. At first I was facepalming like: “GUYS! COMMUNICATE!” And then it was wincing like… “Yikes… this might end in a lot of pain…” But then there were backflips and acrobatics and no stunt doubles involved… and he actually caught the ball. Boom. Baseball.
Unff. Chipper Jones is experiencing pain in his left knee, which has caused him strife in the past, and has already been… surgerized… for a torn meniscus.
Brian McCann might be back Monday after he strained his intercostal against the Pirates on Friday evening, leaving the game early.
Keep an eye on Atlanta at She Is Out Of Your League
New York Mets
Well, well, well! The Mets are playing over .500 ball, and that’s just not too shabby! Last time we checked them out, they were suffering from some pesky injury woes. Third baseman David Wright was practicing playing around with his silly putty, and has shown that he can play through the pain, despite a brief dry spell… but like a boss, he’s been cranking out runs, batting .385, yeah, and slugging .569, what up.
The Mets are hoping to add some offensive speed and base-theivery when center fielder Andres Torres rejoins the guys in Houston after being on the DL. Additionally, Johan Santana was back in the rotation Sunday in Colorado after his shoulder surgery, and he tossed 6 innings with only 2 hits and 3 walkies to contribute to the Mets triumph.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils are still lacking their offensive phight without 3-4 batters Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. But there is hope still- Howard (surgery on Achilles tendon) should start taking ground balls on Monday. And Utley (chronic knee condition) is projected to be with the club Saturday in D.C. Similarly, Phillies ace (slash just one of their aces) Cliff Lee (strained oblique) could be activated Friday, if he is feeling hot to trot.
Jim Thome exited the game on Saturday with back tightness. And thank your Phanatic that Carlos Ruiz is feeling alright after taking a foul to the knee. Ruiz felt alright enough to hit a homie in the bottom of the inning. So there’s that.
In the meantime, until the heroes of Citizens Bank Park are back in action, maybe Philadelphian fans would like to watch the Flyers go for the cup? Oh, I dunno… just grow a beard or something.
Phollow the Phillies at View From Section 116
Miami Marlins
Right now, the Marlins are the NL East’s low-man on the totem pole. But hey, someone’s gotta do it. Omar Infante is struggling with soreness in his left groin and hamstring this season, but he knows that his duty is to serve as team slugger. As of Saturday, he had recorded an average of .327 with five home runs and seven RBI. Infante should be taking a day off here and there until fully healed, but does not want to land on the DL.
The Marlins decided to make a couple of ch-ch-ch-changes to their lineup, and have optioned OF Chris Coughlan (AVG .118, smh) and reliever Mike Dunn (ERA 9.53) to Triple-A N’awlins, and in exchange, called up anyfielder Bryan Petersen and lefty bullpen Dan Jennings. I guess what I’m saying is… in case you need a pick-me-up, spend some time with this guy the Marlins newest meme.
Catch the Marlins news at A Fishy Situation
