During the weekend’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets pitcher Ryan Helsley was penalized for a pitch clock violation that significantly impacted the contest’s outcome. The incident occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning, with the Brewers holding a narrow 5-4 lead and Isaac Collins on base.
On the first pitch to Willson Contreras, Helsley failed to deliver within the allotted time, resulting in a pitch clock violation. The fastball, thrown at 100 mph, was hit sharply by Contreras into right field. Instead of ending the inning with a third out, Helsley was deemed to have an unfair advantage, and the count proceeded to 1-0. Contreras capitalized on the next delivery by launching a 399-foot home run toward left-center field, pushing the Brewers’ lead to 7-4.
This home run was a turning point that secured Milwaukee’s eighth consecutive victory. They followed up with another narrow 7-6 win on Sunday, while the Mets have struggled, losing 11 out of their last 12 games.
David Samson questions Mike Trout’s Hall of Fame chances
In another heated MLB discussion, former Miami Marlins president David Samson expressed doubts about Mike Trout’s likelihood of being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. On his podcast Nothing Personal, Samson argued that despite Trout’s high profile, his career does not yet meet Cooperstown standards.
“Mike Trout, no trade clause,” Samson said (3:20 onwards). “Totally underperforming his contract. Great name. Some would argue in the Hall of Fame already… I would argue in the Hall of Pretty Damn Good for sure.
“But, doesn’t have the bulk, doesn’t have the health, doesn’t have the performance over a long enough period of time in order to merit being in Cooperstown. That’s my thought, today.”
Mike Trout’s accolades include three American League MVP awards and eleven All-Star selections. However, recurring injuries have limited his playing time since 2020, with only 36 games played in 2021 and 111 combined appearances over the last two seasons. Still, Trout boasts 20 home runs and 50 RBIs in 90 games this season and remains under contract with the Angels for five more years on a 12-year deal valued at $426.5 million.
Astros’ Héctor Neris alleges sign-stealing by Red Sox amid balk controversy
The Houston Astros pitcher Héctor Neris sparked controversy during a game against the Boston Red Sox on August 2nd by accusing the opponents of stealing signs. After Red Sox third baseman Trevor Story hit an RBI double, Neris intentionally balked to move Story to third base. Tensions escalated post-inning when Neris confronted Boston’s third base coach Kyle Hudson, shouting toward the Red Sox dugout.
“Maybe. Maybe yes, maybe no. But I still wanted to concentrate,” the right-hander said. “In [that] situation, I want to do what I’m feeling in the moment. That is the reason why I moved him to third.”
Though the Astros were previously found guilty of sign-stealing, prompting MLB to introduce PitchCom technology, runners at second base can still observe the pitcher’s grip before the ball is released. Neris’s balk was his response to this perceived advantage.
Rangers face backlash after honoring Josh Hamilton amid assault history
The Texas Rangers encountered public criticism for awarding former outfielder Josh Hamilton his Hall of Fame jacket. Hamilton, inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2019, was formally presented with a jacket only starting in 2021, as the club began the tradition. However, fans resurfaced Hamilton’s past legal issues, including a 2019 assault accusation against his daughter and a 2022 conviction for unlawful restraint.
Despite the controversy, Hamilton was a five-time All-Star and played a central role in the Rangers’ consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, contributing significantly to the team‘s history.
David Justice reflects on his marriage to Halle Berry after difficult divorce
Former Atlanta Braves outfielder David Justice shared candid thoughts about his marriage and divorce from actress Halle Berry during an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast. Justice recounted the personal doubts and differences that led to the couple’s separation.
“If we have kids, is this the woman I want to have kids with and build a family with?” Justice said. “At that time, as a young guy, she don’t cook, don’t clean, don’t really seem like motherly, and then we start having issues.”
The couple met in 1992 and married after only five months, separating three years later and finalizing their divorce in 1997. Justice’s baseball career included three All-Star selections and two World Series titles, one with the Braves in 1995 and another with the Yankees in 2000.
Yankees fans upset over Aaron Boone’s decision to use Devin Williams in critical moment
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone faced fan criticism after entrusting relief pitcher Devin Williams in the tenth inning of a tie game against the Houston Astros. Williams allowed three runs, two of which were earned, resulting in a 5-3 loss for the Yankees on Friday.
Williams has endured a difficult season, giving up nine earned runs on seven hits across 4.2 innings with New York’s bullpen. He slightly improved with a one-inning, three-strikeout performance in Sunday’s 7-1 defeat, but overall, his 2023 statistics reveal a 3-5 record and a 5.60 ERA, fueling frustration among fans and analysts alike.