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Diamondbacks News
Taylor Widener made a successful return to the rotation. The Joshes, Rojas and VanMeter combined to go 5-for-7 with two doubles, a home run, and all three RBIs. The bullpen managed to be just good enough to not muck it all up. Added all together, and the Diamondbacks played the role of spoiler for at least one evening against the NL East leading Phillies.
Josh VanMeter’s new mental attitude is paying off huge dividends at the plate. Over the last month (since 20 July), VanMeter has hit .310/.375/.552.
The only damage done against Taylor Widener was a solo home run by NL MVP candidate and perennial big bat, Bryce Harper. The bullpen put together four more relatively strong innings, surviving a sloppy ninth by Tyler Clippard in the role of closer for the night.
Bradley Makes Return to Arizona
Philadelphia’s trip into Phoenix this week provided Archie Bradley his first opportunity to return to Chase Field since he departed the Diamondbacks at last year’s trade deadline. For his part, Bradley was excited and nervous to return. He also is very aware of the differences in how the two fan bases treats their teams.
Kristian Robinson’s Case has More Complications (The Athletic)
Kristian Robinson has now had his day in court. The embattled Arizona prospect was sentenced to 18-months probation. If he successfully completes his probation, the charge on his record will be downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanour. However, until then, he still has a felony on his record, which is creating visa issues. That in turn is causing issues with his ability to serve his probation, or to see his girlfriend and child, both of whom live in Arizona. So, while Robinson has achieved some clarity on the fallout from the events of a troubled moment in his life, his future in the game and in the States remains a very murky situation.
Other Baseball News
Little League World Series - “All that is good about baseball”
Tim Kurkjian spends time discussing his time covering the LLWS and how the event seems to transcend the problems of the day.
Oakland A’s Chris Bassitt ‘Conscious and Aware’
Oakland A’s ace, Chris Bassitt was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Chicago White Sox’s Brian Goodwin that had an exit velocity of 100.1 mph. Bassitt immediately dropped to the ground and was subsequently rushed to the hospital. The team reports he is conscious and aware. Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Bassitt.
Luke Voit might want to check the back of his baseball card and compare it to that of Anthony Rizzo’s before he continues running his mouth.
MVP Poll: Who are the favorites?
The leading candidates in each league should come as no shock.