Snake Bytes 4/6: Deja Blue

Diamondbacks:

D-backs’ Evan Longoria can relate to Corbin Carroll earning new deal

In 2008, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria had played a week of Major League Baseball action before agreeing to terms on a six-year extension.

Longoria was 22 years old at the time and made the club after playing 234 minor-league games in 2006 and 2007. He was the No. 2 prospect in the league, according to Baseball America.

[PNT] New food options at Chase Field available at Diamondbacks games

Along with the fanfare and peanuts, a host of new food items have hit the stadium this year as well. Level up your ballpark hot dog for a delicious mid-game snack.

Here are Chase Field’s new food options for the 2023 MLB season.

[12News] Officer Tyler Moldovan expected to throw 1st pitch Thursday at Chase Field

The MLB team announced Tuesday that Moldovan, who survived getting shot eight times in 2021, will be making a special appearance during Thursday night’s game.

Baseball News:

[SI] MLB’s youngest, fastest teams flourishing under the new rules

Young, athletic teams are flourishing under MLB’s new rules. The Orioles, Rays and Guardians—the three youngest teams in baseball—are off to a combined 12–4 start while stealing 22 bases in 23 tries. Arizona, the 10th-youngest team, has nine steals in 10 tries.

[ESPN] How MLB, MLBPA came together for ‘life changing’ minor league CBA

“If you didn’t sign for $50,000 or more, life in the minor leagues was unsustainable,” said Trevor Hildenberger, a relief pitcher who spent four years in the major leagues and, as he tries to claw his way back, took a leadership role in the unionization of minor league players. “It was just a ticking clock. Either you couldn’t afford to pursue this anymore or you made it to the big leagues.”

[MLBTR] Blue Jays claim Jordan Luplow from Braves

Last year, Luplow didn’t hit well against pitchers from either side, slashing .176/.274/.361 for the Diamondbacks. They could have retained him via arbitration, with MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projecting a $2MM salary, though the D’Backs opted to cut him from the roster at the end of the season instead. Atlanta picked him by signing him to a slightly lower price point of $1.4MM, but he didn’t make the club’s Opening Day roster. They had picked up a few other candidates for part-time outfield roles, such as Sam Hilliard, Kevin Pillar and Eli White. That nudged Luplow to the minors to start the season and off the 40-man shortly thereafter.