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So, apparently the key to victory is to have an Olympic medalist throw out the first pitch. The Diamondbacks are 1-0 this year when that happens, after Jagger Eaton’s success in this department last night. Indeed, the team also won in August 2019, beating the Dodgers 11-5 after Michael Phelps threw out the first pitch. Though, frankly, I’m surprised he could move his arms, under the weight of his twenty-eight Olympic medals. But the end result is what matters, and I think we may be onto something. If we don’t get Phoenix native and resident Jade Carey out on the mound when she gets back from Tokyo, after her gold on the floor, I will want to know why.
Torey Lovullo notes
- COVID guys. Noe Remirez and Stuart Fairchild are feeling better. Their symptoms are subsiding. The other three continue to feel good, but are still in the protocol before they can return to baseball activity. If they are cleared, they will be able to be around and travel with the team. The guys called up to replace them on the 40-man roster, can be taken off the roster without being DFA’d, due to the emergency nature of their addition.
- Luke Weaver threw 40-odd pitchers to batters, including Josh Rojas, who had four at-bats. Encouraged by their activity, but are gathering information on how they feel, before deciding how to proceed.
- Definitely more relaxed with regard to things this year, with the vaccine having helped loosen restrictions. They’re still in a bubble, but it’s a larger one, and they still have to be mindful the virus is out there. The protocols have “loosened considerably”, however Torey has stressed that the team is still here to do a job. The team is still not sure how Ramirez and Fairchild became infected, as the team is well within the guidelines every day.
- Drew Ellis had a “tremendous run” from independent ball, through spring training and in Triple-A. We know there will be some growing pains, but he’s working extremely hard and will get his opportunities. He’s commanding the strike zone and controlling the at-bats: “So far, so good.”
Torey Lovullo audio [or link]
Not today, sorry. Just me, typing. :)