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Tankapalooza update
Things remain unchanged at the top of the Tankapalooza 2021 standings, with the Orioles and Diamondback both locked in at the same mark of 48-103, with 11 games left to play for each. As we mentioned last time, Baltimore has the tie-breaker, on the basis of having the worse 2019 record (both teams finished with the same mark in 2020), so Arizona will need to come out ahead in the regular season if they are to get the #1 overall pick. Both teams have lost their opening two games, both playing against teams battling for the NL East: the Orioles are facing the Phillies, and almost won. having a 2-1 lead in the 10th before the opposition scored twice.
After tonight though, they have four games at home against the Rangers. That would appear to be the best chance for the D-backs to make their move, as they have the finale against the Braves, then three against the Dodgers who are 14-2 versus us this season. Baltimore finish out with three-game sets against Boston and in Toronto. Arizona has three in San Francisco before finishing up back at Chase against the Rockies. It feels like it could go all the way to the wire before the destination of the pick is decided. And, of course, then there’s the new CBA, so the rules for the draft order could potentially change anyway! Hey, take your excitement where you can...
- Orioles 48-103
- Diamondbacks 48-103
- Rangers 55-96
- Pirates 57-94
- Nationals 62-89
Torey Lovullo notes
- Nick Ahmed is out of the lineup for the 5th straight day with shoulder inflammation. He had imaging a few days ago. Yesterday he took some swings and still felt some soreness He’ll continue to work pre-game and try to get ready to return, but yesterday was still sore after taking swings.
- Caleb Smith is back from suspension today to re enforce a fatigued bullpen He threw several bullpens to stay sharp during the suspension.
- NL MVP: Torey was asked his opinion between Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, and Fernando Tatis Jr. While giving props to Soto and Harper, he said because they face Tatis so much and he sees more often just what he can do, he indicated he’d pick Tatis if it were up to him.