As a reaction to President Donald Trump’s embargo on Venezuela, Major League Baseball has banned players from playing in that country, which normally is a popular winter-league spot for young players. In matters much less serious, the Baltimore Orioles set the record for team home runs allowed (it’s still only August, remember). And that wasn’t the end of the bad news for Baltimore over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the much anticipated series between the Yankees and Dodgers this weekend will feature teams headed in opposite directions.
A possible side effect of the Venezuela ban? That country, which has the second-most MLB imports of any nation, might stop letting its prospects come to America.
The repercussions of MLB pulling affiliated players from the Venezuelan winter league could be severe — and, some worry, lead to a scenario in which Venezuela bans amateurs from signing with big league teams.
News on a significant under-the-radar story: https://t.co/WGTQv3gubc
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 23, 2019
How high can they go? It seems likely the Orioles will at least surpass the 300 home run mark. That’s their pitchers, unfortunately.
The Orioles have now officially given up the most home runs in a single season in MLB history.
Baltimore still has 33 games left to play.
1. 2019 Orioles (259+ HR)
2. 2016 Reds (258 HR)
3. 2017 Reds (248 HR)
4. 2017 Orioles (242 HR)
5. 2017 White Sox (242 HR) pic.twitter.com/r6hJXhV9c7— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 22, 2019
From bad to worse: The Orioles must pay the nearby Washington Nationals more than $100 million after a judge sided with the Nats in a TV rights dispute.
There are about 100 million reasons why the Orioles season just went from worse to worst.
It’s all about the money and a years-long court battle.
Details ➡️ https://t.co/vATpkfTQ7d pic.twitter.com/4oC6kYMtyu
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) August 23, 2019
The Athletics won 5-3 Wednesday and swept away the Yankees, who still have a vice grip on the AL East but who are suddenly scuffling as they head into a ballyhooed series with the Dodgers.
Yankees starters have a 6.04 ERA on the road this season. That’s the worst in MLB.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) August 23, 2019
As for the Dodgers, they just keep finding ways to win at home. They trailed Toronto 2-0 with only one hit entering the ninth inning Thursday. Then: walk, lineout, double, double, single, walk it off, Kiké Hernandez
PLAYING HERO ON HIS BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT. WALK IT OFF, @kikehndez! pic.twitter.com/rZoZ0q7VcY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 23, 2019
TOP STORIES
• MLB Bans Players From Venezuelan Winter League After Donald Trump’s Embargo | Sports Illustrated
• Baltimore Orioles set MLB record for most home runs allowed in a season | USA Today
• Judge upholds arbitration ruling that Orioles owe Nationals about $100 million in MASN TV rights dispute | Baltimore Sun
