Make it seven straight losses for the Cincinnati Reds who lost the opener of a series at San Diego 4-1 last night. Tommy Pham had three hits and drove in the club’s only run with a home run in the first inning. Nick Lodolo got the loss on the mound after giving up three runs in five innings while striking out eight. The teams play again this evening with pregame at 8:10 on News Radio 95.3 FM/1230 AM WHOP.
Elsewhere in the National League: Freddie Freeman hit a solo home run in his first at-bat against his former team as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers have won seven in a row as the teams meet again this evening.
Following an off day, the St. Louis Cardinals open a series this evening in Miami against the Marlins.
Interleague: Rookie sensation Seiya Suzuki is staying hot. The Chicago Cubs outfielder extended his hitting streak to nine games after going two-for-three in Chicago’s 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. The series continues this evening.
Off the field, the Cincinnati Reds placed outfielder Tyler Naquin on the 10-day injured list and activated outfielder Nick Senzel from the IL.
The Oakland Athletics are dealing with the largest COVID outbreak of the young MLB season. Oakland moved six players to the COVID-19 injured list on Monday, just days after outfielder Stephen Piscotty was first placed on the list.
Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta is calling it a career after 12 major league seasons. The 36-year-old said on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast that it’s his time to step away from the game. Arrieta began his major league career with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2013. During his five seasons with the Cubs, Arrieta won the National League Cy Young in 2015 and the World Series in 2016. Arrieta also spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres.