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Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Orioles rookie Coby Mayo sparks bench clearing with shove after first MLB RBI
Baltimore Orioles rookie Coby Mayo's first MLB RBI turned into an adventure of his own making on Saturday. In his 22nd career game, the top-100 prospect finally plated a run with an RBI single to score Ryan O'Hearn from second base in the fourth inning. However, the play went sour when Chicago White Sox third baseman Josh Rojas cut off a throw from left fielder Joshua Palacios and caught Mayo trying to sneak into second base. Advertisement The play turned into a rundown between first and second. Mayo was caught quickly, and responded by giving Lenyn Sosa a hard shove before first baseman Miguel Vargas tagged him out. Both Sosa and Vargas took exception to the shove, confronting Mayo as he laid on the ground. Mayo didn't appreciate the treatment, pushing Sosa as he walked away. Cue the benches clearing. Viewed charitably, the 23-year-old Mayo's shove could be seen as him attempting to draw an interference call on Sosa while running out of the baseline to avoid the tag. However, that tactic doesn't work so well when you instigate the contact with your outstretched arms, with a fielder who has run out of the basepath. Advertisement Mayo confirmed that's what he was doing after the game, via MASN's Roch Kubatko: 'Yeah, obviously, just trying to get to second base and trying to get into scoring position for Heston (Kjerstad)," Mayo said. "Cuts it off and got into a rundown. Obviously, just being told in the minor leagues to try to stay in a rundown, and I thought he was in the base line and trying to get some contact. Didn't mean for it to escalate. I wasn't trying to do that. It just did. 'The guys always have your back. I think everyone in here will fight for one another - not literally, but, you know, everyone has each other's back. I think that's just what happened. Looking out for teammates, and we'll do the same thing for them.' Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino provided a little more detail behind the play, but ultimately agreed with the umps for not buying Mayo's attempt: "Now he's an infielder, right? So when we're in spring training talking about rundowns, one of the things that we constantly talk about with our infielders is not crossing the line because if there's contact with the infielder then it's a, I think they call it a Type 2 obstruction, and then you automatically get second base. "So, I think instinctually Coby kind of sought out the contact right there with the infielder, which, visually, it probably didn't look the best but I think most coaches will probably go, 'Not a bad baseball play.' Just didn't work (in) our favor. Umpire made a good call.' This... is not how you draw an interference call in the big leagues. Coby Mayo gave it a try. (Photo by) (Mitchell Layton via Getty Images) Ultimately, it was a rookie moment for a player whose career hasn't started off on the best foot. Mayo is one of the shinier prospects in the Orioles' youth movement — MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 14 prospect in baseball entering the season — but he entered Saturday hitting .094/.186/.094 in 59 plate appearances between 2024 and 2025. Mayo, whose power is graded as plus-plus by Pipeline, is still waiting for his first extra-base hit in the big leagues. He has every opportunity to become an everyday player in the Orioles' infield, as soon he starts hitting like he has in the minors. Unfortunately, even his first RBI showed he still has some learning to do.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'I'm ready to go'- White Sox's Josh Rojas returns with stunning performance against Houston Astros
White Sox's Josh Rojas returns with stunning performance against Houston Astros (Image Source: Getty) It was on May 4, when Chicago White Sox 's third baseman Josh Rojas played his first game of the season at Rate Field, which was pretty good. The White Sox managed to beat the Houston Astros 5-4 in the game, which had to be shortened due to the rain. While the game ended early after a 1-hour, 20-minute delay, with fans dressed up for Star Wars Day. Rojas said he was very excited to see how it went. Josh Rojas returns to the field Regarding the stunning record set by Chicago White Sox, their team player, Josh Rojas said: 'I felt like I was out forever, I'm ready to go. I'm excited.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is your writing missing? Grammarly Install Now Undo Unfortunately, Josh Rojas, 30, had to miss the start of the 2025 season due to a toe injury. It was on March 15, when Rojas got hurt during a spring game when Brenton Doyle slid into his foot while being tagged out. Rojas, who wore new shoes, received the injury, after the slide crushed his toes. This caused a big toe fracture and another small break in his second toe, keeping him out for weeks. Rojas said: 'Three days out, I was trying to get out there and take ground balls and I was pushing it pretty heavy, It hurt in every other place. I started to feel it in my ankle, my knee, just really trying to baby it and stay off of it." Further, Rojas added: 'Then I got to the point where I realized I'm not going to be any help to the team out there playing 25 percent, 30 percent. So, it was better just to wait until the toe felt good enough that I could do everything full speed." Chicago White Sox's hitting coaching reacts after brilliant game Chicago White Sox's hitting coach Marcus Thames also addressed the media after the team's brilliant game. He said: 'We've been having meetings, and Quero, who just got here a week and a half ago, to even Luis, are speaking in meetings, and I think that's huge, just getting that camaraderie together, Make sure we're together and being in the box with your teammates, and I think that helps you. Even when you're struggling, if you see your teammates up there on that rail, they give you confidence to go out and continue to compete.' Further, he said: 'I just feel like everybody's having fun. Everybody's having fun just playing baseball, and that's what it's about. It's about 2025, no other year. We'll be where our feet are now, and good things are happening.' Also Read: 'TerriBULL' - White Sox Fans Debate Historic NBA-MLB Jersey Fusion
Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Cactus League report: Cubs and White Sox will finalize rosters as camp closes — and the Sox approach opening day
It's 'go time' for the Chicago White Sox and 'take two' for the Chicago Cubs. The White Sox have several roster decisions to make ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field. Nagging injuries to the likes of infielder Josh Rojas (hairline fracture in his big right toe) add wrinkles to the process. The Cubs have a couple of decisions as well after opening the season with two losses in Japan, notably whether to keep Vidal Bruján or Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman as the extra infielder and Brad Keller in the bullpen. Tyson Miller's injury should open the door for Keller, and the Cubs should make their final decision on Bruján or Workman soon. 'I don't think we have to (wait long),' manager Craig Counsell said. 'It's a time of roster activity around the industry, so you do tend to wait because of that, right? Every Monday during spring training, Tribune baseball writers will provide an update on what happened — and what's ahead — for the Cubs and White Sox. Want more baseball news? Sign up for our Cubs Insider and White Sox Insider. Cubs can't stop praising Tokyo The trip to Tokyo left a lasting impression on the Cubs players and Counsell, from the 40,000-plus fans on hand for batting practice to the presence of Shohei Ohtani's face wherever they went. 'I assumed he'd be everywhere, and he is,' Dansby Swanson said. 'He's like our Michael Jordan, the craze and the popularity and the desire to want to get a glimpse of him. The whole thing, it's pretty cool.' The Japanese traditions, like singing and chanting, were very different from what most major league players are used to, except perhaps for the Latin Americans. 'The exhibitions games (against Japanese teams) were really fun, and a great time to see how fans interact with their teams,' Ian Happ said. 'It was a little different for the Dodgers-Cubs games. I think they were trying to be respectful of Major League Baseball, so it was a different atmosphere. It was amazing how much the fan base loves the (Japanese) players that come over (to the United States). 'Baseball is so big over there, even for us. People outside the hotel wanting autographs, and in the exhibition games there were even some signs for me, which was pretty amazing.' How do the Japanese teams compare with the majors? 'There is obviously a lot of talent over there and guys that can really play,' Swanson said. 'The fundamental side of things, they're just as good as anybody over here. The biggest thing you'd have to do to create an even comparison is the ball, which obviously is different. But I have no doubt there are plenty of guys over there that could play over here.' Sox prospects, including 2024 first-round pick Hagen Smith, took a lot away from the spring. Several prominent members of the Sox future got their first taste of major-league camp for a portion of this spring. That includes pitchers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz, who were eventually reassigned to minor-league camp on March 6. The left-handers achieved another first on Saturday, starting both parts of split-squad games. Smith, the team's first-round pick in 2024, allowed six runs (five earned) on three hits with five walks and one strikeout in 2 1/3 innings against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch. 'Body felt good, just mechanics again, kind of something off,' Smith said after the game. 'Just kind of missing with my fastball. I don't usually do that, but it's all right. 'Something in the lower half just messes everything up.' Schultz also displayed some wildness Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit with five walks and three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. Smith made three Cactus League appearances (one start), finishing with an 8.44 ERA, five strikeouts and eight walks in 5 1/3 innings. Schultz, the team's first-round pick in 2022 from Oswego East, also had three Cactus League outings (one start). He had a 3.86 ERA, four strikeouts and eight walks in 4 2/3 innings. Smith took plenty away from the entire spring experience. 'It was awesome to be in big-league camp, obviously didn't throw the way I wanted to,' he said. 'Could have thrown way better, should have thrown way better. But it's all right. Hopefully next year I'll get the same opportunity and do better.' Smith is excited for whatever minor-league assignment is ahead. 'Looking forward to getting better,' Smith said. 'I have a lot to improve on, obviously. Just go out there and try to improve and get better every week.' Number of the week: .172 The Cubs batting average off Los Angeles Dodgers pitching in the two-game series in Tokyo. Week ahead: Cubs Monday: vs. Braves, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday: vs. Braves, 3:05 p.m. (Cactus League finale) Wednesday: off Thursday: at Diamondbacks, 9:10 p.m. (domestic opening day) Friday: at Diamondbacks, 8:40 p.m. Saturday: at. Diamondbacks, 7:10 p.m. Sunday: at Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m. After the Dodgers series, the Cubs start with another big test in Arizona, including opening day starter Corbin Burnes. Chairman Tom Ricketts conceded the Cubs are the team to beat in the National League Central. 'That's fair,' Counsell said. 'I agree in the sense that our expectations should always be (to make) the playoffs.' Jameson Taillon, who starts Game 2 in Arizona on Friday, said it's probably better to start by facing some of the league's elite teams. 'You see it in college football sometimes,' he said. 'Some teams will have like easy-cake schedules and stomp people. And then when they get tested, it's like, 'Oh, (bleep),' we have a lot to work on. Then you also see teams that test themselves early and might lose a close game and then really get a lot better for it as the season goes on. We have the opportunity to show, one, that we can play with these teams, and also, if anything gets exposed early, I'd rather have it now than later so you can address it and clean it up.' Counsell declined to reveal his feelings on the strength of the NL Central, which is not considered one of the better divisions with ongoing rebuilds in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and few key additions by St. Louis or Milwaukee. 'Prognosticating that stuff is somewhat useless,' he said. 'I don't think it's weaker is the best way to say it. There certainly are some strengths with every team and some weaknesses with every team, just as every team has… except for maybe one.' That one, of course, is the Dodgers. Week ahead: White Sox Monday: vs. Athletics, 2:05 p.m. (Cactus League finale) Tuesday: off Wednesday: off Thursday: vs. Angels, 3:10 p.m. (opening day) Friday: off Saturday: vs. Angels, 1:10 p.m. Sunday: vs. Angels, 1:10 p.m. Andrew Vaughn always looks forward to the atmosphere of opening day. 'Everybody's excited — players, fans, everybody involved,' Vaughn told the Tribune on Saturday. 'It's kind of like that first day of school feeling — it really is. 'Getting back and getting to represent the city is always special.' The Sox wrap up spring training with Monday's Cactus League finale against the Athletics at Camelback Ranch. Opening day is Thursday against the Angels at Rate Field. Vaughn said the biggest goals during camp for hitters are getting the timing back, seeing pitching and preparing to withstand a full season. 'It definitely takes a few at-bats,' Vaughn said. 'You can do everything in the offseason — cage stuff, BP. But you've really got to get in the box and face live pitchers. Once you get a few at-bats under your belt, it starts to form back together.' The next step is taking the work from Glendale to Chicago. 'The spring has been good,' Vaughn said. 'I've seen a lot of good baseball from everybody. It's been great. 'Definitely excited to get to Chicago. It's going to be a little chilly, that's for sure. Definitely a weather change. Very excited for that (start to the season).' What we're reading Quotable 'He had a great day and I was able to apply the spring training rule of 'If you hit two homers you're done playing.' That's the rule for everybody but Pete (Crow-Armstrong).' — Craig Counsell on Seiya Suzuki's two home runs Saturday in his first two at-bats.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
White Sox infielder Josh Rojas is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right big toe
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago White Sox infielder Josh Rojas has a hairline fracture in his right big toe, putting his availability for opening day in question. Rojas is batting .313 (10 for 32) in his first spring training with the White Sox. He left Saturday's split-squad game against Colorado with toe soreness. 'We're just kind of going to give him treatment and see where it goes," first-year manager Will Venable told reporters on Monday. "I think we just kind of get him doing his treatment and his rehab and kind of take it day by day and see where he's at. Hopefully he's back here with us soon.' The 30-year-old Rojas batted .225 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in 143 games with Seattle last year. He became a free agent in November when Seattle declined to offer him a 2025 contract. Rojas finalized a $3.5 million, one-year contract with Chicago in January. The White Sox host the Los Angeles Angels for their season opener on March 27. Also on Monday, Chicago optioned outfielder Dominic Fletcher to Triple-A Charlotte. Catching prospects Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero were among 10 players reassigned to minor league camp. ___ AP MLB:
Fox Sports
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
White Sox infielder Josh Rojas is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right big toe
Associated Press GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago White Sox infielder Josh Rojas has a hairline fracture in his right big toe, putting his availability for opening day in question. Rojas is batting .313 (10 for 32) in his first spring training with the White Sox. He left Saturday's split-squad game against Colorado with toe soreness. 'We're just kind of going to give him treatment and see where it goes," first-year manager Will Venable told reporters on Monday. "I think we just kind of get him doing his treatment and his rehab and kind of take it day by day and see where he's at. Hopefully he's back here with us soon.' The 30-year-old Rojas batted .225 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in 143 games with Seattle last year. He became a free agent in November when Seattle declined to offer him a 2025 contract. Rojas finalized a $3.5 million, one-year contract with Chicago in January. The White Sox host the Los Angeles Angels for their season opener on March 27. Also on Monday, Chicago optioned outfielder Dominic Fletcher to Triple-A Charlotte. Catching prospects Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero were among 10 players reassigned to minor league camp. ___ AP MLB: recommended
