Houston Chronicle

"He’s going to be a force in this league." … [Read more...] about Houston Astros pitcher showing early signs of strong Cy Young candidacy

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider allowed two runs and five hits in five-plus innings in his return to the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays. Making his first big league appearance in over a year because of surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, Strider struck out five, walked one and hit a batter. He threw 97 pitches, 58 for strikes. … [Read more...] about Braves RHP Strider allows two runs and five hits against Blue Jays in return from elbow surgery

Veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt had to leave the game in Minnesota after he was struck in the face behind first base by a line drive foul ball. Wendelstedt instantly hit the ground after a direct hit from the liner off the bat of New York's Tyrone Taylor in the seventh inning. Both Taylor and Twins pitcher Louis Varland winced immediately after seeing where the ball hit … [Read more...] about Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt leaves Mets-Twins game after line drive foul ball hits him in the face

A frustrating trend for Joe Espada's club.  … [Read more...] about Astros in another April rut. Will slow start finally doom Houston?