MLB Weekly Capsule

MLB Weekly Capsule

5/24-5/30

Author:  Matt Gerwitz

U. S. Sports Media, Inc

Major League Baseball found itself in the midst of discipline issues again this week, having to deal with an outburst from Carlos Zambrano on Wednesday night. Zambrano's Cubs were playing host to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a game they went on to win 5-2. But in the seventh, the right-hander threw a wild pitch that allowed the Pirates to tie the game at two. Zambrano ran to cover home plate for Geovany Soto and appeared to tag Nyjer Morgan heading home from third. When home plate umpire Mark Carlson called Morgan safe, Zambrano began arguing his case, eventually making the contact that got him ejected.

From there it only got worse.

After being ejected, Zambrano pointed his finger at Carlson and gave him the ejection sign. He then threw a ball into left field on his way to the dugout, threw his glove, and proceeded to strike the dugout drink dispenser with a bat. The normally even tempered Zambrano accepted his six-game suspension and undisclosed fine without argument. “I don’t have a problem with that", Zambrano told reporters. "I know that I did something that disrespected MLB. I apologize like I did yesterday, and let’s move on. I accept the suspension.” Barring rain outs Zambrano is expected to return Thursday at Atlanta.

TAMPA (5/24) - Tampa Bay Rays' second baseman Akinori Iwamura suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday night's 5-4 loss to the Marlins. The injury will require season-ending surgery which will likely take place within the next few weeks. He also suffered damage to his medial collateral ligament and ankle, but those injuries are less severe and won't require surgery.

In play at second base during the eighth inning, Iwamura had his left foot firmly on the bag and was set to receive a throw from pitcher Dan Wheeler. The Marlins' Chris Coghlan slid into second and collided with Iwamura. The play was clean and Coghlan was never accused of purposely trying to cause an injury.

SAN FRANCISCO (5/27) - Randy Johnson is just one win away from the history books after reaching number 299 on Wednesday night. The one they call the "Big Unit" pitched six innings in the win against the Braves, allowing one run on three hits and striking out five. It was a vintage outing by the 45 year-old left hander, easily disposing of the first nine batters he faced. Striking out Chipper Jones three times helped keep the Atlanta bats silent as well. As for reaching win number 300, Johnson said he's "a little nervous."

ARLINGTON (5/30) - The Texas Rangers may not have the best record in baseball, but they could the hottest team right now. The AL West division leaders have had an incredible month of May, winning 14 of their last 19 games including Saturday's victory over the Oakland A's. With one day remaining in the month, the Rangers have 20 wins in May, one victory away from the team record of 21 wins, earned in September 1978.

The Saturday win in Arlington was highlighted by 14 runs on 17 hits as the Rangers' bats came alive against Oakland starter Brett Anderson. The left handed rookie lasted just four innings on the way to his 5th loss of the season. Cameron, Springer and Bailey didn't fare much better from the bullpen, combining to allow 8 runs on 9 hits. Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler led the way at the plate with 2 hits, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Blalock, Byrd and Cruz each contributed solo home runs to add to the rout.

Source: http://www.BaseballDailyNews.com, U. S. Sports Media, Inc