Tag: Spencer Torkelson

Miguel Cabrera had to borrow Spencer Torkelson’s glove and turned it into an epic gift after final MLB game

A passing of the torch in the coolest way.

Sunday’s game between the Tigers and Guardians had no playoff implications with both teams out of contention on the final day of the season. But the game still meant so much to Detroit as it was the last time future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera would play in a big-league game.

And his send-off at first base couldn’t have been scripted any better.

Cabrera had not played in the field at all this season as the full-time designated hitter, but when the eighth inning came around, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch inserted Cabrera into the game at first base. There was just one issue: He didn’t have a glove.

Spencer Torkelson then offered his glove to Cabrera for the cameo at first, and Miggy didn’t have to wait long at all to get some action in the field.

On the second pitch of the inning, Steven Kwan hit a sharp grounder to first that Cabrera fielded with no problem and stepped on the bag to a massive ovation. Hinch then subbed Cabrera out of the game there to give him a proper send-off from the fans.

When it came time to return the glove to Torkelson, Cabrera turned it into an incredible signed gift.

What a gesture and what a day for baseball. Fans loved everything about the moment for Cabrera. I don’t think Torkelson will mind getting a new glove given the circumstances.

Week 2 fantasy baseball start, sit or drop: Ohtani’s rollercoaster start and CJ Abrams kinda arrives

Shohei Ohtani just needed a few extra games to warm up. Trent Grisham, Patrick Corbin and Nick Pivetta still need a bit more time.

What a wild opening week for managers with Shohei Ohtani on their roster.

The two-way Japanese star offers plenty more rewards than risk in fantasy lineups, but for those who have to designate him as a pitcher or a hitter, the first matchup of the fantasy season initially left many thinking spring training ended too soon.

When the Los Angeles Angels gave Ohtani the ball on Opening Day, it seemed like the safer play would be to keep him in fantasy lineups as a hitter. The short spring meant he probably wouldn’t throw more than four innings and the visiting Houston Astros have a lineup that can make even the game’s best pitchers look like little leaguers.

So of course Ohtani went 4.2 innings with nine strikeouts, one walk, four hits and one earned run. At the same time, he went 0-4 at the dish with one strikeout. Ouch.

A week later Ohtani was back on the mound at the Texas Rangers getting shelled for six earned runs in 3.2 innings. He struck out five while allowing two walks, six hits and a home run. And in between those outings Ohtani slashed an anti-climatic .200/.231/.280 with 0 RBI and nine strikeouts. Double ouch.

How did Ohtani respond? First he gave his bat CPR. Then he launched three home runs in two games against Texas and busted the slump as only a reigning MVP can.

Yeah, he’s going to be just fine this season. Not that there was any doubt.

Here are a few other players with bigger question marks to begin the year and how to handle them.

All stats through Sunday, April 17