The Weekly Rundown: 8/4/24 - 8/10/24

Grady Sizemore takes over in Chicago, RIP Billy Bean, and more.

Good morning and happy Sunday!

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Thanks! Now let’s jump in.

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RIP Billy Bean

Billy Bean, not to be confused with longtime A’s executive Billy Beane, passed away Tuesday after an 11-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 60 years old.

Bean was MLB’s senior vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was the only openly gay Major League player (current or former). Bean was initially hired as MLB’s first-ever ambassador for inclusion in 2014. He later served as a senior advisor to commissioner Rob Manfred, focusing on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. In 2017, Bean was promoted to vice president and special assistant to the commissioner.

Here’s Manfred’s statement on Bean’s passing:

“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known. Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others. He made Baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing. We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy’s husband, Greg Baker, and their entire family.”

Grady Sizemore replaces Pedro Grifol

On Thursday, the White Sox announced the firings of manager Pedro Grifol, bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar. Their decision came after they finally snapped their historic 21-game losing streak.

Former big-leaguer Grady Sizemore will take over as the White Sox’ interim manager. Sizemore, a three-time All-Star whose playing career was derailed by injuries, has no prior managerial experience.

Sizemore will look to help the White Sox avoid setting the MLB record for most losses in a season. Chicago is currently 28-91 and the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics have the most losses in league history with 117.

Dominant on the Bump

Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 9 K, 1 BB vs. Seattle Mariners

Sean Manaea, New York Mets

7.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 10 K, 0 BB vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

8.2 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 3 BB vs. Texas Rangers

Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles

7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 7 K, 1 BB vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Nick Martinez, Cincinnati Reds

7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 7 K, 0 BB vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Tobias Myers, Milwaukee Brewers

7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 9 K, 0 BB vs. Cincinnati Reds

Spencer Arrighetti, Houston Astros

7.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 13 K, 1 BB vs. Boston Red Sox

Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners

7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K, 1 BB vs. New York Mets

Big Bombs

Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez belted a 48-foot bomb against the Reds.

Kyle Schwarber tallied three homers in a game against the Dodgers.

The Brewers blasted six homers in a game against the Braves.

Web Gem of the Week

Red Sox rookie outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela made an insane no-look grab against the Royals.

Welcome to the Show

Diamondbacks catcher Adrian del Castillo recorded his first MLB hit in his debut Wednesday, and his first career homer was a walk-off on Thursday.

White Sox pitching prospect Ky Bush allowed three runs on two hits and five walks while striking out three through four innings in his big-league debut Monday vs. Oakland.

Braves pitching prospect Parker Dunshee allowed five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in his big-league debut Thursday vs. Milwaukee.

Notable Injuries

• Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation.

• The Dodgers placed right-handed reliever Blake Treinen on the 15-day IL with left hip discomfort.

• The Orioles placed righty Grayson Rodriguez on the 15-day IL with right lat/teres discomfort.

• Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol was placed on the 15-day IL with a right hamstring strain.

• The Red Sox placed outfielder Tyler O’Neill on the 10-day IL due to a left leg infection.

• Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay will undergo Tommy John surgery.

• The Pirates placed right-hander Colin Holderman on the 15-day IL with a right wrist sprain.

• The Guardians placed right-hander Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day IL with a left hip strain.

• Twins right-hander Joe Ryan was placed on the 15-day IL with a Grade 2 teres major strain.

Rapid Fire

• The Marlins designated utility man Nick Gordon for assignment.

• The Braves DFA’d outfielder Eddie Rosario.

• The Pirates DFA’d outfielder Edward Olivares.

• The Dodgers released utility man Cavan Biggio.

• The Guardians DFA’d left-hander Anthony Gose.