Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – December 23rd, 2024

Before the Mets' 4-1 victory over the Cardinals, manager Carlos Mendoza addressed Juan Soto's slow start and Brandon Nimmo's struggles, noting that Soto still maintains an .830 OPS despite recent performance. Mendoza emphasized the importance of Soto being himself and handling pressure well, while highlighting Nimmo's aggressive approach at the plate, which has not yet yielded results. Mendoza also discussed center field options in light of Jose Siri's injury, indicating flexibility with players like Nimmo...

The Chicago Cubs re-signed right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian to a minor league contract after he was released following a designation for assignment when the team acquired Tom Cosgrove from San Diego. Kilian, who has been with the Cubs since the 2021 trade that sent Kris Bryant to the Giants, has struggled in the major leagues with a 9.22 ERA over eight appearances and has only thrown 2 1/3 innings for Triple-A Iowa this year before...

The Yankees secured a 6-3 victory over the Rays in Tampa Bay, bolstered by Ben Rice's standout performance with four hits, including a two-run single. New York's offense started strong with early runs, but the bullpen ultimately kept the game close after a shaky start from Will Warren, who pitched just 1.2 innings. The Yankees' bullpen held the Rays scoreless thereafter, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. was ejected for arguing a strike call, while the Yankees...

Jazz Chisholm Jr., infielder for the New York Yankees, expressed his displeasure with the strike zone during Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, leading to his ejection for arguing a called third strike by umpire John Bacon in the seventh inning. Despite benefiting from a questionable call earlier in the at-bat, Chisholm reacted on social media, claiming the call was "not even f-----g close." With a season average of .169 and six home runs...

The Phillies secured a 6-4 victory over the Giants, highlighted by a five-run first inning and Cristopher Sanchez's career-high 12 strikeouts over seven innings. Despite a shaky start, Sanchez, who allowed three runs (two earned) and one walk, effectively utilized his changeup to dominate the Giants' lineup. Philadelphia improved to 11-8 overall, while Nick Castellanos left the game with hip tightness and Brandon Marsh sat out with a knee strain; both are expected to return...