MLB 2023 | Chapman logs win Monday, Yandy is back from paternity leave, Morales is officially signed

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2023 season. A compendium from several sources

Aroldis Chapman (Photo: MLB)

Jul 17

Aroldis Chapman struck out all three batters he faced in a tie game in the ninth and was rewarded with a win Monday against the Rays.

Chapman (5-2) picked up the win over Tampa Bay on Monday. He struck out the side in the ninth inning. For the first out of the inning, Chapman got Isaac Paredes to swing through a 102-mile-per-hour fastball and then froze centerfielder Jose Siri with a 103-mile-per-hour fastball at the knees for the second out of the inning, breaking his personal record for the fastest pitch in Rangers franchise history. Chapman was the pitcher of record when the Rangers walked off the Rays in the bottom of the inning. It was his first victory in a Texas uniform, and the left-hander remained unblemished for his new club. Chapman, who was recently named a co-closer with Will Smith, has not allowed a run or a walk while striking out 10 over six appearances since coming over from Kansas City.

Rays activated 1B/3B Yandy Díaz from the paternity leave list. Randy Arozarena and Adolis García hitless.

Díaz was reinstated from the paternity list Monday. Díaz was back with the Rays as they headed to Texas for a three-game series with the Rangers. The 31-year-old is looking to pick up where he left off prior to the All-Star break, going 9-for-16 with a homer, a double, four RBI and two runs scored over his last four games. On Monday's 3-2 loss to the Rangers, Díaz went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout. In the same game, Randy Arozarena was 0-for-3 with his RBI #60 of the year while for Texas Adolis García went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and no RBI to extend his MLB lead of 80.

Nationals officially signed second-round pick 3B Yohandy Morales.

It’s a over-slot deal for Morales, who lands a $2.6 million signing bonus, which is close to $500,000 above slot value for the 40th overall pick. The 21-year-old corner outfielder offers a ton of over-the-fence power and launched 20 homers over 61 games this spring for Miami in his final collegiate season.