MLB 2024 | Yordan had his first big game of 2024; Soler homered for second consecutive day; another hitless game for Gurriel Jr.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources

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Yordan Álvarez made his first big splash of 2024 on Wednesday.

In the Astros' 8-0 victory over the Blue Jays, Yordan Alvarez went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, and three RBIs. Against the Blue Jays, Alvarez had an outstanding day at the plate. After knocking down a base hit in the first inning, he took Chris Bassitt deep for a solo homer in the third. This was his first home run of the season. In the fourth, he drove in a second run with a double, then hit his second homer with a solo shot in the sixth off Tim Mayza. He nearly hit a third homer in the seventh inning, hitting a ball to the warning track.

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The bat of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has gone cold.

It seems Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has cooled down his bat after a lightning start that saw him hit three home runs and drive in 10 runs in his first four games of the season. On Wednesday, he went 0-for-4 with a walk and one run scored for the D-backs, who lost 6-5 to the Yankees in 11 innings. In three games in April, Gurriel Jr. has gone 0-for-13 with one strikeout and one walk, extending his streak of 14 games without a hit.

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Adolis García struck out three times against Tampa Bay. There was a hit between Yandy Daz and Randy Arozarena for the Rays.

Adolis García has also yet to warm up the engines sufficiently. He went 1-for-4 with one run scored and three strikeouts on Wednesday, leaving his slash line at .240/.286/.640 with 3 HR and 6 RBI for the season. Randy Arozarena went 0-for-4 in the same game for Tampa Bay, while Yandy D'az finished 1-for-3.

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Jorge Soler went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI against the Giants on Wednesday.

A RBI was collected by Soler after his second home run of the season. In addition to scoring twice, he struck out as well. The Giants have signed Soler to bolster the lineup's power, and he's slashing .280/.387/.600 with two home runs and three RBI.

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Despite not feeling well, Cionel Pérez is optimistic he can resume throwing shortly.

It was while he was in the bullpen against the Angels on Saturday that he felt pain for the first time. We will be monitoring Perez's situation as he works his way back to full strength as we wait for him to be eligible to return to action on April 15.

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It doesn't look like Yasmani Grandal will return anytime soon.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Grandal (foot) is "a ways away" from being ready for action. The start of a running progression is an encouraging development for Grandal after he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in early March. Even so, the Pirates do not expect the 35-year-old to be available any time soon. Joey Bart was acquired on Tuesday to add depth to the club's catching department.

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