Glen Perkins pitched (and got a save) with his fly down

By Aaron GleemanJul 20, 2013, 11:30 AM EDT
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Glen Perkins tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the Twins last night, converting his 22nd save in 24 chances while lowering his ERA to 1.77. And as the All-Star closer revealed via Twitter shortly afterward, he was pitching with his fly down:

St. Paul Pioneer Press photographer Ben Garvin got some visual evidence, snapping a picture of Perkins on the mound, mid-zip:

All the more reason why most Twins fans will be devastated if the team trades Perkins.

The Red Sox to designate Hanley Ramirez for assignment

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By Craig CalcaterraMay 25, 2018, 12:52 PM EDT
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The Boston Red Sox plan to activate Dustin Pedroia from the disabled list today. That’s a big deal. The move they’re making to make room for him on the roster is a big one too: they plan to designate Hanley Ramirez for assignment.

The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier first reported the impending transaction. He was told by a major league source that Ramirez was informed this morning he’ll be moved off the roster. A designation for assignment, of course, means that the Sox have seven days to either trade or release Ramirez.

Ramirez, 34, is experiencing his worst season as a major leaguer thus far, hitting .254/.313/.395 (88 OPS+) in 195 plate appearances as he split time between first base and designated hitter. Given how well Mitch Moreland has hit at first and J.D. Martinez has hit at DH, there is simply no room for Ramirez in the lineup.

Ramirez, a 14-year big league veteran, won the 2006 Rookie of the Year Award and won the NL batting title in 2009. He has been a below average hitter in three of his last four seasons, however, and long removed from his days as a middle infielder, he has little defensive value these days. That said, his fame and the possibility that he could put together a decent run if used wisely will likely get him some looks from other clubs.