Armando Galarraga to pitch in Taiwan with an awesomely-named team

By Craig CalcaterraApr 3, 2014, 12:32 PM EDT
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Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that Armando Galarraga has offer to pitch in the Taiwanese pro league. The best part is the team name: the Brother Elephants. Some context on that name from HBT’s D.J. Short and Drew Silva:

Sorta feel like I need the cap. If anyone has an in on a fitted on, I take a 7 3/4.

A.J. Hinch: “If it was any other time of the year, [José Altuve] wouldn’t be in the lineup.”

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By Bill BaerOct 18, 2018, 8:01 PM EDT
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It has been evident throughout the playoffs that Astros second baseman José Altuve’s right knee is bothering him. Altuve battled a right knee issue in July, then banged it up again in Game 2 of the ALDS and it’s been a problem ever since.

Manager A.J. Hinch said that if it were the regular season, he wouldn’t put Altuve in the lineup. Per MLB.com’s Richard Justice, the full quote:

He’s hurt. And if it was any other time of the year, he wouldn’t be in the lineup or wouldn’t be playing. He’d probably be on the DL. … But he’s showing up every day in good spirits, ready to go, giving 100 percent of what he’s got. He should be commended.

Hinch also said of Altuve, “His teammates revere him. The production that he’s doing on one leg is pretty incredible. And he’s trying not to talk about it. And therefore I am.”

During the ALCS, Altuve has hit .250/.368/.313 in 16 at-bats. He has just one extra-base hit but he has racked up three singles and drawn three walks while scoring four runs. Hinch has had Marwin González start at second base Games 3 and 4 and is doing so again on Thursday night in Game 5.