Reader Eric alerted me to this nifty play in the Twins-Mariners game. It features Kurt Suzuki missing a foul-tip with two strikes but then recovering nicely to record the out.
Eric makes a query along with the video link: “I wonder at what point a foul tip becomes a foul ball eligible for an out catch instead of a strike call.” Well, Eric, that’s more a matter of philosophy than science. It’s like asking whether a hot dog is a sandwich or something:
Watch:
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirms a report from journalist Américo Celado that White Sox catcher Welington Castillo will be suspended 80 games for violating baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement. Castillo was believed to have used a steroid, but according to Rosenthal, the substance was not a steroid. More details should come on Thursday.
Castillo, 31, entered Wednesday’s action batting .270/.314/.477 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 118 plate appearances. He has gotten the bulk of the work behind the plate, backed up by Omar Narváez.
Castillo’s absence will likely prompt the White Sox to call up Kevan Smith from Triple-A Charlotte. Smith battled an ankle injury in March and April, so he got a late start to the season. In 102 PA at Triple-A, he has hit .283/.343/.457.
