# MLB: May 2021 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [May 2, 2021, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222 "2021-05-02T13:42:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/101 "2021-05-18T17:54:15Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > In a late April game, Cardinals reliever Génesis Cabrera [hit Bryce Harper in the face](https://www.mlb.com/news/bryce-harper-exits-after-being-hit-in-face-by-pitch), then hit the next batter in the ribs, and couldn’t be removed before facing yet another batter, because of the three-batter minimum. An easy modification would be to allow a removal based on mental health as an injury. It would be a very rare situation, a routine HBP doesn’t mess with anyone’s mind ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/102 "2021-05-18T17:55:08Z")
Do you think pitching trends turn on a dime? Home runs were at an historic high last season, even though the rate was down from its all-time high in 2019. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/103 "2021-05-18T17:59:08Z")
I think this is more an effect of pitchers not having sufficient control, than trying to pitch inside. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/104 "2021-05-18T18:02:17Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > An easy modification would be to allow a removal based on mental health as an injury. It would be a very rare situation, a routine HBP doesn’t mess with anyone’s mind Yeah, or just say that the umps have discretion to override the rule if necessary for safety. Somebody like Webb last night, who was obviously in a very emotionally fragile state, is a clear danger to the game if left in. There needs to be a clear authority to get around these byzantine rules when safety (or sanity) is at stake. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/105 "2021-05-18T18:04:57Z")
Maybe it’s me but I find people that complain about people complaining about not following ‘unwritten rules’ are the worst! ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/106 "2021-05-18T18:32:04Z")
Any theory explaining a decrease in control by MLB pitchers? The increasing number of inside pitches is a [statistical fact](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/batters-are-getting-plunked-at-historic-rates-but-why/). ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/107 "2021-05-18T18:50:41Z")
Wild pitches are also up to historic highs. > **[Major League Pitching Year-by-Year Averages | Baseball-Reference.com](https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/pitch.shtml)** > > Major League Pitching Year-by-Year Averages, Pitching Totals and more on Baseball-Reference.com The theory is that control isn’t as valued as velocity these days. Teams are willing to give a pitcher with looser control but high velocity (and “good stuff”) a chance. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/108 "2021-05-18T19:35:29Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > Do you think pitching trends turn on a dime? If they tinker with with ball? Sure. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/109 "2021-05-18T20:03:57Z")
For instance? ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/110 "2021-05-18T21:18:45Z")
Tony La Russa upset that his player hit a home run on a 3-0 count in a blowout. > It’s professional baseball, if he was supposed to take, that stuff stays in the locker room. He thinks Yermin Mercedes should face ‘consequences?’ Such as consequences after getting DUIs since La Russa is an expert? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/111 "2021-05-18T21:40:58Z")
> [@Chingon](#): > > Except for the fact that home runs are down. Down from when? From 2019 and 2020? Okay, down from those to seasons… and higher than any other season in the history of the major leagues. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/112 "2021-05-18T21:53:39Z")
So far it’s lower than 5 other seasons (2016-2020 and 2000). ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/113 "2021-05-18T22:20:11Z")
al says they’re lyin’ on him and he said and did no such things > **[Albert Pujols was 'shocked' by Angels release, denies their bench player claims](https://sports.yahoo.com/albert-pujols-shocked-by-angels-release-denies-bench-player-claims-los-angeles-dodgers-joe-maddon-234540766.html)** > > The Angels said that Albert Pujols didn't want to be a bench player, something he insisted Monday with the Dodgers simply wasn't true. > **[Pujols moves to Dodgers, disputes Angels' everyday claims](https://sports.yahoo.com/los-angeles-dodgers-sign-albert-183750722.html)** > > Albert Pujols is grateful to be chasing another World Series ring now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet he's also disputing the Los Angeles Angels' version of the circumstances that led to his big move up the freeway. The 41-year-old slugger... ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/114 "2021-05-18T23:57:07Z")
Does LaRussa think it’s showing “respect for the game” when the opposing team has a position player lob in a pitch at 47 mph? I’ve got no problem with Yermin swinging at that. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2021, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/115 "2021-05-18T23:58:12Z")
I’m shocked that Tony LaRussa is out of touch with his players and the game itself. Shocked. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2021, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/116 "2021-05-19T00:10:12Z")
> [@Chingon](#): > > So far it’s lower than 5 other seasons (2016-2020 and 2000). You’re right, my math was off. So it’s only the SIXTH highest home run rate in MLB history. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2021, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/117 "2021-05-19T00:39:04Z")
Jeesh, this Ohtani upstart. The heck thinks he is? 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2021, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/118 "2021-05-19T01:23:10Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I’m shocked that Tony LaRussa is out of touch with his players and the game itself. Shocked. I thought Tony La Russa was opposed to consequences #DUI ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2021, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/119 "2021-05-19T13:32:29Z")
Spencer Turnbull throws a no hitter for the Tigers. That’s five no hitters this year, and it’s only May 19. The modern record for a season is seven. The MLB batting average so far this year is .236. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2021, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222/120 "2021-05-19T14:08:40Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Tony La Russa upset that his player hit a home run on a 3-0 count in a blowout. Not the first time La Russa has lost control of a Mercedes. Joke stolen from reddit [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2021/941222.md?page=7)