Split-Squad Day! Shoutout to the whiplash of getting notifications that the Astros both won and lost in the same 30 minutes.
Let's do the highlights, I guess. May I remind you that the Winner of Spring Training is whoever is not hurt at the end.
-The Cardinals beat the Astros, 7-5. Myles Straw had an inside-the-park home run, and a regular home run. Bregman went yard. Jose Urquidy threw 1.1IP, 2H/2ER, 1K:1BB. Forrest Whitley threw 1.2IP, 2H/3ER, 1K:1BB. Both hits were singles, and two runs scored because of the next guy (I already closed that tab, and I'm running late).
Alex Bregman got plunked, but it was by a 25-year old guy who hasn't made it above Double-A. Zero intent.
-The Astros beat the Mets, 4-2. Michael Brantley was 2x2, Springer 1x3. Austin Pruitt threw 3IP, 1H/0ER, 0K:0BB. Joe Biagini threw 2IP, 4H/2ER, 1K:0BB.
*Justin Verlander was scratched with groin discomfort. We also find:
-Brent Strom told Forrest Whitley to go back to how he delivered in high school
-Brad Peacock is getting closer to returning, and will likely be in the bullpen
*Josh Reddick could make his debut this weekend.
*Game 4 Hero Jose Urquidy went from a luxury to a necessity for the Astros.
*Jared Hughes' sprints to the mound changed his career. Hughes:
I was out of breath. I was worried about it, and then I started grunting and throwing as hard as I could. Even though I was in the low 90s, it was just way different and it felt good.
*SI: Even without Luis Severino, the Yankees are AL favorites.
*How to prepare for Coronavirus in the U.S.
*The man who designed the NYC Subway map died.
*How ultrarunners are pushing the human body beyond all limits.
*A Musical Selection:
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith