With his second strikeout Tuesday, he surpassed the Phillies’ José Alvarado for the most strikeouts in a row by a pitcher since at least 1961. (Play-by-play data isn’t fully available before then, so it’s impossible to know the all-time record.) Estrada finished the night by tacking on a 13th straight, for good measure.

Estrada was at his own birthday dinner in early November when he received a call from his agent letting him know he’d been placed on outright waivers by the Cubs. His 2023 season, in no uncertain terms, was a rough one. Between Triple-A and the Majors, Estrada walked an unsightly 38 batters across 39 1/3 innings. A few days later, he was claimed by the Padres.

“We knew the stuff was there,” pitching coach Ruben Niebla said. “It was just a matter of how consistent he can be in the zone.”

Now? It feels like Estrada lives in the strike zone, with a 7-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season. All it took was a mechanical overhaul and a complete reinvention of his two offspeed pitches. No biggie.

Why?

That’s ridiculous. Baseball should always come before work. Someone should get a firm talking to.

I don’t really see the point in using the helmet anyway, besides that it’s funny. Maybe you get a little more extension, but it just seems risky

I hope so too for you guys, When does he become a free agent?

Doesn’t that only count for stopping live balls in play? And it seems to me that he intended a shuffle

If he becomes anything like Rizzo then you guys are in a good spot the next couple of years

He hit 4. 16 would be awesome though! But I see it now, I’ll edit the title

Or at least get rid of Angel. I don’t know if they’ll move on to robo-umps, but a challenge system would be an improvement

Well, I’m Dutch and English is not my first language. Anyway, i’ve seen it used in a couple sports headlines in a positive manner, so I figured it was a thing

Only 156 to go

I don’t think so either. Umps called it right

If he is, then it’s not covered up very well with all the different stories out there

I guess. No tear is good though. I hope for his sake that this doesn’t turn into a situation where he takes two months to rest and then needs TJ anyway

Otherwise Kiké can play short!

Mmh you’re right. Probably robbed a base hit or something

Oh yeah, a good sandwich can make my day

Yeah, cold sandwiches were probably the first as well. Then maybe boiled eggs, scrambled eggs were not really a thing in the Netherlands back then. After that I helped out with other stuff like boil rice of pasta. And I remember doing some simple groceries alone when I must have been between 11 or 12. But the supermarkets were only 10 minutes away by foot.

I live in the Netherlands and I learned to make my own lunch from an early age. Can’t say for certain at which age, but 6 or 7 sounds about right. I made lasagna when I was 11 and cooked other stuff regularly. My parents always stimulated me being self sufficient. And I saw the same happening with my friends.

• Minnesota: under, although not by much. I think 89 wins is going to be tough, but they got a deep bullpen and if they can be healthy this year they probably do well.
• Cleveland: under, unless their rotation can be more productive and throw more innings.
• Detroit: equal or under. I think they’ll take a step forward. Especially Torkelson and Skubal and hopefully we’ll see Jace Jung this year. But they’re leaning a lot on Baez, Urshela and Vierling to fill the left side of the infield.
• Kansas City: over. With upgrades to their bullpen and rotation they should at least be better than their 56 wins last year. And I think Witt will find another level and Paquantino will take a step. Maybe it’s more a hopeful ‘over’ though
• Chicago: under. A lot has to go right for this team to be better than last year and I think they’ll trade Cease (maybe more) at the deadline, if not earlier.

I’ll start it off:

• Under on New York, unless they end up getting Blake Snell. I think they’ll be good anyway, but I’m not sure on 94 wins because they’ll probably have multiple injuries.
• Over on Toronto. I think Vlad will be better, Varsho to perform more like his D-back days and Bo to take another step. And the rotation is still solid, even more if Manoah can get back on track.
• Over on Tampa. Because they’re Tampa
• Over on Baltimore. Don’t think an explanation is necessary.
• Under on Boston if they don’t get Monty.