That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary – Page 3

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Rice and Judge with early season home runs; What Scherzer IL mean for Jays; plus more news

Published on April 28, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Yankees Aaron Judge runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers in the top of the third inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Mon Apr 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 How did Aaron Judge and Ben Rice make Yankees history with their early-season home run production, and what does it suggest about the team’s offense?

#2 What impact could Max Scherzer being placed on the injured list have on the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching rotation and playoff outlook?

#3 In the Twins’ win over the Mariners, how did Kody Clemens’ breakout performance influence the game, and what does it mean for Minnesota’s lineup depth?

#4 Why are injuries across MLB already becoming a major storyline early in the 2026 season, and which key players are affected?

#5 How has Blake Butera’s leadership style shaped the early performance and culture of the Washington Nationals despite their record?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

Published on April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Yasiel Puig of Team Venezuela heads to first base after being walked against Curacao in the third inning of the Caribbean Series on Feb 2, 2024. (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Cuban-born ex-Major League star recently signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the CBL (Canadian Baseball League).

Puig is currently awaiting sentencing following his February 2026 conviction on federal charges. On February 6, he was found guilty by a Federal Grand Jury of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators. These charges stem from a 2019 investigation into an illegal sports gambling operation run by Wayne Nix, where Puig placed over 900 bets on sports, including tennis, football, and Basketball.

Yasiel Puig finds himself in quite a conundrum

The 2026 season for the Canadian Baseball League (CBL)—formerly the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL)—opens on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother’s Day.

The inaugural season as the rebranded, fully professional CBL begins with a matchup between the Kitchener Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs (where Yasiel Puig is expected to play) at Christie Pts in Toronto.

The situation, Puig is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, which is a couple of weeks after he begins playing in Canada with the Maple Leafs. Those might be the last games of professional baseball that the talented Cuban player will see for a while, since he faces up to 15 years in Federal Prison

The sentencing is set to take place in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

Unfortunate story for a baseball player who came into the major leagues with great talent and a lot of promise

MLB career. Puig played in 861 regular-season games with the LA Dodgers (2013-2018) and the Cleveland Indians, where he played his final game on September 27, 2019.

Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.
As a braodcaster with the LA Angels for FOX SPORT LA, I interviewed Yasiel in one ocassion,and for our pregame show when the Dodgers were visiting Angel Stadium at the time Yasiel Puig was the player everybody was talking about.

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (2013–2018), Cincinnati Reds (2019), and Cleveland Indians (2019).
Career Stats: Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.

“Wild Horse” -Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully nicknamed Yasiel Puig the “Wild Horse” shortly after his 2013 debut to describe his fearless, energetic, and often undisciplined style of play.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Strikeout rates high is pitch clock helping offense?; Cubs Counsell says it’s bizzare Dodgers carrying 14 pitchers over MLB maximum; plus more new

Published on April 22, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stands for the national anthem on opening day Thu Mar 26, 2026 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Counsell is questioning why the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to have one pitcher over the MLB maxium of 13 pitchers giving LA 14 (AP photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 With strikeout rates still high across Major League Baseball, are recent rule changes (like the pitch clock and shift ban) actually improving offensive production, or do pitchers still have the upper hand?

#2 Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell finds it strange that the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to carry 14 pitchers while the MLB maximum for pitchers on a roster is 13. The Dodgers use Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher and a designated hitter on his off days from pitching so it would seem Ohtani is not counted as being on the pitching staff. The underlying talk has been the Dodgers are an exception because Ohtani is a cash cow and huge draw for baseball so MLB looks the other way on the 13 maxium pitchers on a roster rule.

#3 With the Sacramento A’s recent success especially against some competive teams and recent series wins against a four game 2-2 split with Texas, winning two out of three with Chciago White Sox and taking the first of a three game series from the always tough Seattle Mariners and are first place in the AL West can this A’s team compete this season.

#4 The Mets continue to struggle losing their 12th straight game to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Francisco Lindor defened his manager Carlos Mendoza saying he’s not the problem the team just isn’t putting it together. The players like Lindor are standing up for Mendoza.

#5 Young Stars Taking Over Players like Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson are becoming faces of the league—how important is youth movement to maintaining fan interest and growing the sport globally?

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MLB The Show podcast Lincoln Juarez: What Mets must do to snap 12 game skid?; Bucs bullpen struggling could be factor in their run; plus more news

Published on April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza walks in the dugout before the Mets meeting with the Chicago Cubs on Sun Apr 19, 2026 at Wrigley Field in Chicago (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 What factors have contributed to the New York Mets’ 12-game losing streak, and what changes might be necessary to turn their season around?

#2 How could the inconsistency of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen impact their chances of competing in a tight NL Central race this season?

#3 What are the potential economic and competitive implications of the Kansas City Royals’ proposed $1.9 billion ballpark project and public funding approval?

#4 Which standout individual performances from April 20 (such as multi-home run games or breakout hitting performances) could signal emerging stars or lineup changes?

#5 How might key pitching matchups and scheduled games (like Yankees vs. Red Sox or Dodgers vs. Giants) shape early-season momentum for contending teams?

Lincoln Juarez is a San Francisco Giants reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s With this Offense, they deserve better Pitching

Published on April 16, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former San Diego Padres top pick Leo De Vries has been promoted by the Sacramento A’s and is a promising future hopeful for the A’s (Sports Illustrated photo)

A’s: With this Offense, they deserve better Pitching –

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

I get it, the Sacramento A’s plan is to keep improving, so by the time they open their new digs in Las Vegas, they can be real contenders. My broadcast partner, Manolo Hernández-Douen, and I talked about that during the 2024 season, when the team had a legendary Spanish-language radio station in the Bay Area, and last season in Oakland. You might say, “Oh, that is disrespectful to Sacramento”, but there is no mystery theater here.

The A’s are leasing Sacramento for a couple of years (not counting 2027), with a possible owners’ lockout looming. They are playing well so far in their young 2026 season, with their manager, Mark Kotsay, who has continued to do a good job since he was hired in December 2021.

The team improved their pitching during the off-season and acquired Aaron Civale, and relievers Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. to provide experience. Overall, this 2026 A’s club is a scrappy team with very young and exciting hitters like Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. They are on the up and up, and could surprise a lot of people in baseball. I just wish they had a more settled, experienced pitching rotation and overall pitching to go along with that juicy lineup.

Yes, I like the A’s lineup; however, their rotation with these five starters, Severino, Springs, Civale, López, and Morales, is ranked #26 among the 30 MLB teams by Sports Illustrated. Ironically, the last “big pitcher: the A’s lost was not a starter, but a reliever, Mason Miller, the Rolls-Royce of closers, who is now with the Padres, however this was a trade that could bring very good dividends to the young Athletics in the future, especially young shortstop Leo De Vries among with three other players, all pitchers who came to the A’s in the trade. Leodalis “Leo” De Vries is a 20-year-old Dominican shortstop who was ranked No.4 prospect in baseball as recently as this month of April 2026.

A good friend of mine and ex-Oakland A’s fan asked me recently, “Are they going to trade a player for a good starting pitcher? I have no idea. Starters are not cheap; for example, Framber Valdéz signed a 3-year, $115 million contract with Detroit this year.

This version of the A’s is exciting and promising; they have a “maybe” chance of making the postseason. However, in my opinion, their pitching is still not at the level to be considered a real contender, because it is very simple; it all starts with pitching. If you are one of their fans, are you happy so far with the A’s?

Of course. Here is one reason: in April, the Athletics completed their first-ever series sweep of the New York Mets.

I will end with a quote from one of my favorite major league managers of all time, who happens to be my original favorite team as a kid, the Baltimore Orioles. It says a lot about pitching. . The reason you win or lose is darn near always the same – pitching.” — Earl Weaver

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Jackie Robinson Day

Published on April 15, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Jackie Robinson signs autographs for fans at spring training at Ciudad Trujillo now Santo Domingto in the Dominican Republic on Mar 6, 1948 (AP News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke Baseball’s color barrier when he made his historic MLB debut. Every April 15th, baseball honors Jackie’s legacy by celebrating his life, values, and accomplishments. MLB officially declared April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day in 2004.

Since 2009, all players, coaches, and managers across MLB have worn number 42. April 15 is not only celebrated in baseball, but also in the United States as a historical day. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. features Jackie Robinson heavily and often hosts events for Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), including the Sports exhibit “Leveling the Playing Field.”

Jackie’s character was much more important than his batting average.” — Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame outfielder. “Jackie Robinson was the best athlete ever to play Major League Baseball.” — Ralph Kinner, Hall of Fame outfielder “There was never a man in the game who could put mind and muscle together quicker and with better judgment than Robinson.”

— Branch Rickey, Dodgers GM. “Jackie was the only person without prejudice I ever met.” — Buck O’Neil Negro League teammate.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves have not lost a series so far this season; Ohtani record setter could be in All Time greats circle; plus more

Published on April 14, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Atlanta Braves Mauricio Dubon clouts out a second inning RBI double against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Mon Apr 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Atlanta Braves remain unbeaten in series play so far—are they the early favorites for the World Series, or is it too soon to tell?

#2 Shohei Ohtani continues delivering historic-level performances—how is his 2026 start shaping his long-term legacy among all-time greats?

#3The Houston Astros are dealing with injuries, poor pitching, and internal issues—how serious is this early-season “crisis,” and can they recover?

#4 The Sacramento A’s came off a five game win streak defeating the New York Yankees twice and the New York Mets in a three game sweep but at home they continue to struggle losing to the Texas Rangers to open a six game homestand in Sacramento in a Monday night laugher 8-1. Is there a difference playing away than at home for the A’s?

#5 Anaheim Angels star Mike Trout had been struggling before the pandemic and battled injuries since 2019. Seven years later Trout had a big break out game hitting two home runs his 407th and 408th of his career that helped tie up the game 7-7 and later a home that got the Angels the lead. The New York Yankees however got a walk off wild pitch that allowed the Yankees Jose Caballero to score the game winning run. Despite the loss Trout is showing flashes of his old talent once again.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Mason Miller, a closer with Cy Young Award potential

Published on April 12, 2026April 12, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller exhalts after shutting down another team in the closer role (San Diego Union photo)

Mason Miller, a closer with Cy Young Award potential

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

On July 2025, the San Diego Padres acquired closer Mason Miller, together with starter J.P Sears, from the Oakland A’s. As of today, April 13, 2026, Mason Miller has saved four (4) of the ten games won by the Padres.

During the 2024 All-Star Game, representing the Oakland A’s, Miller pitched in relief. He did not save the game, but earned the win for the American League, and during that game, he threw the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history (103.6 mph) since pitch-tracking began in 2008, and struck out batters like Shohei Ohtani.

By the way, Miller was the sole A’s representative during that All-Star Game held at Arlington, Texas. He entered in the fifth inning and was credited with the victory, becoming the first rookie to win an ASG since 1954. Who threw the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history prior to Mason Miller? Aroldis Chapman had previously held the record with a 103.4 mph fastball.

Since last season the San Diego Padres reliever is as dominant thrower as there is in the game, consistently hitting over 104 mph in 2025 and also set a Major League record in ther 2025 playoffs with a 104.5 strikeout which is the fastest postseason pitch of the tracking era, at 37 years of age, his best years are ahead,he has cool head and is a very unasuming player, I remember covering him with the A’s, he did show one thing from the beginning,confidence.

This season, he could have the type of season that rivals Cy Young Award-winning starting pitchers, and he could have to contend with some great starters. Miller is an elite high-velocity closer with his 4-seam fastball, which he uses almost 50% of the time; a great slider to go with it, which he throws over 50%; and, for “good measure,” he makes hitters come off their uniforms when he throws a change-up. During his sensational career, Mariano Rivera, the best ever with 652 saves, received votes for the Cy Young Award, finishing in the top-three in voting four times, but never won it.

Today, Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres, the pride of Pittsburgh, PA, is the Rolls-Royce of closers in Major League Baseball. It’s easy to see why his nickname is “The Reaper.”

Quote: “The best pitchers have a short-term memory and a bulletproof confidence.” — Greg Maddux

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Published on April 10, 2026April 12, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Martin “El Immortal” Dihigo who played in the Negro Leagues and is in five separate Hall of Fames is the focus of That’s Amaury News and Commentary (photo from Cooperstown Expert)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Martin Dihigo “El Immortal,” also known as “El Maestro,” born in Cuba (1906-1971), a legendary star and Negro League player, has been inducted into five (5) separate baseball halls of fame: Cuba, México, the United States, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Also in the United States, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1958 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The five Hall of Fames are the most in history for a baseball player.

Dihigo is arguably the greatest Negro League player. He played all nine positions and was a standout pitcher and hitter. He managed the New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues from 1935 to 1936. The New York Cubans were founded by fellow Cuban Alejandro Pompez; the team featured Cuban and Latin American players of African descent. The New York Cubans won their only Negro League World Series championship in 1947. Led by manager Josá Maria Fernández and stars like Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso and Luis Tiant Sr., they defeated the Cleveland Buckeyes four games to one (with one tie) to secure the title.

One of the most incredible seasons for any professional baseball player in history was in 1938 in the Mexican League; Martin Dihigo won the Triple Crown as a pitcher in victories, strikeouts, and earned-run average. Then, that same season, as a hitter won the batting title with a .387 average. He did all that with the Aguila de Veracruz. In one game in México, On August 5, 1939, he struck out 22 batters during a 13-inning game, wearing the uniform of the Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz.

Dihigo retired at 45 years of age and died of heart trouble in Cienfuegos, Cuba, on May 20, 1971. He was 65 years old. He died on Cuba’s Independence Day. May 20, 1902, is Cuba’s Independence Day from Spain.

Before Shohei Ohtani, Cubans revered Martín Dihigo as the first true two-way player who dominated as both a pitcher and a batter in the professional league

Historical Note: The first documented, official baseball game in Cuba took place on December 27, 1874, at the Palmar de Junco field in Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas. Habana defeated Matanzas 51–9 in a seven-inning match. The field is considered the cradle of Cuban baseball and the world’s oldest active stadium.

Quote: Orestres Miñoso (All-Star): “He was a big man, but he was big in all ways, as a player, as a manager, as a teacher, as a man”.

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Pads on hot streak face Bucs; Nats struggling for pitching battle Cards; plus more news

Published on April 7, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Diego Padres pitcher German Marquez was dealing against the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching six and striking out four at PNC Park in Pittsburgh in the Padres 5-0 win on Mon Apr 6, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Can the San Diego Padres carry their momentum into Pittsburgh? After an emotional series win over Boston, highlighted by late-game heroics, the Padres cooled off a hot Pirates team shutting them out 5-0 on Monday.

#2 Will the Washington Nationals’ pitching struggles continue against the Cardinals? With one of the worst ERAs in baseball early on, this series could reveal whether Washington can stabilize or spiral further.

#3 How will the Dodgers vs. Blue Jays matchup play out with star power on both sides? With hitters like Freddie Freeman heating up and strong pitching matchups, this game was one of the day’s marquee contests as the Dodger squashed the Jays on Monday night baseball 14-2.

#4 Can the Tampa Bay Rays build momentum after returning to Tropicana Field? After a long absence due to stadium damage, their home opener brings both emotional energy and long-term franchise questions.

#5 Which teams will maintain early-season momentum—or collapse—after a wild weekend of results? With surprising sweeps, extra-inning thrillers, and tight games across the league, Monday’s slate will test which trends are real.