Frogs in the MLB: Carpenter puts injury concerns to bed, Arrieta optioned to A-ball

It’s baseball season, folks! While some of our Frogs are still working their way into the lineup/pitching rotation, two of our Frogs made their 2018 debut this week!

Jake Arrieta (P/Philadelphia Phillies) - Warning: The following sentence could lead to hyperentilating. Arrieta was optioned to the Phillies’ Clearwater High-A team. OK, now deep breaths and don’t panic. It looks like this was merely an administrative thing, and the Phillies have him scheduled to start this Sunday, April 8 at home against the Marlins. While I’m still miffed at the Cubs (Seriously? You took Darvish??), I’m looking forward to seeing Arrieta make his debut as a Phillie. Arrieta seems ready to watch the Phillies’ season opener today, too.

Also, if you’re one of those nerdy-baseball-stat-loving-math people, here’s a fun graphic for you:

Here’s hoping Arrieta can settle in with the Phillies and show off his pitching skills this weekend.

Matt Carpenter (1B/St. Louis Cardinals) - Carpenter came into 2018 like a wrecking ball for the Cardinals. While there were early concerns about his back and shoulder leaving him out of Opening Day, those concerns were seemingly put to bed this past week.

Opening Day saw the Cardinals in New York against the Mets. The result was an ugly 9-4 loss by the Cardinals, but Carpenter hit a double in the top of the 4th and was brought in on a single by Jose Martinez.

On March 31, the Cardinals played game 2 against the Mets, and still struggled. Carpenter did his part, with a home run in the top of the 8th. The Cardinals lost the game 6-2.

The Cardinals saw their last game in New York on April 1, and they finally got a handle on the Mets. Carpenter walked twice in the 5-1 win.

April 2 saw Carpenter facing Milwaukee on the road. Carpenter struck out twice, but he managed 1 run on 2 hits. He hit a single in the top of the 6th and was batted in on a sac fly by Jose Martinez. He also had a single in the top of the 7th, but was followed by Marcell Ozuna, who struck out to end the inning. The Cardinals won 8-4.

April 3 saw a close game 2 in Milwaukee. Carpenter didn’t have much luck and the Cardinals lost 5-4.

On April 4, the Cardinals dominated the Brewers in game 3. Carpenter grounded out in the top of the 3rd, bringing in Dexter Fowler to add to the Cardinals’ lead. The Cardinals won 6-0 before returning home to face the Diamondbacks tonight.

Andrew Cashner (P/Baltimore Orioles) - Cashner had a rough week, opening against the Twins at home. He allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits in just 5 innings, including 3 home runs. He walked 2 and struck out 5 in the 6-2 loss for the Orioles. Cashner is scheduled to pitch tonight on the road against the Yankees.

Brandon Finnegan (P/Cincinnati Reds) - Finnegan has been bitten by the injury bug again, though it looks somewhat precautionary. He left a Cactus League game in early March with pain in his left arm, and they’re calling it a left bicep strain. He’s seen some bullpen sessions in the past week and could start as early as next week. Keep your fingers crossed we get to see a lot more of Finny this season.

Bryan Holaday (C/Miami Marlins)

Holaday signed with the Marlins back on December 1, 2017, and was expected to compete to be J.T. Realmuto’s backup throughout spring training. He’s splitting time with Tomas Telis and Chad Wallach currently, as Realmuto continues to make his way back from a back injury.

Holaday has appeared in four of Miami’s six games thus far, and is 1-for-7 at the plate, with an RBI. It’s unclear what will happen to him once Realmuto comes back, but if he makes the most of his opportunity, he could find himself on the roster.