A look at what’s happening around the majors today:
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SLOW STARTS
Both winless teams in the majors are defending division champions. After finishing first in the AL West last year, the Oakland Athletics (0-6) have matched the worst start in franchise history. The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics also began the season with six consecutive losses.
“It (stinks) to start this way but we know how good we are,” A’s starter Chris Bassitt said. “It’s just embarrassing right now.”
Over in the National League, the Atlanta Braves are 0-4 following a three-game sweep in Philadelphia and a 6-5 loss Tuesday to the virus-depleted Nationals in their delayed opener.
“I don’t think anybody is too worried,” new Braves pitcher Drew Smyly said.
Atlanta, coming off three straight NL East titles, gets two chances Wednesday to win for the first time in 2021. Max Fried is scheduled to start the first game of a doubleheader in Washington that will feature back-to-back seven-inning games.
Oakland tries to stop its early skid at home against NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer and the World Series champion Dodgers. Bauer struck out 10 and took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his Los Angeles debut at Coors Field last week. Jesús Luzardo pitches for the A’s.
SHIPWRECK
James Paxton’s return to Seattle didn’t last long. Paxton exited the first start of his second stint with the Mariners because of a forearm strain Tuesday night after throwing just 24 pitches against the White Sox. He will have an MRI on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old lefty spent the last two seasons with the Yankees after playing his first six for Seattle. He rejoined the Mariners in February on a one-year deal worth $8.5 million, with the chance to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses for…
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