Balls out: random notes

 I am delighted to see Harrison Bader (CF for MIN; erst of the Mets, Reds, Yanks, and Cards [in reverse chronological order]) is growing his hair again:

Bader crewcut was a stark and frightening sight. 

Speaking of haircuts: formerly shaggy Corbin Burnes (RHP for AZ; an Oriole last year but will always properly be Brew Crew) left the mound early in the June 1 game against the visiting Nationals with 'elbow discomfort'. Oops. He's scheduled for Tommy John surgery, so maybe we'll see him late next year? It's a shame: his ERA thus far in 2025 is .266 (though his WHIP is up a little).

It occurs to me: TJ surgery has become so common that fans are inured to it. It's an annoyance that takes favorite pitchers out of play for more than a year, but when those pitchers do return, they are typically about as good as they were before the surgery—sometimes better. But the surgery and especially the recovery and physical therapy regimen that follow it are a fucking bear. We would so well to remember that Corbin Burnes is going to have an unhappy life for the next year.