MLB Weekly Digest February 17th Edition: D-Backs Extend Nick Ahmed

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The last week in MLB was about a shortstop in the National League signing a contract extension, a starting pitcher undergoes surgery, and a pitcher will have their spring training delayed.

Arizona Diamondbacks Sign Shortstop Nick Ahmed to Four-Year Contract Extension

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed shortstop Nick Ahmed to a four-year contract extension, per a club announcement.

#SlickNick is sticking around!

The #Dbacks and @NickAhmed13 agree to a 4-year contract through 2023. #RattleOn pic.twitter.com/TvQGcjktIw

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 10, 2020

The deal runs through 2023, is worth $32.5 million, and includes performance bonuses, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

The Diamondbacks announce they have agreed to terms with shortstop Nick Ahmed on a four-year contract. According to a source, the deal is worth a guaranteed $32.5 million with a chance to earn more in bonuses.

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 10, 2020

Ahmed had a solid 2019 campaign for the Diamondbacks, by posting a .254 batting average and .753 OPS in 158 games with 33 doubles, six triples, 19 home runs, 82 RBIs, eight stolen bases and won a Gold Glove for the second consecutive year.

Ahmed has always been a great defender, but his prowess at the plate has improved over the last two seasons.

He has hit at least 30 doubles, five triples, mashed 16 home runs, and collected 70 or more RBIs in each of the last two years.

The Diamondbacks were smart to lock up Ahmed for the next four years at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

The shortstop will continue to make spectacular plays in the field, but if he continues to progress as a hitter, then this contract will appear to be a steal, as the team will have a complete shortstop.

Cleveland Indians Starting Pitcher Mike Clevinger Out Six-to-Eight Weeks After Knee Surgery

The Cleveland Indians will probably be without starting pitcher Mike Clevinger when the regular season begins, as the starting pitcher underwent knee surgery a couple of days ago, per a team announcement.

We would like to officially welcome Domingo Santana to The Land!

Additionally, Mike Clevinger will undergo surgery on his left knee today and his timetable is TBD. pic.twitter.com/3PSW9gPjeO

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 14, 2020

Clevinger suffered a partial tear of the medial meniscus in his left knee while training last week and had been on crutches, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Sources: Mike Clevinger is scheduled to undergo surgery today after he sustained partial of the medial meniscus in his left knee while training this week. He has been on crutches. Timetable for a return will be established following the procedure.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 14, 2020

Clevinger is expected to return to major-league activity in six-to-eight weeks, says Meisel.

Mike Clevinger is expected to return to major league game activity in 6-8 weeks following today’s knee surgery

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 15, 2020

The loss of Clevinger is enormous for the Indians as he was stellar for the MLB club in 2019.

He compiled a 2.71 ERA in 126 innings pitched (21 starts) with 169 strikeouts, 37 walks issued, 10 home runs yielded, a 174 ERA+, a 2.49 FIP, and a 1.05 WHIP.

The silver lining is with the injury happening early in spring training, Clevinger won’t miss much time in the regular season.

Opening Day is Thursday, March 26^th, so an eight-week recovery period, combined with the right-hander needing to go on a rehab assignment, he might come back the first week of May.

Atlanta Braves Starting Pitcher Cole Hamels Dealing with Shoulder Injury

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Cole Hamels has left shoulder discomfort after doing weighted-ball exercises and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, says manager Brian Snitker, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic.

Cole Hamels irritated pitching shoulder doing weighted-ball exercises, #Braves’ Snitker said. Hamels is in Dallas, will be re-evaluated in 3 weeks. Hope is that it’s nothing serious and he’ll have time to get ready.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 12, 2020

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said the pitcher won’t be ready for the start of the MLB regular season, per 680 The Fan.

With being sidelined for three weeks, Alex Anthopoulos confirms that Cole Hamels will not be ready to start the regular season. #Braves

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) February 12, 2020

The Braves signed Hamels to a one-year contract this offseason to provide their young starting rotation with a veteran presence.

Hopefully, Hamels will be able to throw in about three weeks, and the shoulder injury doesn’t escalate into something dangerous.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a 29-year old New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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