Outside The Confines: Bench ‘em

“Benching” baseball players isn’t a new practice, but it seems to be gaining popularity this season, as we’re seeing managers bench their players for a number of largely behavioral reasons. No hustle on the basepaths? Get benched. Boneheaded lack of attention paid during the game? Get to the bench, buddy.

And this week we saw a new one: talented Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco was benched by his manager Kevin Cash for two games because of how he displays his frustration when he’s not doing well.

What’s interesting is how the technique does seem to work. Earlier this season Javier Báez was benched in Detroit, and afterwards it was evident he was paying more attention and being more head-in-game. So perhaps this move, while surprising, is a good one. Time will tell.

Now on to the rest of today’s links!

• If the Rays are winning, it might be despite their bullpen. Kyle Kishimoto looks at how poorly the Rays' bullpen is doing this season.
• Ben Clemens shares how beloved Jordan Romano is becoming with Jays fans.
• Rocco Baldelli’s daughter is ready for the big leagues, she already knows the most important rule: keep your eye on the ball. Story by Do-Hyoung Park.
• Mike Trout talks about his World Baseball Classic at-bat against teammate Shohei Ohtani. Story by Nick Selbe.
• Josh Naylor joyously reacts to his brother Bo’s first big league hit. Story by Dan Gartland.
• Ken Rosenthal looks at Chase Utley’s new role as a baseball ambassador to Europe. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Those Oakland A’s “SELL” tees are heading to the Hall of Fame.

• Dan Szymborski details how Luis Arraez really could hit .400 this season.
• Kaitlyn McGrath explains the importance of Matt Chapman both on and off-field for the Blue Jays. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Byron Buxton makes Statcast history with his home run. Story by Do-Hyoung Park.
• Here are the All-Star Game finalists, all of whom will appear in the game. (MLB)
• Tom Verducci focuses on the Kansas City Royals, who have been one of the worst teams in baseball this season.
• Nationals’ manager Dave Martinez quite literally kicked dirt in his recent ejection. (AP)
• In “too little too late” news, Rob Manfred says he wishes he hadn’t given the Astros a free pass in their cheating scandal. Story by Evan Drellich. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• The Pirates unveiled their City Connect jerseys.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.