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• Monday: Minor league players were granted class action status against the MLB–as it pertains to the league violating minimum wage laws for its players. The appeal by the MLB was denied by the Supreme Court. The suit currently has 29 players involved with it, and they are expected to have more join in it as the year goes on. 

• Tuesday:  The MLB reinstated New York Yankees  righty Domingo German from the restricted list. He was suspended 81-games due to violating the league’s domestic abuse policy. He was not eligible for the postseason.

• Wednesday: The MLB officially announced that the MiLB will join them–and they will work together from now on. They will bring the minor league system under their power, and they will transplant their offices to New York City with the MLB at their headquarters. They will start referring to minor-league clubs as “licensed affiliates.” It is one of the top goals the league was trying to accomplish over the season. 

• Thursday: The Los Angeles Angels finalized a deal that will keep the team in Anaheim at least until 2050. The city of Anaheim will receive $150MM in the deal, and the project near the stadium will include affordable housing and community parks. 

• Friday: HOF’er lefty Whitey Ford passed away at the age of 91. The New York Yankees 10-time All-Star won the 1961 Cy Young award. Ford also served in the military during the 1951-52 season. He won six championships with the club, and was the MVP of the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He threw 14 shutout innings. In his 16-year career, he amassed a 236-106 record with 1,956K and a 2.75 ERA. We at IBI give our deepest condolences to the Ford family. 

• Saturday: The Washington Nationals made numerous changes to their coaching staff. Hitting coach Kevin Long won’t return to the club next season, nor will bench coach, Chip Hale. Pitching coach Paul Menhart was also told his contract will not be renewed. Skipper Davey Martinez will be able to hand-pick his own staff. This is the first time he’s had this opportunity since joining the team in 2017.

• Sunday: Tampa Bay Rays righty Charlie Morton hinted at the possibility of retiring at the end of the 2020 campaign in February. The 13-year veteran is leaving the decision in the Rays organization. He has a $15MM club option on his deal, and would welcome playing out his deal there. However, if the Rays were to decline the option, he would potentially pursue playing elsewhere, or just retire. 

News and Notes

• Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that San Diego Padres right hander Mike Clevinger could undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right arm after only lasting two innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 1 of  the NLCS. The surgery would only set him back a few months, and he would be ready to start the 2021 season. 

• According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays activated lefty Jose Alvarado from the 45-day IL. He’s returning from inflammation in his throwing shoulder. To make room, righty Oliver Drake was DFA’d.