NL Notes: Bumgarner to DL

Even when Madison Bumgarner suffers a rare injury, he makes it look cool.

The Giants’ ace suffered bruised ribs and a shoulder injury in a dirt bike accident. Bumgarner used his off-day for one of his go-to hobbies, but unfortunately, things didn’t go well for MadBum. The ace has made headlines this season for his arm, but also for his bat. Bumgarner continues to become the best hitting pitcher in baseball.

Bumgarner is out indefinitely —the team has not disclosed how long the DL stint will be.

Here’s what else is happening around the National League:

Yep, David Ross has written a book. Chicago’s resident old guy is ready to release his inner-most thoughts and wisdom to the world. If you live in Chicagoland or any surrounding areas, hurry and grab a copy, because something’s telling me they won’t be around much longer. Check out the review here.

The Braves have chosen to recall veteran Matt Kemp from the 10-day disabled list. The aging outfielder suffered a right hamstring strain four games into the season, and is ready to return to his torrid hitting (Kemp was hitting .500 through the first four games before his injury).

Talk about a cool moment. In what will likely go down as his final game at Safeco Field, Ichiro Suzuki made the most of his final at-bat. The 43-year-old Suzuki knocked a homer to right-center in what appears to be his last ups in Seattle (the Marlins aren’t playing there again in the near future). Ichiro, you never dissappoint!

Pittsburgh’s Starling Marte has been suspended 80 games for PED usage. Marte was tested Tuesday, and quickly came up positive for Nandrolone, a steroid. The loss of Marte puts the Pirates in trouble, in an already competitive NL Central.

Remember Kirk Nieuwenhuis? The former Met turned-Brewer is Milwaukee’s most recent DFA. Nieuwenhuis was designated for assignment following a .080 start at the plate. He had his struggles at the dish in New York, but this seems to be a more serious slump. Here’s to Nieuwenhuis getting it together soon.