Hello readers! Another week of Major League Baseball action has come to an end. High scoring games, low scoring games, pitching duels, and hitting displays galore, we have it all this week's column. In this week's column, I'll talk about all 30 teams week that were, injuries, news and notes, and a remarkable "Final Out" that you have to see. Let's get to work!
American League
American League East (2nd Inning):
Baltimore Orioles (5th in AL East; Week Record: 2-5; Overall Record: 8-15; Week Runs Scored: 32):
The Orioles would take a split in a 4-game series with Boston, take 1 of 3 against Tampa Bay, and get swept by Minnesota in 3 games. The long hitless streak from Chris Davis is finally over but the injuries for the O's piled up during their weekend series against the Twins. Seems that first week of the season drifted away like a dream. Should be noted that I only took Monday's game of their series against Boston into account for this week.
This week: 3 games vs Chicago (AL); 3 games @ Minnesota
Boston Red Sox (4th in AL East; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 9-13; Week Runs Scored: 20):
The Red Sox would take a split against the Orioles in 4 games, get swept by the Yankees in 2 games, and sweep the Rays in 3 games. The offense and starting pitching has still yet to figure its groove but certainly a sweep against the division leading Tampa Bay Rays has to give them some confidence. Chris Sale needs to improve as well. The loss of Dustin Pedroia yet again is hard to swallow as well. Might be time for him to retire.
This week: 4 games vs Detroit; 3 games vs Tampa Bay
New York Yankees (2nd in AL East; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 11-10; Week Runs Scored: 36):
The Yankees swept the Red Sox in 2 games and took 3 of 4 against the Royals. The Yankees still keep rolling along despite hovering above .500 for this season. The injuries to Aaron Judge on Saturday could be impactful if this team wants to get to the playoffs again. Yet again they seem to be doing just fine with their offense. Pitching has stepped up big time for the Bombers.
This week: 4 games @ Los Angeles (AL); 3 games @ San Francisco
Tampa Bay Rays (1st in AL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 14-8; Week Runs Scored: 29):
The Rays took 2 of 3 against the Orioles and got swept by the Red Sox in 3 games. The division leading Rays took a bit of a detour this week as their pitching went south. Tyler Glasnow has looked a bit more vulnerable now and Blake Snell was hit with an injury but will be back later in the week. Hard to say that this is the Rays team that we expected but they need to get back to their bread and butter with pitching. At least their offense somewhat kept them in games.
This week: 3 games vs Kansas City; 3 games @ Boston
Toronto Blue Jays (3rd in AL East; Week Record: 6-1; Overall Record: 10-12; Week Runs Scored: 39):
The Blue Jays took 3 of 4 against the Twins and swept the Athletics in 3 games. The Blue Jays were one of the better teams this week. Taking on some quality teams and running them over. Their offense needed it too. I mean to put up 39 runs. The loss of Matt Shoemaker for 2 weeks will be tough to manage. Aaron Sanchez would get hit with the injury bug too but will be out for at least a week.
This week: 2 games vs San Francisco; 3 games vs Oakland
American League Central (3rd Inning)
Chicago White Sox (4th in AL Central; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 8-12; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The White Sox took 2 of 3 against the Royals and took 1 of 3 (possible 4 but the April 20th game will be played on August 6th) against the Tigers. The Southsiders were .500 for the week and certainly it can be said for their season so far. Their offense looks good to keep them in games but their pitching has still hasn't come to bat. The loss of Lucas Giolito for a week will be hard but they can't do worse than lose every game.
This week: 3 games @ Baltimore; 3 games vs Detroit
Cleveland Indians (2nd in AL Central; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 12-9; Week Runs Scored: 26):
The Indians took 3 of 3 against the Mariners and took 1 of 3 against the Braves. Cleveland is an interesting team, they can have a good day on hitting, then a bad one, likewise for pitching. They can score 6 runs in one game and then 1 run the next. Fortunately that 1 run was a 1-0 shutout. They really took it to the Mariners and then look awful against a Braves team with bullpen issues. I don't know what to think of this team.
This week: 2 games vs Miami; 3 games @ Houston
Detroit Tigers (3rd in AL Central; Week Record: 2-3; Overall Record: 10-10; Week Runs Scored: 19):
The Tigers were swept in 2 games against the Pirates and took 2 of 3 (possible 4th was postponed and was rescheduled for August 6th) against the White Sox. Getting enough runs and innings enough to get to Shane Greene is a sound strategy for the Tigers. Greene got two saves this week increasing his season total to 10. Christin Stewart will miss a week due to injury but its the Tigers batting that can't seem to get them wins.
This week: 4 games @ Boston; 3 games @ Chicago (AL)
Kansas City Royals (5th in AL Central; Week Record: 2-5; Overall Record: 7-15; Week Runs Scored: 25):
The Royals took 1 of 3 against the White Sox and took 1 of 4 against the Yankees. Kansas City has a lot of problems, their offense doesn't score enough runs, their pitching can't stop no one and a bullpen to close down opponents. The loss of Danny Duffy to injury will be less than a week but their injury list of pitchers is one too many problems that KC can handle. The basement in the division is nice and cool.
This week: 3 games @ Tampa Bay; 3 games vs Los Angeles (AL)
Minnesota Twins (1st in AL Central; Week Record: 4-3; Overall Record: 12-7; Week Runs Scored: 42):
The Twins took 1 of 4 against the Blue Jays and swept the Orioles in 3 games. A whopping 42 runs were scored by the Twins this week. They score 16 on Saturday against the Orioles. Still its the Orioles who have not a lot of pitching depth. The Twins have the best batting average in the majors with .275, not too shabby. Their pitching can always improve too.
This week: 3 games @ Houston; 3 games vs Baltimore
American League West (4th inning)
Houston Astros (2nd in AL West; Week Record: 2-3; Overall Record: 13-8; Week Runs Scored: 31):
The Astros took a 2-game split against the Athletics and took 1 of 3 against the Rangers. The Astros had a meh week. Average would be more like it to them. Gerritt Cole has certainly been questionable with his 1-3 record and an ERA over 5. They should be fine but certainly your division games are important, especially against an in-state rival. Michael Brantley has a 13-game hitting streak though.
This week: 3 games vs Minnesota; 4 games vs Cleveland
Los Angeles Angels (5th in AL West; Week Record: 1-6; Overall Record: 9-13; Week Runs Scored: 37):
The Angels got swept against the Rangers in 3 games and took 1 out of 4 against the Mariners. Their offense can get them runs but their pitching has done jack for them. Same story, same old Angels.
This week: 4 games vs New York (AL); 3 games @ Kansas City
Oakland Athletics (4th in AL West; Week Record: 1-4; Overall Record: 11-13; Week Runs Scored: 9):
The A's took 1 of 2 against the Astros and took 0 of 3 against the Blue Jays. A whopping 9 runs of offense. The most they would get was 4 in a 5-4 loss against the Blue Jays. Their offense took a week off this week certainly. Still, Ramon Laurenado is quite a spectacle on defense.
This week: 3 games vs Texas; 3 games @ Toronto
Seattle Mariners (1st in AL West; Week Record: 3-4; Overall Record: 16-9; Week Runs Scored: 34):
The Mariners got swept in 3 games against the Indians and took 3 of 4 against the Angels. The Mariners are still a pretty solid club who was laxed on offense earlier in the week and then took advantage of not good Angels pitching. Need to get better to keep off the surging Astros though.
This week: 2 games @ San Diego; 4 games vs Texas
Texas Rangers (3rd in AL West; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 12-8; Week Runs Scored: 44):
The Rangers swept the Angels in 3 games and took 2 of 3 against the Astros. Certainly the bigger surprise this week was the Rangers who took it to the defending division champs at home. Their offense really took off and certainly their pitching has done well too. Kudos to Texas.
This week: 3 games @ Oakland; 4 games @ Seattle
National League
National League East (5th inning)
Atlanta Braves (2nd in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 11-10; Week Runs Scored: 32):
The Braves got swept against the Diamondbacks and took 2 of 3 against the Indians. Bullpen issues still plague the Braves as Arodys Vizcaino was hit with injury and his season was over. Not looking promising for Atlanta but you did look good against a solid Indians team on the road.
This week: 3 games @ Cincinnati; 3 games vs Colorado
Miami Marlins (5th in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 6-16; Week Runs Scored: 14):
The Marlins got swept against the Cubs in 3 games and took 2 of 3 against the Nationals. The worst team in the majors had a bright spot in taking 2 of 3 against a good Nationals team. Other than that their offense is non-existent and their pitching can't keep offenses off base. Its a long season yet.
This week: 2 games @ Cleveland; 4 games @ Philadelphia
New York Mets (3rd in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 11-10; Week Runs Scored: 23):
The Mets took 1 of 3 against the Phillies and 1 of 3 against the Cardinals. Mets took a hit for pitching as Jacob DeGrom was diagnosed with an elbow injury that will last for a week. Their pitching hasn't kept offenses off the bases. Still if you can get through to the 9th with a lead, Edwin Diaz can get them a save if its possible.
This week: 3 games vs Philadelphia; 3 games vs Milwaukee
Philadelphia Phillies (1st in NL East; Week Record: 3-4; Overall Record: 12-9; Week Runs Scored: 37):
The Phillies took 2 of 3 against the Mets and took 1 of 4 against the Rockies. The offense is still quite good if only the pitching can stop giving up home runs. Bryce Harper is quite fun to watch.
This week: 3 games @ New York (NL); 4 games vs Miami
Washington Nationals (4th in NL East; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 10-10; Week Runs Scored: 26):
The Nationals took 2 of 3 against the Giants and took 1 of 3 against the Marlins. Max Scherzer was hit with a rib injury but it will be a short injury stint. The Nationals offense was a bit lax and a bit up and down during the week. Didn't quite gain any ground on teams in their division.
This week: 3 games @ Colorado; 3 games vs San Diego
National League Central (6th inning)
Chicago Cubs (4th in NL Central; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 10-10; Week Runs Scored: 24):
The Cubs swept the Marlins in 3 games and took 2 of 3 against the Diamondbacks. On the Northside this week the Cubs improved greatly this week. They had good pitching performances like Tyler Chatwood (who would get a no decision) and Cole Hamels. Hamels is sporting a 3-0 record so far this season. Offense is efficient as well.
This week: 3 games vs Los Angeles (NL); 3 games @ Arizona
Cincinnati Reds (5th in NL Central; Week Record: 3-4; Overall Record: 8-13; Week Runs Scored: 20):
The Reds got swept in 3 games against the Dodgers and took 3 of 4 against the Padres. The Reds are certainly a team in rebuilding and a 3-4 record this week and only 20 runs scored. The offense could do better but no one on bat stands out as a powerhouse that can put up numbers. Pitching as well.
This week: 3 games vs Atlanta; 3 games @ St. Louis
Milwaukee Brewers (3rd in NL Central; Week Record: 3-4; Overall Record: 13-10; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The Brewers took 2 of 3 against St. Louis and took 1 of 4 against the Dodgers. Christian Yelich is probably best thing the Brew Crew have had a long time. Their offense and bullpen are playing well but its their starting pitching that still proves to give them hiccups.
This week: 3 games @ St. Louis; 3 games @ New York (NL)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1st in NL Central; Week Record: 4-1; Overall Record: 12-7; Week Runs Scored: 17):
The Pirates took a 2-game sweep against the Tigers and took 2 of 3 against the Giants. Pittsburgh's pitching did really well against some decent hitting teams in the Tigers and the Giants.
This week: 4 games vs Arizona; 3 games @ Los Angeles (NL)
St. Louis Cardinals (2nd in NL Central; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 12-9; Week Runs Scored: 28):
The Cardinals took 1 of 3 against the Brewers and took 2 of 3 against the Mets. St. Louis' offense has shown to get 10+ run games while not always the case as they can win games with lesser run amounts, the pitching should be called into questioning during their series against the Brewers. It needs to get better against a team like the Brewers if they want to get to bigger and better things.
This week: 3 games vs Milwuakee; 3 games vs Cincinnati
National League West (7th inning)
Arizona Diamondbacks (3rd in NL West; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 11-11; Week Runs Scored: 24):
The Diamondbacks swept the Braves in 3 games and took 1 of 3 against the Cubs. It's quite preposterous how well the Diamondbacks are at .500 this week. All their facets to the game they do well at. The record could've been easily 5-1 had they not lose a game in a walk-off fashion on Sunday at Wrigley Field. You don't quite know what you're going to get with this team.
This week: 4 games @ Pittsburgh; 3 games vs Chicago (NL)
Colorado Rockies (4th in NL West; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 9-13; Week Runs Scored: 32):
The Rockies swept the Padres in 2 games and took 3 of 4 against the Phillies. Colorado needed this week to get back into the division race and boy did they answer. The Rockies got a good week from Jon Gray who got 2 wins during the week. Offense too is starting to wake up after a early slump.
This week: 3 games vs Washington; 3 games @ Atlanta
Los Angeles Dodgers (1st in NL West; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 15-9; Week Runs Scored: 26):
The Dodgers swept the Reds in 3 games and then took 3 of 4 against the Brewers. Kenley Jansen got 3 saves this week increasing his total to 7. The Dodgers had a better week than last week in terms of record and certainly you have to give the credit to their pitching while their hitting has given them enough runs to close games out.
This week: 3 games @ Chicago (NL); 3 games vs Pittsburgh
San Diego Padres (2nd in NL West; Week Record: 1-5; Overall Record: 12-11; Week Runs Scored: 13):
The Padres got swept against the Rockies in a 2-game set and took 1 of 4 against the Reds. I certainly thought the Padres would fall back down to earth eventually but certainly not against a Reds team. I felt the Padres offense was better. Baseball is a finicky sport. Still Kirby Yates got his 10th save on Sunday.
This week: 2 games vs Seattle; 3 games @ Washington
San Francisco Giants (5th in NL West; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 9-14; Week Runs Scored: 20):
The Giants took 1 of 3 against the Nationals and took 1 of 3 against the Pirates. The Giants still are struggling on offense, this has been most of the case so far this year. While their pitching can do so much to help the team.
This week: 2 games @ Toronto; 3 games vs New York (AL)
League Leaders and Notes (8th Inning)
Your American League leaders in batting are: Tim Anderson (White Sox) with .422 batting average, Khris Davis (Athletics) 9 home runs, Domingo Santana (Mariners) with 25 RBI's. In pitching your leaders are: Tyler Glasnow (Rays) and Marco Gonzales (Mariners) tied with 4 wins, Tyler Glasnow with a 1.13 ERA, and Shane Greene (Tigers) with 9 saves.
Your National League leaders in batting are: Cody Bellinger (Dodgers) with .407 batting average and Christian Yelich (Brewers) with 13 home runs and 31 RBI's. In pitching Zach Greinke is tied with 4 other pitchers with 3 wins, Joe Musgrove (Pirates) with a .081 ERA, and Kirby Yates with 10 saves.
In injury news, Aaron Judge will be out until May 28th with an Oblique injury that was suffered during a Saturday game against the Royals. Matt Shoemaker of the Blue Jays was put on the 10-day Injury List with a left knee injury he suffered during a rundown. Rich Hill of the Dodgers is expected to throw during a spring game before returning to the club to start next Sunday against the Pirates.
The Final Out (9th inning):
If in case you haven't learned about Ramon Laureanado of the Athletics, you've either been living in a cave or you try not to remember him because he's not on your team. On Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, he made a play that has to be considered play of the year. I'll be back next week to recap the week that was in baseball, until then, enjoy the video and have a good week.
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