MLB Updates: Week 1
Photo from MLB.
Jarrett Borkowski
Rays Historic Start
The Tampa Bay Rays came into the season with decent expectations. Very few people thought they would be a bad team, yet many had them just a peg below the Yankees and Blue Jays in the AL East. However, to start the season, they have been looking much better than a fringe playoff contender. Starting with their 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox, the Rays have begun the season 10-0, the best start to a season since the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987. Even more historic, through the first nine games, Tampa won each of their games by four or more runs, the first team to do so since the 1939 New York Yankees. Led by an explosive offensive output from shortstop Wander Franco and outfielder Randy Arozarena, the Rays have been able to outscore their opponents by 58 runs over this stretch. With three more games against a less than stellar Red Sox team, the Rays will look to tie the record for the best start in a season by a team of 13 straight wins, a record held by both the ‘87 Brewers and the 1982 Atlanta Braves.
Toronto’s Chapman and Pittsburgh’s Reynolds win Player of the Week
In the first edition of MLB’s player of the week, Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman Matt Chapman won the American League version, while Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder Bryan Reynolds won the National League award. Chapman, a former MVP finalist, has been a defensive wizard at the hot corner with decent pop. With a slash line of .464/.516/.857, Chapman has been scorching for the Jays so far. Add on 2 home runs, 5 doubles, and 12 RBIs through the first seven games, he has been a somewhat welcomed surprise to a team that looks to break through and emerge as a powerhouse in the American League.
The National League winner is on a team in the opposite direction. The Pirates are nowhere near contention, in fact, they are almost certainly one of the worst 10 teams in the league. However, they have a superstar on their team in the form of Bryan Reynolds. With a slash of .480/.464/1.120, Reynolds has mashed the baseball so far on a Pirates team off to a decent start to the season. He also has contributed 12 RBIs and 4 homers in 6 games during the week. This is such an interesting development in the Reynolds and Pirates saga as the relationship has been shaky between them. Over the offseason, Reynolds demanded a trade from Pittsburgh to a team that is more competitive. However, with him being young and under contract for many more seasons, the Pirates brushed the request to the side. Instead, talks of an extension surprisingly popped up during Spring Training. A thin line is being walked and, depending on how well Reynolds performs and how well the Pirates play, we could see a superstar either locked up for the foreseeable future or see a competitive team like the Mariners or Blue Jays add a game changer.
Injury Updates
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pirates: One of the brighter young stars, Cruz went down with an ankle fracture after a collision at home plate that resulted in the benches clearing between the Pirates and White Sox. Cruz will undergo surgery and will be out for 4 months.
Adam Duvall, OF, Red Sox: Off the a great start, Duvall suffered a distal radius fracture in his left wrist after a dive in the outfield. He was placed on the 10-day injured list with no timetable set for his return.
Tim Anderson, SS, White Sox: One of the games’ most popular and dynamic players, Anderson exited a game against the Twins with knee soreness and is considered day-to-day.
Carlos Correa, SS, Twins: After one of the strangest offseason ever for a player, which saw him sign with 3 different teams, Correa has started the season with some struggles. He was scratched from Monday’s game with middle back tightness after an odd play at home during Saturday’s competition against the Astros.
German Marquez, SP, Rockies: While chasing Rockies history, the starter was pulled Monday night with a right forearm injury. The club has yet to disclose the injury.
Starling Marte, OF, Mets: After a sliding head-first into Jean Segura on a successful stolen base attempt during Sunday’s game, Marte suffered a neck strain. The injury is not serious and he is considered day-to-day.
Anthony Rendon, 3B, Angels: After being hit by a pitch during Sunday’s game, Rendon was scratched from the Angels game against his former team, the Nationals, Monday night because of shoulder soreness. He is considered day-to-day.
Top 5 Teams
These are the 5 best teams so far based on recent performance and the perceived strength of the roster.
1. Tampa Bay Rays (10-0)
Their fantastic start is historic, easily the best team in the league so far.
2. Atlanta Braves (7-4)
Sean Murphy looks like the All-Star catcher they want him to be and Orlando Arcia has been great at filling the void at shortstop following the departure of Dansby Swanson.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (6-5)
Though they experienced some losses in the offseason and have one of the weakest rosters in years, this team still is the favorite in the NL West and has been off to a decent start.
4. Milwaukee Brewers (7-3)
Though they took an apparent step back after missing the playoffs last season, the offense has been surprisingly strong to start the season. If they can return to 2021 form, the Brewers could challenge for the NL Central title, especially with the Cardinals stumbling out of the gate.
5. Cleveland Guardians (7-4)
As one of the more exciting teams last year, Cleveland used their old school approach of good defense, baserunning, and contact with a disregard for power to secure an AL Central crown. So far, it has worked well this year as they are off to a great start.
