MLB Updates: Week 2
Photo from MLB.
Jarrett Borkowski
Rays Fall Short of Modern Record
The Tampa Bay Rays have finally been charged with their first loss of the season after falling to the Blue Jays. This loss ends a 13-game winning streak to start the season, a streak that tied the modern record also held by the 1982 Braves and 1987 Brewers. The loss seems to have brought the Rays back down to Earth. Including that first loss, the Rays are 1-3 in their last 4 games. This has been highlighted by an uncharacteristically poor starting pitching performance from Drew Rasmussen, along with poor performances from the Rays classic opener approach (the strategy of starting a game with a high power reliever for an inning or two and using the bullpen for practically the entire game). A series loss to the Blue Jays is understandable, but losing the series opener to the Reds in embarrassing fashion is concerning. Perhaps people had a right to voice their doubts when chalking the Rays’ start up to a weak schedule.
Cole and Gallen Dominate On Their Way to NL and AL Player of the Week Respectively
This week was highlighted by some dominant pitching performances. The two players that really stood out were Arizona Diamondbacks young ace Zac Gallen, and perennial Cy Young candidate, New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole. Cole was fantastic, making two starts, allowing just 2 runs across 16.0 innings. He did so while posting a 13/3 K/BB ratio and holding opponents to a .140 average. His 10K, complete game shutout was one of the best starts of his career. However, Zac Gallen was nearly perfect this week. Across 13.2 innings during his 2 starts, Gallen didn’t allow a single run, struck out 18, walked just 1 batter, and allowed opponents to hit as a .114 clip. This dominance is rarely seen and is a welcomed sign for a Arizona team that looks to be a potential Wild Card contender.
Injury Updates
Corbin Burnes, SP, Brewers: During Monday’s win against the Seattle Mariners, Corbin Burnes exited the game early with a left pectoral strain. Both the Brewers’ ace and manager Craig Counsell described the injury as “minor” yet fans are cautious after a so-called minor injury to fellow star pitcher Brandon Woodruff turned into a more significant situation.
Jacob deGrom, SP, Rangers: The newly acquired ace for the Rangers exited a dominant start early with right wrist soreness. With deGrom facing injuries often in the past few years, the two time Cy Young Award winner caused some concerns. However, the team stated that the injury isn’t major and he will continue to be monitored for his next start.
Hunter Greene, SP, Reds: The flamethrowing youngster exited his start against the Rays after being struck in the leg by a hard-hit comebacker in the third inning. While X-Rays came back negative, he is questionable to make his next start with a right tibia contusion.
Giancarlo Stanton, OF/DH, Yankees: Stanton, who is off to a nice start, was also yet again hit by the injury bug after pulling a hamstring muscle, a common issue for the bulky slugger. He has been put on the IL and is likely out four to six weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Will Smith, C, Dodgers: One of the best catchers in the game, Smith has been placed on the 7-day Injured List with concussion symptoms. This shouldn’t be anything major and will likely return to the lineup as soon as April 20.
Joc Pederson, OF, Giants: Joc Pederson was diagnosed with right wrist inflammation and placed on the IL. Management says it should be a short stint and he is expected to return soon.
Ryan Tepera, RP, Angels: Tepera, who has had previous success with the White Sox and Cubs, has been off to a horrific start to the year. Some of these issues could be pointed to the inflammation he has in his throwing shoulder. Tepera is expected to head to the IL for a short time.
Top 5 Teams
These are the 5 best teams so far based on recent performance and the perceived strength of the roster.
1. Atlanta Braves, 13-4 (Last Week: 2)
Orlando Arcia going down with injury means we get to see one of the more intriguing prospects in Vaughn Grissom back in the big leagues. It was a difficult decision to pick the Braves over Tampa Bay, but the fact that Atlanta is currently on a winning streak of their own (currently at 7 straight wins) pushes them ever so slightly past the Rays as they are the better team as of late.
2. Tampa Bay Rays, 14-3 (1)
While they were able to tie the modern record of 13 straight wins to start a season, the Rays finally were knocked for their first loss against the Blue Jays this past week. In fact, they lost two of the three games against the Jays in that three game series in Toronto. While it is their first games and first series lost this year, they ended the series with a resounding 8-1 win.
3. Milwaukee Brewers, 12-5 (4)
The Brewers continue their good start with a decent week against the Padres and Diamondbacks. They have been inconsistent on having their offense support their pitching. When one is having a bad day, the other has struggled to pick them up. However, the final game against the Padres was a turn against that. With the offense struggling and only putting up one run, the pitching staff was able to blank San Diego and win the game.
4. New York Mets, 11-6 (Unranked)
The Mets have been keeping case with the Braves, insuring that Atlanta doesn’t have a commanding early lead in the NL East out of the gates. New York is on their own 5-game winning streak to rival the Braves 7-straight victories. The most interesting storyline right now for the Mets is the call up of third baseman Brett Baty. One of the top prospects in the game, Baty struggled last year in has short time up in the Majors, but he has started the season on fire in Triple-A. Adding on the struggles of current third baseman Eduardo Escobar (who has arguably been the worst everyday hitter so far this year) and it was only a matter of time before the 2nd ranked prospect in the Mets farm system got the call.
5. New York Yankees, 10-6 (Unranked)
The Yankees are coming off a nice series win against the Minnesota Twins, a team that is just barely missing this list. Gerrit Cole has once again shown why he is a Cy Young candidate year in and out. He dominated the Twins in the series finally with a 10 strikeout complete game shutout that saw the Twins collect just two hits.
