With the A’s and Mariners jockeying for position not only in the standings, but the Wild Card chase, every game matters. Through 12 games this season, seven have been decided by one run. This afternoon, a two-run home run by Dee Gordon propelled the Mariners to victory. As usual, their closer Edwin Díaz took the mound to looking to secure the save. After allowing a lead-off single, Diaz bounced back to strikeout the side for his 47th save of the season.
Diaz has converted 28 straight saves dating back to June second with a 0.89 ERA, 53 strikeouts and three walks in 30.1 innings. He’s 47-for-50 in save chances, and presently one of five relievers to record at least 45 saves, 100 strikeouts along with keeping his ERA below two. Through this outing, Diaz has 47 saves, 103 strikeouts and a 1.95 ERA. Plus, he’s recorded 24 one-out saves to lead the majors and tie a record set by Eric Gagne in 2003.
That Just Happened
Another strong outing by Carlos Rodon . He won his fourth game of the year lasting eight innings giving up five hits, three earned runs and a walk with six strikeouts. Rodon generated 15 swinging strikes and 16 called strikes of his 105 pitches and fell one inning short of the first complete game by a White Sox pitcher since September of 2016, by Chris Sale . As for Rodon, he’s recorded a 1.60 ERA his last seven starts, all quality ones, winning three games with 42 strikeouts.
Yolmer Sánchez talled three hits in five at-bats scoring a run with a double and an RBI. He’s on a five-game hit streak during which he’s nine-for-23 with four runs, two doubles and a home run.
Teammate José Abreu also racked up three hits including his 21sth home run and drove in three. Abreu’s hit safely in 18 of his last 22 games with seven doubles, eight home runs, 21 RBI and 11 multi-hit games in them.
After a rough start to his second half, Nick Castellanos woke up with Chicago in town. He went 2-for-3 with a two-RBI single and a walk. He’s hit safely in seven of his last nine contests and driven in seven runs the last three games.
Forever frustrating José Berrios turned in another rough start on Wednesday afternoon. Berrios made his shortest appearance since April 29th, only lasting 3.2 innings at home against the Pirates. Berrios yielded seven hits, four runs (three earned) and two walks with four strikeouts. Over his last two starts, Berrios has only lasted 7.2 innings handing out eight walks in them.
As much as the Twins beat writers suggest a closer by committee could exist until the end of the season, Paul Molitor’s been standing by his new man, Trevor Hildenberger . Hildenberger recorded his third straight save walking one and striking out one. He’s allowed seven earned runs his last 7.1 innings, but seems secure in the role going forward.
Newly acquired Logan Forsythe continues to produce for Minnesota. Forsythe went 2-for-3 with a run, a walk and three RBI. In 13 games with the Twins, Forsythe’s hitting .386 and getting on base 43.8 percent of the time.
Playing as the designated hitter, Elias Diaz finished with two hits, including his ninth home run and walked twice. In the second half, he’s hitting .346 (18-for-52) with four runs, three doubles, two home runs and six RBI. Not bad for a second catcher these days.
Could Chris Archer be pressing for his new team? Archer only lasted five innings allowing six hits, four earned runs and striking out seven. He did produce 13 swinging strikes (eight with the slider) and 18 called strikes of his 96 pitches, but Archer needs to work deeper into games. Leaving the American League was supposed to cure this.
Moving back to the fourth spot in the lineup, Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-4 with his 18th home run, drove in three runs, walked once and stole two bases. It’s Rizzo’s first home run since August fourth. Perhaps moving down in the order will resurrect his power over the last six weeks, stay tuned.
Mike Leake threw eight shutout innings in Oakland limiting them to two hits and one walk with six strikeouts. Leake’s recorded six straight quality starts but has one loss in them despite a 2.54 ERA in his last 39 innings with 25 strikeouts against four walks.
Night Moves
Ryan Braun left this afternoon’s game due to soreness in his ribcage. He’s considered day-to-day.
Due to the bullpen needing depth, James Paxton landed on the 10-day disabled list with a contusion to his left forearm. He will be eligible to return on August 25th.
Welcome back Wilson Ramos . He will make his Phillies debut this evening and hit sixth in the lineup.
Boston reports Ian Kinsler will be activated prior to Friday’s game.
Byron Buxton returned to action yesterday at Triple-A going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI. He also recorded an assist from the outfield and could be up soon. Could another hot September be in the offing?
Congratulations to Austin Dean. He gets a promotion from the Marlins and will be in the lineup tonight in Atlanta. Dean slashed .345/.410/.511 with 12 home runs in 109 games at Triple-A New Orleans.
Tommy Pham will play tonight in a rehab appearance for Hudson Valley. Depending on how he feels, Pham could rejoin the Rays as soon as tomorrow.
What To Watch For
Tampa Bay hopes to get three-to-four innings from Jacob Faria tonight in New York. The Yankees will counter with Luis Cessa making this start, and possibly one more in place of C.C. Sabathia.
Start number two for Kevin Gausman in Atlanta. Will he work exclusively from the stretch again?
Will the Nationals or Dodgers bullpens be able to hold a lead if provided? It’s been a rough ride of late for these two bullpens.
Teach your kids to throw left-handed. Tonight’s prime example, Derek Holland will face off with Hyun-Jin Ryu in Los Angeles.
Be sure to check back in the morning for Fantasy Alarm’s Round Up to catch up Wednesday night’s action and stay ahead of your competition.
Statistical Credits:
MLB.com
Fangraphs.com
MiLB.com
BaseballSavant.com
Baseball-Reference.com