Sunday was get-away day for all 30 MLB teams, with some surging into the break and others limping. As we fans also surge and limp into the break, let’s not forget about the action across the diamond on Sunday.
Oh Captain My Captain
This was the best performance Jack Flaherty has had in several starts. He controlled the Giants hitters most of the game, throwing six frames and racking up six punchouts. Evan Longoria decided to complicate Flaherty’s afternoon by hitting a solo home run in the seventh. Flaherty has struggled to say the least but is hoping this last start is a sign of things to come.
Omar Who?
Coming into the season there were only four or five catchers who could handle big league pitching and make an impact offensively. Let me introduce you to a player that needs to be brought into that discussion — Omar Narvaez. Narvaez punished Oakland pitching, going 4-4 with two home runs, four RBI, and two runs. He’s a bright spot for the Mariners as they look ahead to the second half.
Laurean-GO!
The A’s seem to always get the most out of their players. In this case, it comes in the form of a center fielder. Ramon Laureano was on full display on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Slotted in the sixth hole, the rangy defensive specialist has come alive at the plate, hitting 15 home runs and 18 doubles in 89 games. With 10 total stolen bases, it will be interesting to see if Laureano finds himself hitting higher in the order in the second half.
Smash Brothers
It was the Gurriel show on Sunday in Toronto and Houston. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and a stolen base. His older brother, Yuli, playing south of him in Houston, also homered and out shadowed his little brother’s performance. Yuli has homered in five straight games and has shown his bat skills are still above average. Both players will be key contributors to their respective teams in the second half.
Injuries
Max Kepler was removed from Sunday’s game because of a bruised knee. Rocco Baldelli does not consider the injury to be serious. The All Star break comes are just the right time for the Twins as Kepler and Eddie Rosario are both battling nagging injuries.
Transactions
The Minnesota Twins recalled and Devin Smeltzer from the Rochester Red Wings. Smeltzer pitched the bulk of the contest against the Texas Randers. He threw 4.1 innings, striking out four and giving up one earned run in a no decision. The crafty lefty was sent back to Rochester after the game concluded.
