Tuesday night had a little bit of everything from slugfests to pitching duels and of course another slew of homers, including one from an unlikely source. Here’s some of the highlights with a fantasy twist.
Alvarez sets Astros rookie record
Yordan Alvarez homered for the second straight game, becoming the franchise’s first freshman to accomplish the feat. Alvarez has been the designated hitter in both games, which is his best defensive position. With Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa out and Yuli Gurriel able to cover all around the infield, Houston can keep Alvarez at DH without costing anyone else playing time. When the middle infielders return, someone will lose playing time, likely Tyler White. This doesn’t even consider Kyle Tucker will be called at some point, creating a similar crunch in the outfield once George Springer returns.
The game featured seven home runs, four by the home team, as the Astros defeated the visiting Brewers in an interleague tussle. One of the three long balls from the losing side was Travis Shaw’s first since coming off the IL. Shaw has hit a modest .267 in those five games, but five walks buoy a .450 OBP in that stretch. It’s too soon to deem Shaw mixed league relevant again, but he has a two-year track record of solid production for the Brew Crew, so he’s worth tracking.
Pence goes inside the yard
Hunter Pence continues to be one the first half’s biggest surprises as he took advantage of Fenway Park’s quirky right field with an inside-the-park homer. The 36-year old outfielder hit an opposite field fly ball that struck the fence a few feet fair of the Pesky Pole. Brock Holt took chase but couldn’t snare it, almost falling into the stands. Believing the ball cleared the fence, Holt rested on the top of the wall while the ball rolled and settled near the gate to the Rangers’ bullpen. Pence kept circling the bases for his first inside-the-park homer. He has 13 more of the standard variety and has even chipped in three steals. Pence is seeing regular playing time with Joey Gallo and Willie Calhoun on the shelf, but at this rate he’ll continue to play once they’re back.
The Rangers 9-5 victory pushed the Red Sox back to .500, while Texas climbed to 36-30. Darwinzon Hernandez started for Boston, perfectly demonstrating his Jekyll and Hyde, fanning seven while walking five in just three frames. Like all starters with such a live arm, he’ll be given opportunities to improve his control and be a starter, but there will always be the fall back of making the 22-year-old southpaw a bullpen fireman.
Braves stay hot
A pair of Brian McCann homers along with Ozzie Albies‘ third in two games helped Atlanta outslug Pittsburgh by a 7-5 margin. Nick Markakis and Josh Donaldson also went yard for the victors, four coming in the second inning off Chris Archer. Ronald Acuna Jr. snagged his ninth bag. Remember, his running game was a question mark entering the season when Acuna Jr. was slated to bat cleanup. Now situated at leadoff, the sterling sophomore looks to be a lock for at least twenty bags.
The game featured the return of A.J. Minter. The fireballing lefty spent a month toiling for Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 2.53 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 10.2 innings, fanning 15 with just a pair of free passes. Braves skipper Brian Snitker says Minter will have a chance to regain the closer role, currently shared by several Atlanta relievers with Anthony Swarzak the latest to notch a save for the Braves.
Mets and Yankees split a pair
The New York rivals exchanged blowouts, with the Yankees securing the opener 12-5 before the Mets rebounded to capture the nightcap 10-4. Last season’s second half sensation Zack Wheeler continued a sluggish 2019, allowing five earned runs (nine overall) in just 4.2 frames in the matinee affair. James Paxton was hit hard under the lights, surrendering six runs in just 2.2 stanzas. The day’s best pitching performance came courtesy of Jason Vargas as the oft-embattled southpaw has been on a roll, sporting a 2.20 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over his last eight outings. However, only 37 punchouts to 17 walks in those 45 innings foretell darker days down the line. In general, Vargas has survived by administering just five homers in 51.1 frames.
Bour with heavenly return
After posting a 1.011 OPS featuring five homers and six doubles in 85 plate appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake, Justin Bour was recalled and immediately took Kenta Maeda deep, leading the Angels to a 5-3 win over the Dodgers. With Jared Walsh sent back to the farm, Bour should see decent playing time where he’s a power threat, especially at home where the lowered home run barrier in right field has transformed Angels Stadium into a power-friendly venue.
Tuesday Transactions
The St. Louis Cardinals activated Yadier Molina from the IL. Molina obviously resumes his bell cow role, though it wouldn’t be shocking if Matt Wieters saw a little more playing time to keep Molina fresh.
The Seattle Mariners activated Dee Gordon from the IL. The speedster is back in the lineup, hitting towards the bottom of the order. He’ll still run but hitting so low will temper chances.
The Atlanta Braves placed Kevin Gausman on the IL with plantar fasciitis. Gausman was already in danger of being bumped from the rotation by Dallas Keuchel. Hopefully the injury isn’t serious (and helps explain some of his recent woes) as even with Keuchel, the Braves may need Gausman later in the season since Mike Soroka and Max Fried will likely have their innings tempered so they’re able to contribute in October.
Tuesday’s Injuries
Just as Corey Seager was finding his groove, the Dodgers’ shortstop suffered what’s reportedly a Grade-2 hamstring strain, with an expected recovery around six weeks.
