BBRT May Wrap UP – a Hum-Dinger of a Month

In May, major league hitters bashed 1,135 dingers …

a new one-month record for home runs. 

It’s June  1 and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s traditional previous month wrap up – statistics, standings and stories that caught BBRT’s eye over the previous month, along with the BBRT Players and Pitchers of the Month and the BBRT Trot index.  Here’s a bit of a spoiler – a preview of the kind of thing you’ll read about – if you last to the end of the post.  Among the things we saw in May:

• The season’s first no-hitter – the second career no-hitter by a pitcher who has only two career complete games (Mike Fiers) in more than 160 starts.
• A pitcher (Pat Venditte) hitting batters on two consecutive pitchers – one tossed left-handed and one right-handed.
• A team (Red Sox) scoring nine runs in an inning – after the first two batters were retired.
• A batter (Nolan Arenado) hitting over .400 for the month – and a team (Rockies) hitting .300.
• A hitter (Albert Pujols) becoming just the third MLB player to reach 2,000 RBI.

Who said life was fair?  Chris Sale, with a 2.82 ERA, won one and lost two in six May starts.  Ivan Nova, with an ERA of 5.08 went 3-1 in six starts. 

• A team (White Sox) turning a triple play and hitting a Grand Slam in the same game.
• One team (Twins) hitting 100 home runs in the first 50 games of the season – and another (Orioles) giving up 100 homers in a MLB-low 48 games into the campaign.
• One team (Dodgers) go a perfect 14-for-14 in stolen base attempts.
• Four team playing .700+ ball (Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, Astros).
• One batter (Nolan Arenado, Rockies) hitting over .400 for the month.
• One team (Rockies) hitting .300 for the month.
• Four starting pitchers with at least five May starts put up earned run averages under 1.00 for the month (Hyun-Jin Ryu; Mike Soroka; Jake Odorizzi; Julio Teheran).

Reasons to Read On?
As you read through this lengthy post, you may be rewarded with tidbits of interest.  For example, BBRT found it interesting that, through May, the Rays’ had the AL’s (and MLB’s) best starters’ earned run average – and their starters had pitched the FEWEST innings of any staff.  The Dodgers’ had the best starting-staff earned run average in the NL (and were second only to the Rays in MLB) and their starters had pitched the MOST innings of any staff. (Details in the post.)

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Josh Bell, 1B , Pirates – Trevor Story, Rockies (tie)

I know a tie may be a cop-out, but there was no space between these two.

Bell was a beast in May – raking at a .390 pace and blasting an MLB-best (tied with the Reds’ Derek Dieterich and the Astros’ Alex Bregman) 12 home runs, driving in an MLB-high 31 and scoring 26 (second only to Trevor Story).  Bell was held hitless in only two games all month, raising his average from .286 to .343.  His 12 May doubles also led MLB, and his .797 slugging percentage was second only to the Dieterich.

So, why the tie?  How can you not honor a player who hit .425 for the month? that would be Arenado. He also hit nine May long balls (seventh best in MLB); drove in 29 (second only to Bell); and scored an MLB-best 30 runs. (And there’s also that Gold Glove defense.) In the NL, the race for player of the month was a Bell of a Story. 

Other contenders:   The Cubs’ 1B Anthony Rizzo hit  a solid .360, with nine home runs and 24 RBI; and LF Derek Dieterich of the Reds hit .309-12-22.

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox 

Devers hit .351 for the month, led the AL with 40 base hits, knocked eight home runs (fifth in the AL), 24 RBI (fourth in the AL) and 25 runs scored (tied for first in the AL). He even tossed in three stolen bases.  All-around a great “En-Dever.”

Other contenders: LF Eddie Rosario, Twins, .313-6-25; RF Hunter Pence, Rangers (.299-8-26); Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros (.260-12-24);

 

NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers

Really, no contest here. Ryu was MLB’s stingiest pitcher in May – with MLB’s lowest earned run average (among pitchers with at least 20 May innings) at a minuscule  0.59 and the third-lowest WHIP at 0.68.  Ryu averaged 7.5 innings pitched over his six May starts – going 5-0  and giving up just three runs  in 45 2/3 innings. In today’s power-focused game (at the plate and on the mound), he was an exception – fanning just 36 batters, but giving up zero home runs.

Contenders: Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (4-0, 1.36 – 37 strikeouts in 33 innings); Aaron Nola, Phillies (4-0, 2.73 – 42 strikeouts in 33 IP); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0. 1.81 – 37 strikeouts in 44 2/3 IP).

 

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH

Lucas Giolito, White Sox

Giolito was the AL’s  only five -game winner in May – going 5-0, 1.74 in six starts and fanning 46 batters (walking just ten) in 41 1/3 innings. The highlight of the month may have been when he shut down the potent Astros’ offense on May 23 – tossing a complete-game, four-hit shutout, walking one and fanning nine.

Other contenders: Justin Verlander, Astros (4-1, 2.29 – 42 whiffs in 35 1/3 innings), who allowed only 15 hits in his 35 frames; Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (0-0, 0.79, with an MLB-high 11 May saves – in eleven opportunities – and 18 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings).

 

 

TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

Through May,  36.3 percent of all MLB’s 65,019 2019 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (22.9%); Walks (8.8%); home runs (3.5%); HBP (1.0%); Catcher’s Interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

For the 2018 season, 34.8 percent of all MLB’s 185,139 plate appearances ended in a trot.  

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THE BEST AND WORST OF TEAMS …

 The Twins’ (21-8) not only led MLB in May victories, but also in May runs scored (191) and home runs (56). In addition, they topped the AL in May batting average (.289), put up an earned run average of 3.45 (second only to the Rays in the AL and third in MLB) and played superior defense.  Notably, the Twins showed offensive firepower up and down the lineup. Consider these May numbers: SS Jorge Polanco (.355-4-17); LF Eddie Rosario (.313-6-25); 1B C.J. Cron (.299-8-21); RF Max Kepler (.259-5-20).  The Twins had four player with at least five home runs on the month. On the mound it was Jake Odorizzi (4-0, 0.94); Martin Perez (4-2, 3.15) and Jose Berrios (3-1, 3.48) leading the way.  May was truly a team effort in Minny.

The Yankees (20-7 in May) are, arguably, as big a surprise as the Twins, given New York’s continuing injury woes.  Fortunately, for the Bronx Bombers, some unexpected “names” rose to the challenge.  The Yankees were bolstered by the May  performances of Gio Urshela, who hit .315 and drove in 15 runs; D.J. LeMahieu (.323-5-17); Gleyber Torres (.305-9-16); and Gary Sanchez  (285-9-15). On the mound, Aroldis Chapman gave the Yankees eleven saves in eleven opportunities, while starters Domingo German and J.A. Happ combined to go 8-1.

The Astros (20-8) in May) were just “The Astros” – a potent offense led by the likes of George Springer (.368-8-19 in May), Alex Bregman (.270-12-24); Michael Brantley (.327-5-18); Carlos Correa (.291-5-17); and a pitching staff that could boast of proven veterans Justin Verlander (4-1, 2.29) and Gerrit Cole (3-1, 4.13) – along with  with better than anticipated results from Brad Peacock (3-1, 2.76) and Wade Miley (4-1, 3.25).

Bang for the Buck.  The Tampa Rays,with the lowest payroll in baseball,  had a 35-20 record as MLB closed out May… the fifth best in the majors.  In addition, they were the only team with a team ERA under 3.00 at 2.96.

Over in the NL, the Dodgers reeled off 19 May wins (seven losses) – the only NL team to reach the 19-win mark for the month.  While they  showed a steady  offense (they were sixth in the NL in May runs scored),  it was their pitching that carried the day (the NL’s best – and MLB’s second-best – earned run average).  Among the May LA leaders: Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-0, 0.59); Kenta Maeda (-4-0, 2.73); Clayton Kershaw (4-0, 4.22).

Now for the bad news. The Mariners and Blue Jays each went an MLB-worst 7-21 in May.  You don’t have to look far for the reasons.  The Mariners team ERA of 6.03 was the second worst in MLB (the Pirates were at 6.19) and their 144 May runs were the sixth-lowest in MLB;. The Blue Jays’ May ERA was the fifth-worst at 5.66 and they scored the second-fewest May runs in MLB (98 – only the Marlins scored fewer at 89).

If the season ended May 31, your playoff teams would be:

AL: Twins; Yankee, Astros. Wild Cards:  Rays, Red Sox/A’s/Rangers (tied)

NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers.  Wild Cards: Brewers, Braves/Padres (tied)

NOTE: FULL STANDING AND STATISTICS THROUGH MAY 31 AT THE END OF THIS POST. 

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Now, before a look at some May highlights, here are May’s team stats. 

—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – month of May

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 132

AL: Twins (191); Red Sox (170); Astros (155)

NL: Rockies (183); Reds (149); Cubs (131); D-backs (145)

The Marlins scored an MLB-low 89 runs in May, after an MLB-low 82 runs in March/April. The Tigers and Blue Jays were at the bottom of the AL with 98 May tallies.  

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .253

AL: Twins (.286); Red Sox (.279); Astros (.278)

NL: Rockies (.300); Dodgers (.275); Pirates (.272)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 38

AL:  Twins (56); Red Sox (51); Astros (47)

NL: Cubs (51); Reds (45); Rockies (42)

The Marlins hit only 17 home runs in May, the only team under 20.

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE – MLB Team Average – .431

AL: Twins (.521); Astros (.500); Red Sox (.491)

NL: Rockies (.527); Dodgers (.476); Cubs (.468)

The Twins were the only team to top 500 total bases for the month (531). 

STOLEN BASES ... MLB Team Average – 12

AL: Royals (25); Indians (19); Red Sox (17)

NL: Reds (19); Brewers (17); D-backs (16)

Talk about futility on the bases.  The Cubs stole just one base in May – and were caught five times.  On the other end of the spectrum, the D-backs were  16-for-17 in May steal attempts. 

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 238

AL: White Sox (304); Mariners (269); Tigers (266)

NL: Padres (271); Brewers (264); Mets (259)

The Rockies and Twins led their respective leagues in doubles (67 and 61, respectively).  Consider this.  Miami had 54 total extra base hits for the month.  

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 89

AL: Red Sox (1139; Indians (119); Angels (105)

NL: Cubs (121); Brewers (115); Cardinals (99)

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EARNED RUN AVERAGE ... MLB Average – 4.47

AL:  Rays (2.97); Twins (3.45); Yankees (3.45)

NL:  Dodgers (3.11); Cubs (3.74); Mets (3.85)

The only teams with May ERA’s over 6.00 were  the Pirates (6.19) and the Mariners (6.03).

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 238

AL:  Astros (282); Red Sox (270); Twins (260)

NL: Reds (288); Nationals (268); Brewers (256)

Only two teams average more than ten strikeouts per  innings – the Astros (10.19) and the Reds (10.25).Eleven teams averaged at least one K per inning for the month; while the Tigers (7.35) and White Sox (7.48) had the lowest K/9 rate.

SAVES … MLB Average – 6

AL: Yankees (14); Astros (9); Angels (7)

NL: Padres (10); Phillies (9); Dodgers (9)

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED … MLB Average – 89

AL: Indians (63); Twins (65); Yankees (74)

NL: Dodgers (45); Padres (58); Mets (80)

When you look at  the strikeouts-to-walks  ratio, the Dodgers were the May kings (4.98  strikeouts per walk). 

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MAY HIGHLIGHTS

May 2 – Thor Wields a Silver Hammer

On May 2, the Mets’ Noah “Thor” Syndergaard was on his game. Facing the Reds in New York, Syndergaard threw a complete-game, four-hit shutout (one walk/ten whiffs). The Mets also got four-hits and their only run came on a Syndergaard home run in the bottom of the third – making Syndergaard just the seventh MLB pitcher ever to homer, while also pitching a 1-0 shutout. Here, by the way, are the other pitchers to throw a shutout and go yard for the only tally in a 1-0 game:  Red Ruffing, Yankees (1932); Spud Chandler, Yankees (1938); Early Wynn, White Sox (1959); Jim Bunning, Phillies (1965); Juan Pizzaro, Cubs (1971); Bob Welch, Dodgers (1983).

One for the Books

On May 2, Stephen Strasburg took the hill for the NationalS – against the Cardinals –  in Washington D.C.  In a game that included sitting out a two-and-a-half hour rain delay, Strasburg threw 6 2/3 innings of six-hit, one-run ball, while walking two and fanning nine.  It was the eighth strikeout of the night – when Cardinals’ pitcher Dakota Hudson watched a 1-2 curve ball for the last out of the fifth inning – that made the news.  It was Strasburg’s 1,500th career strikeout and it came at the 1,272 1/3 innings pitched mark  – the fewest innings ever needed to reach the 1,500 whiffs.  (The old record, at 1,290 innings, belonged to Chris Sale). The Nationals, by the way, won the game 2-1 and Strasburg got the win.

Red Sox Put Up a Really Big Inning

On May 4, the Red Sox came up in the top of the third inning trailing the White Sox 1-0.  Manny Banuelos looked good on the mound  for Chicago, having retired the first six Boston batters in order.  He continued the trend by getting the first two hitters in the third on a ground out and a fly out. Then, all “H” (for Hits) broke loose – as the Red Sox turned a two-out, no-one-on-base situation into a nine-run inning; drilling ten straight hits (two short of the record).  It went like this:

• Christian Vazquez – single to CF.
• Andrew Benintendi – single to CF, Vazquez to second.
• Mookie Betts –double to left, Vazquez and Benintendi score.
• D.J. Martinez – double to left, Betts scores.
• Xander Bogaerts – home run to left, Bogaerts and Martinez score.
• Michael Chavis – home run to CF.
• Rafael Devers – double to right.
• Steve Pearce – ground ball single to LF, Devers scores, Pearce goes to second on the throw.
• Eduardo Nunez – homers to left-center, Pearce and Nunez score.
• Vazquez – ground ball single to left (his second hit of the inning).

Finally, Banuelos is pulled, replaced by Carson Fulmer.

• Benintendi – walk, Vazquez goes to second.
• Betts – fly ball out to right.  It’s finally over.

The Red Sox, by the way, prevailed 15-2.

Back-to Back-to Back

On May 5, the Reds faced off against the Giants and Great American Ball Park – and they made a solid first impression. After Joey Votto singled to open the contest, Eugenio Suarez hit an 0-1 pitch from Jeff Samardzija into the right field stands to give the Reds a 2-0 lead. On the very next pitch from Samardzija, Jesse Winker homered to center to make it 3-0 – and the very next pitch saw Derek Dietrich take Samardzija out of the park (to right) for a 4-0 lead.  Three  home runs on three pitches. The Elias Sports Bureau indicates that no team had gone deep on three consecutive offerings since June 12, 2007 (Mets Wilson Betemit, Matt Kemp and Hong-Chih Kuo.) Despite the first-inning fireworks, the Reds lost 6-5

Ouch! From Both Sides Now.

On May 6, San Francisco Giants’ pitchers tied an MLB record by hitting four Reds’ batters in the bottom of the sixth inning. That record, however, seems incidental when compared to what Giants’ pitcher Pat Venditte “accomplished.”  Venditte not only tied the MLB record for most batters hit in an inning, he became (at least by BBRT’s search) the first pitcher to hit at least one batter pitching left-handed AND right-handed in the same inning.

The ambidextrous hurler’s inning went like this:

• Reds’ 1B Joey Votto flies out to left on a 3-2 pitch.
• 3B Eugenio Suarez is hit by Venditte’s first offering (pitching right-handed).
• RF Yasiel Puig walks on a 3-2 pitch.
• 2B Kyle Farmer hits an infield single (1-1 count), loading the bases.
• SS Jose Iglesias hits a two-run single on Venditte’s first offering.
• C Curt Casilla singles in another run on a 1-0 pitch.
• LF Juan Peraza is hit by Venditte first pitch to him (again throwing right-handed).

Ah, then the notable toss.

• PH Josh VanMeter is hit by a Venditte’s first pitch (this time throwing southpaw).

So, Venditte not only tied a record by hitting three batsmen in an inning, he hit two, on consecutive pitches – one right-handed and one left-handed.  That, by the way, ended Venditte’s outing (and the Giants ended up losing 12-4).

Later in the inning, the Giants’ Sam Dyson plunked Votto – for the record-tying fourth HBP in the frame.

Fiers On Fire – Second N0-No

On May 7, A’s righty Mike Fiers pitched his second career no-hitter – and the first no-hitter of the 2019 season –  shutting down the Reds 2-0 in Oakland. Fiers gave up just  two walks and fanned six.  (He threw his first no-hitter for the Astros on August 21, 2015). In today’s game of pitch counts, it’s important to note that Fiers threw 131 pitches in the game. It’s also of interest to BBRT that Fiers has now started 165 MLB games in nine seasons – and has just two complete games, both no-hitters. He came into the May 7 game with a 2-3 record and a 6.81 ERA on the season. It was the 300^th MLB no-hitter and Fiers became just the 35^th pitcher with multiple no-hitters on his MLB resume.

A Pretty Exclusive Club

On May 9, the Angels’ Albert Pujols popped his sixth homer of the 2019 season.  More significant, as he touched home plate he notched his 2,000^th career RBI, making him just the third player to reach 2,000 runs batted in – following Hank Aaron (2,297) and Alex Rodriguez (2,086).  At the close of May, Pujols career line was  .301-642-2008.

 

 

Relax Out There in the Field – I Got This

On May 14, Chris  Sale reached a career-high 17 strikeouts in a game – and he did it in just seven innings – becoming the first pitcher to fan 17 batters in seven or fewer frames. (In baseball, we do like the obscure.) What did he get to show for this effort?  A no decision.  Sale left after seven innings with a 3-2 lead and the Red Sox went on to a 5-4 loss in 11 innings. Despite fanning 98 batters in 68 1/3 innings (12 starts) and a respectable 4.35 ERA,  Sale ended May 1-7 on the season.

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

On May 17, the Cubs’ Kris Bryant had his second career three-homer game – and he waited to the last possible moment(s) to do it.  As the Cubs thumped the Nationals (in Washington) 14-6, Bryant hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning (off reliever Justin Miller), a solo shot (off Kyle Barraclough) in the eighth and another two-run blast (off Matt Grace) in the ninth.  For the game, Bryant was four-for-six, with three runs scored and five driven in.  Bryant, by the way, also became just the 12^th MLB player to go deep in three consecutive innings.

Youth Will be Served

On May 19, the Indian Shane Bieber was on top of his game – throwing his first-ever complete game and his first-ever shutout (as the Indians beat the Orioles 10-0). In the contest, he gave up just five hits and no walks, while fanning 15. (Throwing 107 pitches, 75 strikes.)   With that performance Bieber became the fourth-youngest pitcher to record 15 whiffs and no walks in a complete-game shutout.  The youngest was Dwight Gooden (19 years, 302 days) – followed by Kerry Wood (20 years, 324 days), Vince Velasquez (23 years, 312 days) and Bieber (23 years, 323 days).

Double Your Pleasure, Triple Your Fun – and then Roll Four Tallies All into One

On May 22, the White Sox worked hard to stay out of trouble – turning double plays to end each of the the first two innings against the Astros in Houston. Then, they added to the fun in the third – completing a nifty third-to second-to fist triple play to end the frame. It went like this.

Astros’ DH Tony Kemp doubled to right off Ivan Nova to open the inning. Catcher Robinson Chirinos was hit by a pitch. Number-nine hitter CF Jake Marisnick grounded hard to White Sox’ third baseman Yoan Moncada, who stepped on the bag and fired to second baseman Yolmer Sanchez for out number two.
Sanchez then relayed the ball  to first baseman Jose Abreu for the final out.

Then in the sixth inning, the Pale Hose added to the fun, as RF Charlie Tilson popped a Grand Slam (the Sox scored six in the inning) – making Chicago just the fourth team in MLB history to record a triple killing and a Grand Slam in the same game (1979 Blue Jays, 2002 Mets, 2017 Tigers). The Sox, by the way, won the game 9-6.

Triple Play Trivia

There was once a triple play turned without a batted ball. On September 2, 2006 – as the Mariners faced the Rays in Tampa. In the first inning,with runners on first (Adrian Beltre) and third (Jose Lopez), the Mariner’s cleanup hitter Raul Ibanez struck out. Beltre broke for second and Rays’ catcher Dioner Navarro threw to shortstop Ben Zobrist who applied the tag for out number two. Meanwhile, Lopez broke for the plate (figuring to score as the Rays tossed out Beltre). Zobrist threw back to Navarro, who tagged the sliding Lopez.  Completing a 2-6-2 triple killing without the bat striking the ball.

Can We Keep Things Moving, I’m Kind of in a Hurry

On May 24, Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story hit a two-run seventh-inning homer, as Colorado beat the Orioles 8-6.  (Story hit his 101^st career homer in the ninth inning.)  The 100^th blast made Story the fastest shortstop ever to reach triple digits in long balls (488 games played). The only other shortstop to reach that milestone in less than 500 games were Alex Rodriguez (470) and Nomar Garciaparra (491).

A Century that Doesn’t Come Around Often

On May 24, the Twin hit their 100th and 101st home runs of 2019 – just 50 games into the season.  Only one other team has reached 100+ homers in a season’s first 50 contests – the 1999 Mariners (102). 

The One That Got Away

Back on July 27, 2018, my hometown Twins traded reliever Ryan Pressly to the Houston Astros for  a pair of minor leaguers.  Who knew Pressly would become “The King.”

In his first four appearances for the Astros, Pressly gave up two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Then, on August 15, 2018, Pressly began a run that would see him not allow a single earned run until May 24 of this season – an MLB record-setting streak of 40 consecutive scoreless appearances.  Over the forty-game span, Pressly pitched 39 innings, giving up just 17 hits and three walks, while fanning 49.

By the way, the streak was broken in style. Pressley came on in the eighth inning of the May 24 Astros/Red Sox contest and gave up a  inning-opening home run to the Red Sox’ number-nine hitter, CF Jackie Bradley, Jr.

Eight is Enough

The Twins hit eight home runs as they trounced the Angels 16-7 on May 23; the second time this season they have hit eight long balls in a game. (The other was on April 20.) Notably, both outbursts came in makeup for rain outs – and both resulted in 16-7 wins.  The record for home runs by one team in a game is ten, by the Blue Jays (against the Orioles) on September 14, 1987.

Yes, Virginia, MLB Does Track Everything

On May 24, baseball again provided evidence that “We do, indeed, count everything.” With National’s trailing the Marlins 9-8 in the inning,  Nats’ LF Juan Soto stroked a 100.1 mph fastball from Tayron Guerrero to the left-center for a three-run homer.   Washington first-sacker Matt Adams followed up by blasting a 101.5 mph Guerrero fastball over the right field fence. According to MLB.com, it’s the first time two players have hit back-to-back jacks off pitches clocked at 100 mph or faster.  (At least since the tracking era began in 2008.)

A Different Kind of Cycle

On May 27, as the Mariners topped the Rangers 6-2 in Seattle, Mariners’ CF (and number-nine hitter) Mallex Smith drew an eighth-inning walk and then ran wild on the bases – stealing second, third and home in the span of seven pitches (and enabling the Mariners to plate a run without the benefit of a base hit).   In the process, Smith became the 43rd major leaguer to complete the “steal cycle” in a single inning. For those who like to know these things, only four players have achieved this feat more than once:  Ty Cobb (four times); Honus Wagner (four times); Jackie Tavener (twice); and Max Carey (twice). Smith finished the month with a total of 14 steals for 2019.

Three’s a Crowd

Going into their May 29 match up against the Red Sox, the Indians were the only MLB team without a triple this season.  They made up for lost time,with three three-baggers (Greg Allen 2, Carlos Santana 1) as Cleveland topped Boston 14-9.

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HERE’S A LOOK AT MAY’S TOP PERFORMERS.

_–INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2019—

BATTING AVERAGE … (at least 75 May plate appearances)

AL:  Christian Vazquez, Red Sox (.373); George Springer, Astros (.368); Avasail Garcia, Rays (.360)

NL: Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.425); Josh Bell, Pirates (.390); Juan Soto, Nationals (.380)

The lowest average among players with at least 75 May plate appearances belonged to the Cardinals’ Kolten Wong and the Phillies’ Maikel Franco – both at .170 (15-for-88). 

HITS

AL: Rafael Devers, Red Sox (40); Jorge Polanco, Twins (39); Whit Merrifield, Royals (36)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (46); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (45);  Starling Marte, Pirates (37)

When it came to extra-base hits, your May leader was the Pirates’ Josh Bell with 24 … 12 doubles and 12 round trippers.

HOME RUNS

AL: Alex Bregman, Astros (12); Jose Abreu, White Sox (10); Eduardo Escobar, Twins (9); Gary Sanchez, Yankees (9); Gleyber Torres, Yankees (9)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (12); Derek Dietrich, Reds (12); Kris Bryant, Cubs (10); Pete Alonso, Mets (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Eduardo Escobar, Twins (28); Hunter Pence, Rangers (26); Jose Abreu, White Sox (26)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (31); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (29); Anthony Rizzo, Cubs (24)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (25); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (24); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (23); Alex Bregman, Astros (23)

NL: Trevor Story, Rockies (30); Josh Bell, Pirates (26); Kris Bryant, Cubs (25); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (25)

STOLEN BASES

AL:  Alberto Mondesi, Royals (12); Kevin Kiermaier, Rays (7); Mallex Smith, Mariners (6)

NL: Jarrod Dyson, D-backs (9); Starling Marte, Pirates (6); four with five

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Yoan Moncada, White Sox (44); Brandon Lowe, Rays (39); Joey Gallo Rangers (38)

NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (42); Bryce Harper, Phillies (38); Trevor Story, Rockies (34)

While Javier Baez led the NL in whiffs with 42, he managed to hit .305 for the month. 

WALKS

AL:  Mike Trout, Angels (23); Carlos Santana, Indians (22); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (21)

NL: Kyle Schwarber, Cubs (22); Yasmani Grandl, Brewers (20); Paul DeJong, Cardinals (20)

Only 15 batters with 75 or more plate appearances had at least as many walks as strikeouts in May, led by the the Giants’ Joe Panik with 1.48 walks per whiff.

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Lucas Giolito, White Sox (5-0); Jake Odorizzi, Twins (4-0); ; Domingo German, Yankees (4-0); Justin Verlander, Astros (4-1); Wade Miley, Astros (4-1); J.A. Happ, Yankees (4-1); Martin Perez, Twins (4-2)

NL:  Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-0); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0); Aaron Nola, Phillies (4-0) Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (4-0);  Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (4-0); Kenta Maeda, Dodgers (4-0); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0); Max Fried, Braves (4-2)

The Mariners’ Marco Gonzalez lost five games (0-5, 5.86) in six May starts. Nine pitchers lost four games during the month. 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 20 May innings)

AL: Jake Odorizzi, Twins (0.94); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (1.74); Yonny Chironos, Rays (2.19)

NL:  Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (0.59); Mike Soroka, Braves (0.79); Julio Teheran, Braves (0.98)

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Chris Sale, Red Sox (66 – 38 1/3 innings pitched); Shane Bieber, Indians (51 – 39 1/3 IP); Gerrit Cole, Astros (47– 28 1/3 innings pitched)

NL: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (50 – 41 1/3 IP); Zack Wheeler, Mets (50 – 50 – 41 1/3 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (48 – 38  IP)

Among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched in May, the Red Sox Chris Sale had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings at 15.50.  Despite the high whiff rate, Chris Sale won just one game (1-2, 2.82) in May.  Others meeting the 20-inning threshold and fanning 13 or more batters per nine inning were the Astros’ Gerrit Cole (14.93) and D-backs’ Robbie Ray (13.35).

SAVES

AL:  Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (11); Roberto Osuna, Astros (9); Brad Hand, Indians (6); Shane Green,Tigers (6)

NL: Kirby Yates, Padres (8); Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (7); Sergio Romo, Marlins (7); Sean Doolittle, Nationals (7); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (7)

Sean Doolittle of the Nationals picked up seven saves (just one blown save), despite a 6.52 May earned run average. The May ERA was primarily the result of a May 22 appearance (against the Mets), when he gave up four hits and four earned runs without recording an out. 

_____________________________________________________________

–—LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – THROUGH MAY 31 —-

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 267

AL: Twins (332); Rangers (312); Red Sox (304)

NL: Dodgers (314); Rockies (308); D-backs (303)

The Marlins and Tigers were the only team to have scored fewer than 200 runs through May (171 and 192, respectively).

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .247

AL: Astros (.274); Twins (.272); Red Sox (.258); Rays (.259)

NL: Dodgers (.266); Rockies (.265); D-backs (.261)

The lowest averages through May belong to the Blue Jays and Giants – both at .221.

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 76

AL: Twins (106); Mariners (103); Astros (93)

NL: Brewers (98); Cubs (92); Dodgers (92)

The  only teams with less than 50 home runs through May were the Marlins (40) and the Tigers (48).

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 27

AL: Royals (54); Mariners (40); Rangers (40)

NL: Brewers (33); Nationals (32); Cardinals (31)

The Royals speed not only showed up in stolen bases, KC also led all of baseball with 25 triples (MLB average).  Surprisingly, the top seven teams in total steals through May come from the American League. 

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 496

AL: Mariners (586); White Sox (547); Tigers (541)

NL: Padres (559); Brewers (557); Mets (536)

Angels’ hitters fanned an MLB-fewest 361 times through May.  

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 191

AL: Red Sox (230); Indians (223); Mariners (216)

NL: Dodgers (237); Cubs (236); Phillies (225)

_______________________________________

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.40

AL:  Rays (2.96); Astros (3.42); Yankees (3.68)

NL:  Dodgers (3.55); Reds (3.71); Cubs (3.88)

Five teams finished May with a year-to-date ERA  over 5.00: Orioles (5.70); Royals (5.21);Mariners (5.19);  Rockies (5.11); Rangers (5.03). 

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 496

AL:  Astros (566); Red Sox (554); Yankees (536)

NL: Reds (556);  Nationals (546); Brewers (531);

The Astros led MLB in strikeouts per nine innings through May – at 9.97. The Reds led the NL at 9.86. Ten teams averaged at least one strikeout per inning.

SAVES … MLB Average – 14

AL:  Yankees (20); Tigers (18); Astros (18)

NL: Padres (25); Dodgers (19); three with 16

The Astros had MLB’s best bullpen ERA through May at 2.88 – the only relief staff under 3.00. Meanwhile, the Nationals’ disappointing season can be traced in great part of the team’s MLB-worst 7.08 bullpen ERA.

The best starting staff ERA through May was put up by the Rays at 2.35 – although, thanks to their “opener” and “bullpen day” approach, their starters threw the fewest innings (245).  A paradox? Dodgers starters had the lowest ERA through May in the NL (and second lowest in MLB) at 3.02. The LAD starting staff was at the opposite end of the innings pitched spectrum – leading MLB with 337 innings logged through May. 

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED …  MLB average 191

AL: Astros (149); Twins (154); Indians (157)

NL: Dodgers (131); Padres (142); Reds (184)

The Orioles have surrendered the most home runs through May (118), while the Rays’s  gave up the fewest (47).  The MLB average was 76. 

___________________________________________________________________

—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS THROUGH MAY  2019—

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifying hitters)

AL:  Jorge Polanco, Twins (.338); Michael Brantley, Astros (.329); Tim Anderson, White Sox (.328)

NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (.379); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.344); Josh Bell, Pirates (.343)

HOME RUNS

AL: Eddie Rosario, Twins  (17); Gary Sanchez, Yankees (17); George Springer, Astros (17); Alex Bregman, Astros (17)

NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (21); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (20); Pete Alonso, Mets (19)

The Marlins’ Miguel Rojas had the most  most at bats through May without a home run (178).

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Jose Abreu, White Sox (50); Eddie Rosario, Twins (49); George Springer, Astros (43)

NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (52); Josh Bell, Pirates (52);  Nolan Arenado, Rockies (50); Marcell Ozuna, Cardinals (50)

The Dodgers’s Cody Bellinger led all of MLB with a .465 on-base percentage through May.  Mike Trout (Who else?) led the AL at .458.

RUNS SCORED

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (45); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (43); Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (43)

NL: Trevor Story, Rockies (52); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (50);  Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (45); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (45)

STOLEN BASES

AL: Aldaberto Mondesi, Royals  (20); Jose Ramirez, Indians (14); Mallex Smith, Mariners (14); Tim Anderson, White Sox (14)

NL: Jarrod Dyson, D-backs (12); Christian Yelich, Brewers (10); Trevor Story, Rockies (10)

Trea Turner of the Nationals and Kolten Wong of the Cardinals had the most steals through May without getting caught (8), On the other side of the coin, Jeff McNeil of the Mets had the most attempts without being successful (4).

While we have often heard that the NL is the running league, seven of the top eight base stealers through May were from the AL. 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Joey Gallo, Rangers (76); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (72); Brandon Lowe, Rays (72); Domingo Santana (72)

NL: Bryce Harper, Phillies (76); Javier Baez, Cubs (75); Wil Meyers, Padres (72)

WALKS DRAWN

AL:  Mike Trout, Angels (52); Joey Gallo, Rangers (41); Carlos Santana, Indians (40)

NL: Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (42); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (40); Bryce Harper, Phillies  (37)

Not a big fan of WAR (Wins Above Replacement), but for those of you who like it, Cody Bellinger led all of MLB in WAR through May at 5.4. Mike Trout was a distant second at 3.7.

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Domingo German, Yankees (9-1); Justin Verlander, Astros (8-2); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (7-1); Martin Perez, Twins (7-2); Jose Berrios (7-2); Jake Odorizzi, Twins (7-2)

NL:  Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (8-1); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (7-1);  Kenta Maeda, Dodgers (7-2); Max Fried, Braves (7-3)

Just two MLB pitchers lost seven games by the end of May – Chris Sale, Red Sox (1-7, 4.35) and Jhoulys Chacin, Brewers (3-7, 4.35). Jorge Lopez of the Royals had the most losses without a win (0-6, 6.67). 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying)

AL: Jake Odorizzi, Twins (2.16); Justin Verlander, Astros (2.38); Mike Minors, Rangers (2.74)

NL:  Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (1.48) Zach Davies, Brewers (2.19); Luis Castillo, Reds (2.45)

The highest ERA among qualifying pitchers through May was 7.13 – Kyle Freeland, Rockies, over 59 1/3 innings in 12 starts. 

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Gerrit Cole, Astros (112– 71 2/3 innings pitched);  Justin Verlander, Astros (95 – 79 1/3 IP); Chris Sale, Red Sox (98 – 68 1/3 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (102 – 77 1/3 IP); Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (98 – 79 IP); Zack Wheeler, Mets (87 – 77 IP)

Among qualifying pitchers, Gerrit Cole of the Astros had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings through May at 14.07.  He was followed by the Red Sox’ Chris Sale (12.91) and Ray’s Blake Snell (12.11). Indicative the the fact that we are now in a hard-throwing/free-swinging era – 38 pitchers averaged at least one strikeout per inning through May. 

SAVES

AL:  Shane Greene, Tigers (18); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (16); Roberto Osuna, Astros (16)

NL: Kirby Yates, Padres (22); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (17); Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (14)

GAMES PITCHED

AL: Adam Kolarek, Rays (29); Victor Alcantara, Tigers (29); Ryan Buchter, A’s (28);

NL: Bryan Shaw, Rockies (30); Alex Claudio, Brewers (30); four with 28

For those who follow WAR (Wins Above Replacement), the leaders through May are Mike Minor, Rangers in the American League at 3.8 and German Marquez in the National League at 3.1.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; MLB.com

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