It’s July first and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s June Wrap Up – a look at the stats and stories that grabbed The Roundtable’s attention in over the previous month; Baseball Roundtable’s Pitchers and Players of the Month; the Trot Index; and more.
And, there was plenty going on in June:
- Three cycles and a no-hitter;
- Two Immaculate Innings in one game;
- Three Pirates logging three-homer games;
- One player (Yordan Alvarez), hitting over .400 for the month;
- A new MLB team record for home runs in June;
- Two managers named Joe let go;
- A catcher in June’s NL top three in stolen bases;
- Three teams playing .700+ ball for the month; and
- More.
Read on for the stats and stories, but first Baseball Roundtable’s Players and Pitchers of the Month – starting with a special recognition.
Special Recognition …. It’s Sho(hei) Time
Before, we get into the Players and Pitchers of the Month, Baseball Roundtable needs to give special recognition to Shohei Ohtani. He may not have been the best hitter or best pitcher of the month for June, but he was the best hitter and pitcher in any month in my lifetime.
On the mound, Ohtani went 4-1, 1.52 in five starts – fanning 38 batters in 29 2/3 innings. On June 22, he set a career game high in strikeouts, fanning 13 Royals in an eight-inning, two-hit, no-run performance. He ended the month with an active 21 2/3-inning scoreless streak. At the plate, Ohtani hit .298, with six home runs and 17 RBI in 26 games. His month included an 11-game hitting streak (June 4-16) during which he hit .372 and a career-high eight-RBI game on on June 21 (against the Royals).
Something to Think About … A Royal Bashing
On June 21, Shohei Ohtani hit two home runs and drove in eight runs in a game against the Royals. The very next day, he took the mound against those same Royals and fanned 13 in an eight-inning scoreless outing.
—–Baseball Roundtable Players and Pitchers of the Month—–
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Player of the Month – Kyle Schwarber, LF, Phillies
Kyle Schwarber put up a .272-12-27 month of June, leading the NL in June RBI and all of MLB in June home runs and runs scored (27). Schwarber also drew 19 walks (second in the NL) and put up the NL’s second-best slugging percentage (among qualifiers) at .695. Schwarber had eight multi-RBI games in June and scored multiple runs in seven contests.
Honorable Mentions: Braves’ SS Dansby Swanson had a solid month (.330-7-19) – led the NL in June safeties (37) and was in the NL top ten in average, home runs, RBI and runs scored and stole three bases in three tries.. Cardinals’ 1B Paul Goldschmidt hit .323 for the month. his eight home runs were third in the NL, his 22 RBI fourth and his 25 runs scored fourth. Nationals’ 1B Josh Bell chopped in a (.358-7-18); and, finally, there is Padres’ 2B Jake Cronenworth, whose 24 June RBI were second in the NL, 24 runs scored fourth. Cronenworth hit .315 with four home runs.
Pitcher of the Month – Tony Gonsolin, RHP, Dodgers
Gonsolin went 4-0 in five June starts (one of just three NL pitchers with at least four June wins), putting up a sterling 1.24 ERA (lowest among NL pitchers with 25 or more June innings). The Dodgers won all five of Gonsolin’s starts, as he gave up just four runs in 29 innings pitched – walking seven and fanning 25. I might have been swayed slightly by Gonsolin’s overall record at the end of June 9-0, 1.58.
Honorable Mentions: LHP Carlos Rodon of the Giants went 2-0 in five starts, but deserved better. His 1.25 ERA was the second-lowest among NL moundsmen with at least 25 June innings, his 41 strikeouts (in 36 innings) were third. Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins put up a stingy 1.89 ERA in six starts – going 3-1 for the month. He also led the NL in June innings (47 2/3) and was eleventh in strikeouts with 31 (just eight walks). In his six June starts, he never went less than seven innings.
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AMERICAN LEAGUE
Player of the Month – Yordan Alvarez, DH, Astros
Photo: Alvarez Flickr user thatlostdog–, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Wow! I’m also reluctant to pick a DH as Player of the Month, but I also cannot ignore Alvarez’ .418 average for the month (highest in MLB) and his MLB-leading 28 June RBI. His nine home runs also put him in the AL top five. Alvarez also scored 19 runs during the month,
Honorable Mentions: Blue Jays’ 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr. hit .283 for the month, with nine home runs, 22 RBI (third in the AL) and 22 runs scored (second); Blue Jays’ C Alejandro Kirk had a .341-7-18 June (more on Kirk in the Surprise Player of the Month section).
Pitcher of the Month – Shane McClanahan, LHP, Rays
McClanahan went 3-1, with a 1.36 earned run average in five June starts – fanning 42 (second in the AL) in 33 innings pitched (also second). He went at least six innings in all his starts and struck out at least seven each time out (a high of ten, in seven innings, against the Pirates in his final June appearance).
Honorable Mentions: Nick Pivetta, RHP, Red Sox went 4-1, 2.25 in six June starts. He pitched an AL-tops 40 innings during the month, fanning 40 batters; Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Guardians saved an MLB-high eleven games (in eleven opportunities) in June, giving up no runs on seven hits and no walks (16 whiffs) in 15 innings; Tyler Wells, RHP, Orioles. The Orioles put up a .500+ record in June, thanks in great part to Wells’ 4-0, 2.42 performance (over five starts). The Orioles won all five of those starts. In his final three starts of the month, Wells went 3-0, 1.13 and held opponents to a .158 average. I would still like to see a little more length from Wells (averaging just over five innings per starts in June, but he earned this spot.
Baseball Roundtable Extra
Not sure how to handle Dylan Cease of the White Sox, who put up a minuscule 0.33 earned run average in five June starts (just one earned run in 27 1/3 innings) and also led the league in June whiffs with 45. Still, he was charged with nine unearned runs and pitched more than five frames in only two of his June starts.
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Surprise Player(s) of the Month – Tie: Alejandro Kirk, C, Blue Jays & Michael Harris, CF, Braves
Okay, Alejandro Kirk is not a surprise to Blue Jays’ fans. They have been waiting for the 23-year-old Kirk, in his second MLB season, to break out. In four minor-league campaigns, he hit .318-19-114 in 165 games. Last season, a left hip flexor injury hampered his progress and he hit .242-8-24 in 60 games for Toronto. Listed at 5’8” and 245 pounds, Kirk has shown agility behind the plate and ability (and a good eye) at the plate. In June, he went .341-7-18 in 25 games (and his walks outnumbered his whiffs 13-to-11). On the season, he stands at .319-10-31. Looks like the Jays will be enjoying Kirk’s exciting brand of play for some time coming.
The Braves’ 21-year-old rookie CF Michael Harris is another player who is probably less of a surprise to home town fans then he is to Baseball Roundtable. Harris, who made his MLB debut May 28, was a .292 hitter over 197 minor-league games (three seasons). He hit just .154 (2-for-13) in four May games, but caught fire in June, goig .347-4-16 in 27 games. His 35 June base hit trailed only teammate Dansby Swanson in the NL.
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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE
Through June 2022, 34.5 percent of the MLB season’s 85,566 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 (22.2%); walks (8.3%); home runs (2.8%); HBP (1.1%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.
The 34.5 percent figure is down slightly from 2021’s full season 36.3 percent. 2020’s 37.3 percent; 2019’s 36.2 percent and 2018’s 34.8 percent.
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A few observations about the three twenty win squads:
- The Braves didn’t lose their first game in June until the 17th. In that 14-game in streak, they outscored their opponents 101-41; outhit them .292 to .207; out-homered them 34-11; and put up a 2.72 ERA to their opponents’ 6.80. The Braves 20+ win month was led by SS Dansby Swanson (.330-7-19), the surprising rookie CF Michael Harris (.347-4-16) and C Travis D’Arnaud (.304-7-19); starter Kyle Wright (5-1, 3.52) and closer Kenley Jansen (eight saves).
- The Yankees won 15 of their first sixteen game in June, outscoring their opponents 102-37. They scored ten or more runs five times in the streak and shutout their opponents five times. They did a lot of their June damage with power. Their 58 June home runs were an MLB team record for the month, their 155 runs were second in MLB – despite .235 average (21st in MLB). Their 2.94 June ERA was the lowest in the majors – and the bullpen led the way. In June, the Yankee starters’ put up a 3.89 ERA, the bullpen ERA was 1.34. Relievers Micheal King, Clay Holmes and Lucas Leutge made a combined 32 appearances in June and went 4-1, with nine saves and a 0.74 ERA.
- Boston’s surge was built in a great on their pitching.. Their 3.02 June ERA was the third best in the MLB (and also third-best in their own division), while they were tenth in runs scored. In June, their starters went 16-1, led by Nick Pivetta (4-1, 2.25); Micheal Wacha (3-0. 3.03) ; Rich Hill (3-1, 3.00); and Josh Winckowski (3-0, 2.12). 3B Rafael Devers (.292-6-19) and LF Alex Verdugo (.337-3-19) were keys to the offense.
——-Team Statistical Leaders for June 2022 ———-
RUNS SCORED
National League – Braves (155); Padres (153); Phillies (146)
American League – Blue Jays (170); Yankees (155); White Sox (137)
The fewest June runs were scored by the A’s – just 75. The Mets tallied the fewest runs in the NL at 100.
AVERAGE
National League – Cubs (.273); Reds (.272); Braves (.267)
American League – Blue Jays (.285); White Sox (.281) Red Sox (.267)
The lowest team average for June belonged to the Diamondbacks at .206.
HOME RUNS
National League – Braves (54); Pirates (44); Phillies (43)
American League – Yankees (58); Blue Jays (50); Twins (40)
The Tigers had the fewest home runs for June at 13. The only other team under 20 for the month was the Guardians at 16.
Toronto led MLB in June slugging percentage at .504. The Braves led the NL at .449
STOLEN BASES
National League – Marlins (35); Dodgers (22); Phillies (20)
American League – Rangers (23); Guardians (21); Yankees (20); Mariners (20)
The Twins stole the fewest sacks in June – just three. The Dodgers stole 22 bags and were caught only once. The White Sox pilfered 12 sacks without being caught.
WALKS DRAWN
National League – Phillies (100); Padres (95); Nationals (93))
American League – Yankees (122); Mariners (111); Astros (95)
The Blue Jays led MLB in on-base percentage for June at .353. The Cubs led the NL at .342.
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League – Pirates (263); Giants (242); Braves (242)
American League – Angels (279); Mariners (256); Orioles (240)
Astros’ batters fanned the fewest times in June (178).
Bonus Stat
The Blue Jays led MLB in total bases in June at 503. By contrast, the A’s were 30th, with 286 total bases in June.
Earned Run Average
National League – Giants (3.37); Dodgers (3.39); Braves (3.53)
American League – Yankees (2.96); Rays (3.01); Red Sox (3.02)
Four teams had June ERAs of 5.00 or higher– Cubs (5.96); Reds (5.68); A’s (5.25; Tigers (5.07)
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Braves (285); Cubs (252); Reds (240)
American League – White Sox (260); Yankees (254); Angels (249)
The Braves averaged an MLB-best 10.47 strikeouts per nine innings in June. The White Sox averaged an AL-best 9.63.
FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED
National League – Giants (56); Phillies (66); Dodgers (68)
American League – Orioles (67); Rays (69); Red Sox 69)
The Giants walked a stringiest 2.19 batters per nine frames in June. The Athletics walked an MLB’s highest 4.04 per nine innings for the month.
SAVES
National League – Braves (11); Brewers (8); Nationals (8)
American League – Guardians (12); Orioles (10); Yankees (10); Astros (1)
WALKS AND HITS PER INNING PITCHED (WHIP)
National League – Dodgers (1.12); Phillies (1.12); Braves (1.13); Giants (1.13)
American League – Yankees (1.04); Astros (1.07); Mariners (1.12)
Bonus Stat:
The Braves were the only team to fan at least four times as many batters as they walked in June – 4.07 K/BB.
–JUNE HIGHLIGHTS–
Walk(off) This Way!
The Yankees notched five walk-off wins in June, bringing their total walk-off victories for 2022 to ten. The record for walk-off victories in a season is 18, by the 78-76 Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates had eight walk-off victories through June that season.
Yankees 2022 Walk-Off Victories
April 8, 6-5, 11 innings, over Boston … It all started on Opening Day with a Josh Donaldson (3B) 11th-inning RBI single.
April 23, 5-4, over the Guardians …. The Yankees came into the bottom of the ninth down 4-3, but got an RBI double from SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa and a walk-off RBI single from PH Gleyber Torres.
May 8, 2-1, over the Rangers … A ninth-inning solo home run by 2B Gleyber Torres sparked the win.
May 10, 6-5, over the Blue Jays … A three-run walk-off home run from CF Aaron Judge brought the Yankees back from a 5-3 ninth-inning deficit.
May 24, 7-6, over the Orioles (11 innings) … A walk-off RBI single from C Jose Trevino won this one.
June 5, 5-4, over the Tigers (10 innings) … The gift runner scored on a sacrifice fly by DH Josh Donaldson.
June 10, 2-1, over the Cubs (13 innings) … C Jose Trevino drove in the gift runner with a walk-off single.
June 16, 2-1, over the Rays … A ninth-inning solo home run from 1B Anthony Rizzo put the Yankees in the win column.
June 23, 7-6, over the Astros … The Yanks came into the bottom of the ninth down 6-3. A three-run home run (after two walks) by LF Aaron Hicks tied it and a walk-off RBI single by CF Aaron Judge secured the victory.
June 26, 6-3, over the Astros (10 innings) … CF Aaron Judge poked a three-run homer in the ninth.
Say It Ain’t So, Joe(s)!
On June 3, with the Phillies standing at 22-29, manager Joe Girardi became the first MLB manager fired in 2022 – with bench coach Rob Thomson named interim manager,
Girardi, who took over the Phillies with 60 games left in the 2020 season, had a 132-141 record at their helm. He has a 1,120-936 record in 14 managerial seasons (Marlins, Yankees, Phillies), won the 2006 National League Manager of the Year Award and took the 2009 Yankees to the World Series Championship. Since Girardi left the Phillies, they have gone 15-6.
Just four days later, we saw the second managerial firing of the season, as the Angels let manager Joe Maddon go . (Third base coach Phil Nevin took over.) The Angels were 27-29 at the time – and on a 12-game losing streak. In 19 managerial seasons (Angels, Rays, Cubs), Maddon was 1,382-1,217. He won the AL Manager of the Year Award in 2008 and 2011 and the NL Manager of the Year Award in 2015. He led the Cubs to the World Series Championship in 2016. The Angles are 10-12 since Maddon left.
Hmmm! Didn’t know that rule.
In the ninth innings of a Dodgers/Mets clash (In Los Angeles) on June 5 – and LA trailing 9-4 – Dodgers’ skipper Dave Roberts sent utility player Zach McKinstry to the mound to open the inning. Umpiring Crew Chief C.B. Buckner, however, nixed what would have been McKinstry’s first MLB mound appearance, citing an MLB rule that prohibits managers from using a position player as a pitcher in games in which they face a deficit of five runs or fewer. After some heated discussion, Roberts sent reliever Evan Phillips to the mound and he pitched a one-hit, two-whiff ninth. The Dodgers did not score in the bottom of the frame and lost 9-4.
So-o-o-o Close – I Just Hader to See That.
Photo: D. Benjamin Miller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
When Brewers’ closer Josh Hader came to the mound June 7 to protect a 2-1 Milwaukee lead (over the Phillies), Brewers’ fans pretty much though it was game over. After all, Hader had not given up a run in his last 40 appearances – tying Ryan Pressly’s record for consecutive scoreless outings (set with the Astros in 2018). To this point in the season, Hader had made 19 appearances with 18 saves, no blown saves, not a single earned run, just four hits and six walks and 28 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings.
Well, Phillies’ 3B Alec Bohm ended the scoreless innings streak with a solo home run leading off the ninth and, two batters later, pinch hitter Max Vierling (hitting .170-0-4 at the time) took Hader deep to tag him with the loss.
Save the Last Dance for Me
Josh Hader opened the 2022 season by recording a save in his first 18 appearances. That is the record for most consecutive appearances with a save to start a season (more #InBaseballWeCountEverything). The previous record was 12 – held by Lee Smith (Orioles, 1994) and Jose Mesa (Pirates 2005).
Three Cycles in the Month – Six is Lucky Number.
On June 6 (that’s 06/06), Mets’ 3B Eduardo Escobar hit the second cycle (single, double, triple, home run in the same game) of 2022 and the first of three cycles this June. In a four-for-five, three run, six-RBI game against the Padres (in San Diego), he hit a two-run single in the first inning; a double leading off the fourth; popped out to short in the fifth; hit a two-run home run in the eighth; added a two-run triple in the ninth. The Mets won 11-5.
Six also played a role in the third cycle of them month, as Orioles’ leadoff hitter and CF Austin Hays hit for the cycle – in a game that was called after just six innings (rain). (The Orioles beat the Nationals 7-0 in Baltimore.) Hays went four-for-four, with three runs and three RBI. He singled to lead off the bottom of the first; hit a home run to lead off the Orioles’ third; tripled with two-out in the fourth; and rapped a two-run double in the sixth. For more on the quickest and slowest cycles ever, click here.
In between these two cycles – on June 11 – Angels’ 1B Jared Walsh hit for the cycle in a four-for-five, one-run, three-RBI game against the Mets (in Anaheim). Walsh started his day with a swinging strikeout in the first, but it was “all systems go” after that. He singled in the third; doubled in the fifth; homered to lead off the seventh; and lashed a two-run triple in the eight. The Angels, by the way, triumphed 11-6.
Half Way There
There have been four cycles so far in 2022. The most cycles in any MLB season is eight (2009): Orlando Hudson (Dodgers); Ian Kinsler (Rangers); Jason Kubel (Twins); Mike Cuddyer (Twins); Melky Cabrera (Yankees); Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies); Felix Pie (Orioles); B.J. Upton (Rays).
Party Likes It’s 2011!
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon made his MLB debut with the Rockies on June 7, 2011; flying out to center on the first MLB pitch he ever saw (off the Padres’ Tim Stauffer). This June 7, he celebrated the 11th anniversary of his big -league debut by coming off the bench to hit a three-run pinch-hit home run (it gave the Rockies a 5-3 lead) off the Giants’ Jose Alvarez. It was a noteworthy long ball – the 200th home run of Blackmon’s career. He finished June at .267-12-41 on the season and .299-203-672 on his career.
It’s Sho(hei) Time Again.
Shohei Ohtani just keeps showing up in these highlights – and for good reason(s). On June 9, he proved one again to be a “stopper” on the mound and at the plate – as he played a key role in stopping an Angels’ 14-game losing streak (their last win had come on May 24). Shohei started on the mound and at DH (batting second). In the 5-2 Angels win (in Anaheim), he went two-for-four, with one home run (his 12th of the season) and two RBI and gave up just four hits (two walks) and one run in seven innings, while fanning six.
Here’s a few stats from the Angels 14-game skid:
- They were outscored 85-40.
- They hit .217 to the opponents’ .283 and were out-homered 19-9.
- The lost eight at home and six on the road.
- Seven of the losses were by one run.
- They were shut out three times, including two 1-0 losses.
- Their pitching staff put up a 6.75 ERA, to the opponents’ 2.69.
Twins Rake Yankee Ace Gerrit Cole … Still Lose.
On June 9, the Twins became just the sixth team to open a game with three straight home runs – and they did it against Yankee ace Gerrit Cole, who had never given up three home runs in any inning (much less consecutively).
Twin’ 1B Luis Arreaz opened the bottom of the first by taking a 2-2 pitch out of the park to deep RF; CF Byron Buxton then ripped the next Cole offering out of the park down the LF line; SS Carlos Correa then launched an 0-1 pitch in the left field stands. Cole followed with a six-pitch walk to Jorge Polanco before settling down and fanning Max Kepler, Gary Sanchez and Trevor Larnach to end the inning.
The Twins continued their barrage off Cole in the second frame, scoring on a Buxton three-run homer to left. They added a seventh run on a Larnach homer to center in the third. Cole was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, trailing 7-3 and having surrendered five round trippers. Still, the surging Yankees managed to take Cole off the hook, topping the Twins 10-7.
Wondering about the most home runs surrendered by a pitcher in a single game. Click here.
Slow Ride … Take it Easy.
On June 12, as the Cubs were absorbing an 18-3 loss at the hands (bats) of the Yankees, Cubs’ 1B Frank Schwindel made his second MLB mound appearance – pitching a two-hit, one-run ninth. Why did he make these highlights? The first pitch he threw in the inning was a 35.1 MPH (knuckleball?) to Yankees’ catcher Kyle Higashioka, who hit to deep left for his first dinger of the season. It turned out to be the slowest pitch ever tracked by Statcast to be hit for a home run. Higashioka, by the way, came into the game hitting .148-0-5 on the season (88 at bats). Schwindel made three mound appearances in June, going 0-0, 18.00 (six earned runs in three innings pitched).
Like Father like Son.
On June 13, Vlad Guerrero Jr. played his 403rd career MLB game – collecting three hits in five at bats including a home run. At this point in his career, Guerrero Junior had 87 MLB home runs and a .363 on-base percentage. After 403 games in his career, Vlad Guerrero Senior had an identical 87 long balls and a nearly identical .364 OBP. Kind of like father-son combo Cecil and Prince Fielder each retiring with 319 career home runs.,
The Rangers Didn’t have a Prayer.
On June 15, Astros’ pitchers Luis Garcia and Phil Maton pitched their way into the record books. The two Houston hurlers each tossed an “Immaculate Inning” … an inning facing just three batters and fanning the side on nine pitches. It was the first-ever MLB game in which two pitchers each tossed an Immaculate Inning and, of course, also made them the first two teammates to toss an Immaculate Inning in the same game.
Garcia tossed his nine-pitch, three-whiff fame in the bottom of the second, while Maton achieved the feat in the bottom of the seventh. The Astros, by the way, won the game (started by Garcia) 9-2 and four Houston pitchers notched a total of 14 strikeouts. Also of note is that Rangers Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran and Brad Miller (the 6-7-8 hitters) were the victims in both Immaculate Innings – making them, of course, the first three players to be victims in two Immaculate frames in the same game.
For more on this game and Immaculate Innings, click here.
Riley Greene Starts MLB Career with a Bang.
Tigers’ 3B Riley Greene, Detroit’s first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2019 MLB draft (out of Paul J. Hagerty High School in Florida) made it to the big leagues as a 21-year old – debuting on June 18 – in a Tigers 14-7 win over the Rangers (in Detroit). In five plate appearances, Greene had two singles and two walks, scoring three runs, He ended his first MLB month at .286-0-2 in 10 games. The top Detroit prospect hit .291-3-120 in three minor-league seasons (198 games).
Trout Carries Angels Against Mariners.
Fromm June 16 through June 19, the Angels faced off against the Mariners (in Seattle). In that five-game set, Angels’ CF Mike Trout went 6-for-20 (.300). More important, five of his six hits were home runs and, according to STATS, he became the first player to hit four game-winning home runs in a single series. (The Angels won four of the five games).
Happy Fathers’ Day, Dad.
On June 19 ( Fathers’ Day), Pirates’ rookie LF Jack Suwinski was proud to have his father Tim in the stands as the Pirates took on the Giants in Pittsburgh. The younger Suwinski did not disappoint – notching his first-ever three-homer game at any level, including a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Pirates a 4-3 win. For the day, the 23-year-old Suwinski was three-for-three (with a walk) with three runs scored and three RBI.
Old Guys (like me) Say Thank You, Justin Verlander.
Photo by KA Sports Photos 
Let’s face it, the Yankees are truly the beasts from the Bronx this year – finishing June with a 22-6 record on the month and 56021 for the season. On June 24, 39-year-old Astros’ starter Justin Verlander faced off against the New Yorkers in Yankee Stadium – with the Yankees on a 15-game home win streak. The veteran right-hander was not intimated, pitching seven four hit, one run innings (three whiffs), as the Astros won 3-1. With the win the two-time Cy Young Award winner ran his age-39 season record to 9-3, 2.22. Verlander picked up a tenth win on June 29, holding the Mets scoreless over wight innings. Verlander’s been a true stopped for the Astros, going 6-0 in games he started after a Houston loss.
Astros Combine to No-Hit Yankees Again.
On June 25, Astros’ pitchers Cristian Javier, Hector Norris and Ryan Pressly combined to pitch a no-hitter against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium. It was the third no-hitter and second combined no-hitter of the 2022 season. It was also the first time the Yankees had been held hitless since June 11. 2003, when the Astros (again) used a record six pitchers in no-hitting the Bronx Bombers. For more on combined no-hitters, click here.
June Feel Good Story
Mark Appel was the first overall pick (Astros)in the 2013 MLB draft – after a 10-4, 2.12 senior season at Stanford University. In four NCAA seasons, he had gone 28-14, with a 2.91 ERA and 372 strikeouts in 377 2/3 innings. In his junior and senior years, he went 20-6, 2.35, with 260 whiffs in 229 1/3 innings. In 2012, he was named the National College Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher of the Year. Big things seemed right on the horizon.
Nine years, 123 minor-league appearances, a pair of shoulder injuries, elbow surgery, a three-year retirement from baseball and and a two-season comeback later, the thirty-year-old righty finally received the call to the big leagues (Philllies). At the time, he was 5-0, 1.61 as a reliever for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. On June 29, Appel made his MLB debut and recorded his first big-league strikeout – pitching a scoreless ninth innings in a 4-1 Phillies loss to the Braves. A lesson in perseverance for us all.
Now, That Was a Pretty Kuhl Surprise.
Rockies’ 29-year-old right-hander Chad Kuhl came into his June 27 start against the Dodgers with 97 MLB starts on his MLB resume (over six seasons (Pirates/Rockies). He had a 29-35, 4.38 career MLB record, a career average of five innings per start, no complete games – and the deepest he had gone in any 2022 start was 6 1/3 innings. He was starting for the last-place Rockies, against the first-place Dodgers. Kuhl came into the game 4-5, 3.95 on the season, while his mound opponent – Tyler Anderson – was 8-0, 3.00. To top it off, the game was being played in hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Well, Kuhl surprised a lot of people. He threw his first-ever MLB complete game and his first-ever MLB shutout. He held the powerful Dodgers to just three hits (no walks, five whiffs). Kuhl faced just 29 hitters and only one Dodger got as far as second base as the Rockies triumphed 4-0. It’s one cool game that Chad Kuhl will never forget.
Baseball Roundtable Extra
Philip Humber threw just one complete game in eight MLB seasons (2006-13 … Mets, Twins, Royals, White Sox, Astros). It came on April 21, 2012 for the White Sox – against the Mariners in Seattle – and it was a nine-strikeout perfect game. Humber was an unlikely candidate for a perfecto, he retired with a 16-23, 5.31 record, 14-21, 5.20 as a starter.
Three Is Company
On June 30, Pirates’ catcher Martin Perez, who came into the game against the Reds with a .129-3-6 stat line, enjoyed a four-for-four day, with three runs scored, five RBI … and three home runs. It was his first-ever MLB multi-home run contest (in 184 games over five seasons). Perez hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning; another two-run shot in the sixth; and a solo home run in the eighth. The Pirates needed all his fireworks, as they topped the Brewers 8-7 in Pittsburgh.
Perez’ offensive outburst came just one day after Pirate CF Bryan Reynolds had a three-homer game (with three runs scored and six RBI) in another 8-7 Pirates win (this one over the Nationals in Washingon D.C. It was Reynolds’ second multi-homer game in 421 MLB games over four seasons.
Earlier in the month , on June 19, Pirates’ LF Jack Suwinski also recorded a three-home game (three runs scored, three RBI), as the Pirates topped the Giants 4-3 in Pittsburgh. Like Perez, it was the rookie outfielder’s first multi-homer game.
Together, Suwinski, Reynolds and Perez made the Pirates the first MLB team to have three players notch three-homer games in the same month.
——-Individual Statistical Leaders for June 2022———
AVERAGE (75 June at bats minimum)
National League – Garret Cooper, Marlins (.378); Josh Bell , Nationals (.358); Michael Harris, Braves (.347)
American League – Yordan Alvarez, Astros (.418); Amed Rosario, Guardians (360); Lourdes Gurriel, Blue Jays (.355)
The lowest April average (among players with at least 75 at bats in the month) belonged to the Mariners Adam Frazier at .144 (13-for-90).
HOME RUNS
National League – Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (12); Pete Alonso, Mets (9); five with 8
American League – Aaron Judge, Yankees (11); Anthony Rizzo, Yankees (10); Mike Trout, Angles (10)
The Astros’ Yordan Alvarez had the highest June slugging percentage (among players with at least 75 at bats) at .835. The NL leader was the Nationals Josh Bell at .695.
RUNS BATTED IN
National League –Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (27); Jake Cronenworth, Padres (24); Luke Voit, Padres (23)
American League – Yordan Alvarez, Astros (28); Austin Hays, Orioles (23); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (22); Kyle Tucker, Astros (22)
Jake Cronenworth of the Padres and Brandon Nimmo of the Mets led MLB in being hit by a pitch in June, with six plunkings each.
HITS
National League – Dansby Swanson, Braves (37); Michael Harris, Braves (35); Trea Turner, Dodgers (35); Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (35)
American League – Amed Rosario, Guardians (41); Jose Abreu, White Sox (37); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (35)
The Astros’ Yordan Alvarez led MLB (players (with at least 75 June at bats) in on-base percentage at .510. The NL leader was the Nationals Josh Bell at .447.
DOUBLES
National League – Jake Cronenworth, Padres (12); Brandon Rogers, Rockies (10): Luke Voit, Padres (10)
American League – Jose Ramirez, Guardians (14); Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles (11); Andy Rutschman, Orioles (10); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (10); Luke Voit, Padres (10)
TRIPLES
National League – Jose Azocar, Padres (3); Harrison Bader, Cardinals (3); Didi Gregorius, Phillies (3)
American League – Seven with two
The Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle led MLB in June extra-base hits with 18. He had 12 singles, 11 doubles and seven home runs.
STOLEN BASES
National League – Jon Berti, Marlins (18); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (7); J.T. Realmuto, Phillies (6)
American League – Randy Arozarena, Rays (10): Dylan Moore, Mariners (7); five with six
The Marlins’ Jon Berti was 18-for-19 in steal attempts in June.
WALKS
National League – Juan Soto, Nationals (21); Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (19); Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (18); Connor Joe, Rockies (18)
American League – Jesse Winker, Mariners (23); DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (20): Shohei Ohtani, Angels (17); Yandy Diaz, Rays (17)
The Yankees’ Aaron Judge led MLB in June intentional walks with five.
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League – Christopher Morel, Cubs (42); Luke Voit, Padres (41); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (36): Joe Suwinski, Pirates (36)
American League – Eugenio Suarez, Mariners (42); Brandon Marsh, Angels (38); Jorge Mateo, Orioles (32); Joey Gallo, Yankees (32)
PITCHING VICTORIES
National League – Kyle Wright, Braves (5-1); Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers (4-0); A.J. Minter, Braves (4-1)
American League – Jameson Taillon, Yankees (4-0); Tyler Wells, Orioles (4-0); Diego Castillo, Mariners (4-1); Logan Gilbert, Mariners (4-11); Alek Manoah, Blue Jays (4-1); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (4-1); Nick Pivetta, Red Sox (4-1); Ross Stripling, Blue Jays (4-1); Justin Verlander, Astros (4-1)
The Giants’ Madison Bumgarner led all pitches in June losses – going 1-5, 4.06 in six June starts. Just to show that life is not always fair, the Braves’ Ian Anderson went 3-2, with a 6.91 ERA.
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 innings pitched)
National League – Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers (1.24); Carlos Rodon, Giants (1.25); Sandy Alcantara. Marlins (1.89)
American League – Dylan Cease, White Sox (0.33); Dean Kremer, Orioles (1.29); Shane McClanahan, Rays (1.36)
Among pitchers with at least 25 May innings, the Reds’ Mike Minor had the highest May ERA at 7.71 – going 1-4 in five starts.
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Charlie Morton, Braves (45 – 30 2/3 IP); Aaron Nola, Philllies (43 – 43 IP); Corbin Burners, Brewers (41 – 28 2/3 IP); Carlos Rodon, Giants (41 – 36 IP)
American League – Dylan Cease, White Sox (45 – 27 1/3 IP ); Jon Gray, Rangers (44 – 37 2/3 IP); Shane McClanahan, Rays (42 – 33 IP); Shane Bieber, Guardians (42 – 37 1/3 IP)
By comparison to the above leaders, the Orioles’ Tyler Wells went 4-0, 2.42 in five June starts and fanned just 15 batters in 26 innings.
SAVES
National League – Kenley Jansen, Braves (8); Josh Hader, Brewers (6); Tanner Rainey, Nationals (6); Tanner Scott, Marlins (6)
American League – Emmanuel Clase, Guardians (11); Clay Holmes, Yankees (8); Ryan Pressly, Astros (8)
AL June saves leader Emmanuel Clase was 11-for-11 in save opportunities with a 0.00 ERA in 14 appearances.
WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched – 25 innings minimum)
National League – Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers (0.72); Mike Mikolas, Cardinals (0.79); Aaron Nola, Phillies (0.83)
American League – Shane McClanahan, Rays (0.70); Justin Verlander, Astros (0.83); Yu Darvish, Padres (0.84)
BONUS STAT
Among pitchers with 25 May innings , the Dodgers Tony Gonsolin held opponents to the lowest June batting average (.141 )
__________________________________________
Of the season ended June 30,the post-season teams would be:
American League: Yankees, Astros, Twins. Wild Cards: Red Sox, Blue Jays Guardians.
Nationals League: Dodgers, Mets, Brewers; Wild Cards: Padres, Braves; Cardinals
——-Team Statistical Leaders Through June 2022 ———-
RUNS SCORED
National League – Dodgers (379); Cardinals (373); Phillies (370)
American League – Yankees (384); Red Sox (364); Blue Jays (361)
The fewest runs (through June) were scored by the Tigers – 222. The Pirates tallied the fewest runs in the NL at 282.
AVERAGE
National League – Rockies (.261); Mets (.256); Nationals (.254); Cardinals (.254)
American League – Red Sox (.261); Blue Jays (.257); White Sox (.253)
The lowest team average through June belonged to the A’s at at .212. The Diamondbacks were at the bottom of the NL at .215,
HOME RUNS
National League – Braves (116); Brewers (105); Phillies (99)
American League – Yankees (127); Astros (103); Blue Jays (101)
The Tigers had the fewest home runs through June at 42 – the only team under 50. The Nationals trailed the rest of the NL at 61.
The Braves led MLB in slugging percentage through June at .439 The Blue Jays led the AL at .435 .
STOLEN BASES
National League – Marlins (57); Cardinals (577); Dodgers (52)
American League – Rangers (62); Rays (53); Guardians (49)
The Twins stole the fewest sacks through June (13 in 23 attempts The Rockies were at the bottom of the NL with 14 in 26 attempts. The White Sox stole 35 bases through June and were caught just twice.
WALKS DRAWN
National League – Dodgers (287); Padres (275); Giants (274)
American League – Yankees (292); Mariners (285); Astros (264)
The Dodgers led MLB in on-base percentage through June at .328. The Red Sox led the AL at .326. The A’s had MLB’s lowest OBP through June at .274.
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League –Braves (729); Pirates (695); Brewers (689)
American League – Angels (735); Orioles (698); Mariners (667)
Guardians’ batters fanned the fewest times through June (509).
Earned Run Average
National League – Dodgers (2.98); Padres (3.48); Cardinals (3.77)
American League – Yankees (2.92); Astros (2.96); Rays (3.24)
Two teams had ERAs through June of 5.00 or higher – Reds (5.51); Nationals (5.10).
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Braves (741); Brewers (723); Mets (701)
American League – Yankees (703); White Sox (700); Rays (656)
The Braves averaged an MLB-best 9.73 strikeouts per nine innings through June. The White Sox averaged an AL-best 9.53.
FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED
National League – Giants (192); Dodgers (193); Mets (224)
American League – Rays (192); Yankees (198); Blue Jays (205)
The Giants, Rays, Dodgers and Yankees each walked an MLB-lowest 2.6 batter per nine innings through June.
SAVES
National League – Brewers (31); Braves (26); Padres (26)
American League – Yankees (27); Astros (23); Blue Jays (23)
Bonus Stat
Only four pitching staffs gave up 100 or more home runs through June: Nationals (108); Reds (107); Cubs (107); and Mariners (102). By contrast, the Giants and Astros gave up an MLB-low 64 homers through June.
______________________
Second Bonus:
The Mariners and Padres committed the fewest errors through June (28) and also tied for the top fielding percentage at .990. The Rockies committed an MLB-high 58 fielding miscues through June.
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; Elias Sports Bureau
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