It’s July 1, and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s June Wrap Up – all you wanted to know about the month of June in MLB (and probalby more.) As usual, the monthly wrap will take a look at the stats and stories that captured BBRT’s attention over the previous month – as well as the standings and batting and pitching leader boards. Full standing at the FAR, FAR end of this post.
On thing for sure about June, it was raining long balls all month. Major League Baseball set a new recrod for home runs in a month, with 1,101 June round trippers. Just a few highlights:
- Seven players hit 10 or more home runs in June, led by Dodgers’ rookie Cody Bellinger’s 13 long balls – including four multi-homer games and one streak of ten home runs in ten games;
- The Reds’ Scooter Gennett may have hit “only” nine long balls in June, but four of them came on June 6 – making him just the 17th player in MLB history with a four-homer game.
- June ended with eleven players already having at least 20 homers on the season – and rookies leading both leagues in long balls (Yankees’ Aaron Judge at 27; Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger at 24).
- Albert Pujols hit hjis 600th home run; Adrian Beltre his 450th.
- Nolan Arenado topped off a cycle with a walk-off home run.
- On June 3, a single-day record seven MLB Grand Slams left the park(s).
Not all the highlights, however, ended up on the other side of the fence.
- Royals’ southpaw Jason Vargas started six games – and won them all – giving up just three roundt trippers (1.98 ERA for the month).
- The Nationals’ Max Scherzer put up a sparkling 0.99 ERA for the month (in five starts) – yet managed to grab just three wins (versus two losses).
- In contrast to Max Scherzer (see above bullet), Gerrit Cole went 4-2 on the month – despite a 6.17 ERA.
- Mariners’ catcher Mike Zunino – who came into the month with 139 RBI in 383 MLB games – drove in a MLB June-high 31 runs in 23 games.
THE NOT SO TERRIBLE TWOS
The Royals’ Jason Vargas is leading the AL in wins at 12 and Earned Run Average at 2.22.He was also born on 2-2-1983.
More abut these (and other) stories later – but first the standings and the BBRT Players and Pitchers of the Month.
First, no team was hotter in June than the Dodgers – the only team with 20 or more wins (21-7, a .750 percentage). Other teams to win more than 15 games during the month were the Diamondback (17-9) and the Astros (16-11). The Dodgers did a lot of things right in June. Their batters led all of MLB in June home runs and the pitching staff led the NL in strikeouts. Overall, the Dodgers allowed the fewest runs (96, the only MLB team under 100 for the month) and scored the NL’s second-most (157). They also finished in the NL’s top three for the month in stloen bases, earned run average and saves. In the AL, the Astros hit an MLB-high .294 for the month and, offensively, finished in the top three in runs scored and home runs.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Giants continued to fade – and were the only squad not to reach at least ten wins (9-18). The team had the NL’s highest June batting average (.281) and fourth-most June runes scored, but the second-worst June ERA in the league at 5.71. Over in the AL, the Tigers had the worst June record at 10-15. Like the Giants, the Bengals posted an ERA over five (5.12), but they also suffered on offense (tenth-most runs). A telling stat: The Tigers blew five of seven save opportunities.
If the season ended on June 30, the playoff teams would be:
AL: Astros, Red Sox and Indians; Wild Cards: Yankees; Twins or Rays.. Note: In the AL, the Angels, Royals, Mariners and Orioles are all within 1 1/2 games of a Wild Card spot.
NL: Nationals, Brewers, Dodgers; Wild Card: Diamondbacks and Rockies. No other teams are closer than seven games to a Wild Card spot.
_____________________________________________________________
BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE JUNE 2017 PLAYERS AND PITCHES OF THE MONTH
AL Player of the Month – Mike Zunino, Catcher, Mariners
Photo by Keith Allison
Yankees’ rookie phenom Aaron Judge may have gotten a lot of (well-deserved) publicity as he continued bashing baseball into the stratosphere in June, but the Mariners’ 26-year-old catcher Mike Zunino (somewhat quietly) put up fantastic June numbers. In just 79 at bats, Zunino rapped ten home runs and drove in an MLB June-best 31, while hitting at a .304 clip and scoring 14 times. (His 32 strikeouts are of some concern, but it’s hard to ignore 31 RBI in a month.) How surprising is Zunino’s June outburst? Now in his fifth MLB season, the 2012 first-round draft pick (third overall) has a .201 average and just 61 home runs in 406 MLB games. Still, when playing for the University of Florida, Zunino was the 2011 Southeastersn Conference Player of the Year and, in 2012, won the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy and Johnny Bench Award. He also put up a .288 average over five minor league seasons. That potential earned Zunino a $4 million signing bonus. Could he be hitting his stride?
BBRT also gave strong consideration to the Yankees’ Aaron Judge (.324-10-25 in June) and the Astros’ George Springer (.337-11-21).
______________________________________________________________
NL Player of the Month – Cody Bellinger, Outfield/First base, Dodgers
21-year-old Cody Bellinger led MLB with 13 June home runs and tied for the NL RBI lead at 27 – while hitting .288 for the month. Not bad for a rookie. Bellinger had four multi-homer games in June (and has six multi-home games on the year) – and also became the first rookie to hit ten home runs in a ten-game span. Drafted right out of high school, Bellinger is already in his fifth professional season. When called up to the Dodgers in late April, he was hitting .343, with five home runs and 15 RBI, in 18 games at Triple A Oklahoma City. Bellinger, by the way, was drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft and signed for $700,000 – which is looking like quite a bargain. Just think, ten years ago, Bellinger was playing in the Little League World Series.
Also high on BBRT’s list were: the D-backs Paul Goldschmidt (.347-7-27 for the month); the Braves’ Matt Adams (.314-10-25), who plugged the hole left when Freddie Freeman went down; and the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo (.320-6-20), who made a powerful statement when moved into the leadoff spot.
_______________________________________________________________
AL Pitcher of the Month – Jason Vargas, Royal
Royals’ southpaw Jason Vargas started six games in June – and won them all. He was MLB’s only six-game winner in the month. He also pitched to a nifty 1.98 earned run average. He started the month (June 2) with a seven-hit, compelte game shutout of division rival Cleveland and ended it (June 30) with a two-hit, one-run victory over another Central rival (the Twins). Vargas now stands at 12-3, 2.22 on the year. His sterling performance in June helped put the Royals back in the Central Division race – and earned Vargas BBRT Pitcher of the month. Vargas was a second-round pick (our of Long Beach State) of the Marlins in the 2004 MLB Draft and made his MLB debt with Florida in 2005. His career MLB record (12 seasons) is 79-73, 4.03. His best year – until 2017, of course – was 2012 (14-11, 3.85 for Seattle).
BBRT also took a long hard look at Indians’ power right-hander Corey Kluber, who started six games in June and picked up four wins (no losses), fanned an MLB-high 64 batters and had a June ERA of 1.26. In addition, BBRT considered 22-year-old Blue Jays’ closer Roberto Osuna – who notched eight saves in eight opportunities – with 19 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings and a 0.79 ERA for the month. But Vargas’ six-pack of wins was just too much to pass on.
_____________________________________________________________
NL Pitcher of the Month – Tie … Max Scherzer & Clayton Kershaw
Photo by SD Dirk
Wow, two hurlers with five Cy Young Awards between them. No surprise , the Dodgers’ Clayton Kersahw and Nationals’ Max Scherzer are BBRT NL Pitcher(s) of the Month.
Kershaw started six games in June and earned an NL-best five wins. In the process, he fanned 57 batters (another NL-best for the month) in 40 1/3 innings and posted a 2.23 ERA. Kershaw, by the way, was the seventh overall selection in the 2006 MLB Draft (right out of high school) – signing for an estimated $2.3 million. He was starting for the Dodgers by age 20 (2008) and a Cy Young Award winner by 2011.
Photo by Keith Allison
The June BBRT “Co-NL Pitcher of the Month” only went 3-2 over June’s 30 days. The Nationals’ Scherzer, however, got a total of two runs from his teammates in his two losses. In his five June starts, Scherzer pitched 36 1/3 innings, giving up just four earned runs – for an MLB-best 0.99 June ERA. He also gave up just 14 hits and six walks over the course of June – fanning 51 batters. He deserved better than 3-2.
Scherzer, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, was drafted in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Diamondbacks. He could not reach agreement with the club and signed instead with the Fort Worth Cats of the American Association (independent league). After three games with Fort Worth, he signed with the D-backs for $4.3 million.
BBRT also considered Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen (a league-topping ten saves in ten opportunities, with a 0.00 ERA in 14 innings pitched).
______________________________________________________________
BEFORE WE GET INTO THE STATS, LET’S LOOK AT SOME JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
More #WhyIHateTheDH
The month of June started out with another case against the DH. With the Dodgers facing the Cardinals (in St. Louis) on June 1, Adam Wainwright gained his sixth win of the season – shutting out LA over six innings of work (four hits, two walks, six strikeouts). In addition, Wainwright drove in all the runs in the contest, with a two-run home run in the second inning. It was Wainwright’s second home run of the season – and 10th of his 12-season MLB career. (Oh yes, it was also his sixth win.) Wainwright has a .200 career average and, in 2007, hit .290, with one home run and six RBI in 62 at bats.
Get A Whiff of This
On June 2, the Dodgers took on the Brewers at Miller Park, with Clayton Kershaw starting against Jimmy Nelson. It proved a true pitchers’ duel – a 2-1, 12-inning Dodgers’ win in which 58 percent of all the outs were recorded via the strikeout. Kershaw and Nelson set the tone, with Nelson fanning two in the top of the first and 11 in eight innings of work. Kershaw also recorded two strikeouts in the first and 14 in seven innings. Brewer’s batters tied an MLB record with 26 strikeouts in the contest and the two teams’ combined 42 K’s set an NL single-game record.
Scooter Joins the Likes of the Iron Horse, Rocky and the Hammerin’ Hoosier
On June 6, the Reds’ Scooter Gennett joined the likes of Lou Gehrig, Rocky Colavito and Chuck Klein – as one of just 17 MLB player to crank four home runs in a single game. Full story here.
Veteran Savvy
On June 10, 14-year MLB veteran Jose “Joey Bats” Bautista took “taking the extra base” to a new level. With the score Blue Jays 3, Mariners 2, the bases empty and two out, Bautista drew a walk from Mariners’ reliever Tony Zych. As he trotted to first base, the veteran noticed that Zych wasn’t paying w whole lot of attention and neither the second baseman or shortstop was anywhere near the two bag. So, Bautista slowed briefly as he reached first base – as if to stop – and then dashed (safely) to second bases. Kendrys Morales, the next hitter, grounded out to end the inning – but still it was a very cool veteran move. The Blue Jays, by the way, won 4-2.
The Young and Restless
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ 25-year-old rookie RF, ended June at .326-27-62 leading the AL home runs and RBI and second in average – a rookie Triple Crown contender. And, on June 12, he smashed what both Statcast TM and the ESPN Home Run Tracker have measured as the longest home run in MLB baseball this season. Statcast computed the shot off the Orioles’ Logan Verrett at 495 feet, ESPN at 496 feet. For the game, Judge was four-for-four, with two home runs and a double, four runs scored, three RBI and a walk – as the Yankees tiopped Baltimore 14-3.
Cycle on Outta Here
Photo by jenniferlinneaphotography 
On June 18, Rockies’ 3B Nolan Arenado delivered his first-ever cycle (single, double, triple and home run in a single game) – and did it in walk-off (or cycle-away) fashion. Arenado started with a triple in the bottom of the first. He added a single in the fourth and a double in the sixth and a strikeout in the eighth, before coming up in the bottom of the ninth with two on, one out and his Rockies trailing the Giants 5-4. His three-run homer completed the cycle and gave Colorado a 7-5 victory. It was, by the way, Arenado’s 15th home run of the 2017 season.
More From the “Baseball Keeps Track of Everything” File
The Elias Sports Bureau reports that Nolan Arenado’s cycle-completing home run of June 18 was the first walk-off, cycle-completing home run hit with the batter’s team trailing.
There have been four other cycle-completing, walk-off homers – but all game with the games tied: Cardinals’ Ken Boyer (Sept. 14, 1961); Twins’ Cesar Tovar (Sept. 19, 1972); Red Sox Dwight Evans (June 28, 1984); Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez (July 31, 2010).
Youth Will Be Served
Recently, BBRT unveiled its 2017 Under-25 MLB All Star Lineup – click here for that post. Now, baseball does track pretty much everything, and on June 20 – as the Dodgers pasted the Mets 12-0 – two youngsters in the lineup combined for four home runs. Twenty-three-year old SS Corey Seager poled three out of the park, while 21-year-old LF Cody Bellinger added one. Notably, it was Bellinger’s tenth home over the previous ten games – making him the first MLB rookie (modern era) to hit ten round trippers in a span of ten contests. It was also his 22nd homer of the year (and career) in just his 52nd career game – giving him the record for the fewest career games to reach the 22-HR mark. Oh yes, the night before, he set the record for the fewest career games to each the 21-HR mark. (As I‘ve said before, in baseball we do track everything.)
One, Two, Three and They Are Out (of the park)
On June 24, The Oakland A’s RF Matt Olson, CF Jaycob Brugman and 2B Franklin Barreto all went deep as Oakland bested the White Sox 10-2. Now, three home runs by three teammates isn’t all that rare. However, three home runs in the same game all being the first career round trippers for rookie players on the same squad is. Olson, Brugman and Barreto are only the second trio of rookies from the same team ever to collect their first MLB home runs in the same game. The only other such group is Duke Kenworth, Art Kruger and John Potts of the Federal League Kansas City Packers back on April 26. 1914.
Rizzo Likes It At The Top
Photo by apardavila
Anthony Rizzo (.292-32-109 in 2016) has all the markings of a middle-of-order guy. However, the Cubs have struggled form the lead-off spot this season – using Kyle Schwarber, Ben Zobrist, Jon Jay, Ian Happ and Javier Baez at the top of the order.
On June 13, Manager Joe Maddon decided to think a bit out of the box, moving 1B Anthony Rizzo from the number-three spot in the order to lead off. Thirteen proved to be a pretty lucky number. Here’s how Rizzo first seven games as the Cubs’ first hitter of the contest went:
- June 13 – Home Run
- June 14 – Home Run
- June 16 – Walk
- June 17 – Single
- June 18 – Double
- June 19 – Single
- June 20 – Home Run
Finally, on June 21, in his eighth game as the leadoff hitter, Rizzo started the Cubs’ offense with an out – a fly out to right. In his first seven games in the number-one slot in the order, Rizzo went 12-for-28 (.429), with two doubles, one triple four home runs, seven runs scored, 10 RBI, four walks and five strikeouts.
Number One for Number One
Let me say, as a Twins’ fan, I was as surprised as everyone when they made high schooler Royce Lewis the number-one overall pick in the recent MLB Draft. (I expected a less risky college-age pick.) Still, scouts say the 18-year-old is a multi-tool player who has also shown leadership skills. Well, young Mr. Lewis certainly got off to a good start. In his first at bat, in the first inning of his first professional game (for the Gulf Coast League Twins), the first overall pick rapped his first professional home run (also, of course, collecting his first professional run scored and RBI.) I expect the Twins’ brass were all smiles after that beginning.
Big Bang Theory – Make ‘Em Count
On June 27, Rangers’s third baseman Adrian Beltre continued his march toward the Hall of Fame by banging out his 450th MLB home run – and he made it count. The blast came in the top of the ninth inning, off Indians’ closer Cody Allen, giving the Rangers a 2-1 victory over the Tribe. It was the third consecutive game Beltre had done deep, giving him five on the season. Beltre finished June with a .277-5-22 line on the season – and just 30 hits shy of 3,000 for his 20-year MLB career. One of those true leather and lumber guys, Beltre has four Silver Slugger Awards and five Gold Gloves on his resume.
Even More #WhyIHateTheDH
On June 27, Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer picked up his ninth win of the season – as Washington topped the Cubs 2-1 in D.C. During his six frames, Scherzer gave up two hits and one run – and also collected two hits and one RBI of his own. (Note: He also fanned six – versus no walks – in his six-inning stint.) Scherzer ended June 9-5, 2.06 on the year.
A Walk Off Strikeout
We’ve all seen or read about walk-off hits, home runs, walks and even balks, but how about a walk-off whiff? On June 28, the Angels and Dodgers were tied at 2, with the Halos batting in the bottom of the ninth. Here’s how it went down. Pedro Baez came on in relief for the Dodgers and got Angels’ 2B Danny Espinosa and a grounder to first. LF Ben Revere than reached on an error by LAD SS Chris Taylor – and went to second on a wild pitch to CF Cameron Maybin. Maybin later struck out swinging, but Dodgers’ catcher Yasmani Grandal couldn’t handle the pitch (passed ball) – with Revere bolting for third. Grandal then compounded his mistake by throwing wildly to first to try to get Maybin. In the meantime, Revere had advanced to third and then came in with the winning run on the throwing error. Basically, a walk-off (really run-off) strikeout.
A Grand Way to Celebrate 600 – and Other Join In
Photo by Keith Allison
One June 3, as the Angels topped the Twins 7-2, Albert Pujols ripped his 600th career round tripper – becoming just the ninth player to reach that number. It was an histsoric feat and Pujols did it in grand style. The home run was a fouth-inning Grand Slam – making Pujols the first player to hit a Grand Slam for number 600 – off the Twins’ ace Erwin Santana. It was also one of seven grand Slams hit that day – a new major-league record for four-run blasts in a single day.
On June 3, a single-day record seven Grand Slams were hit in MLB. The full list of “Grand Slamers:”
Albert Pujols, Angels
Kyle Schwarber, Cubs
Matt Adams, Braves
Ian Desmond, Rockies
Chris Taylor Dodgers
Travis Shaw, Brewers
Mike Zunino, Mariners
A Little Spring(er) at the Top of the Lineup
Photo by Keith Allison
On June 29, Astros’ RF and leadoff hitter George Springer led off Houston’s first inning wth a home run to deep right field. It was his 24th dinger of the season and 11th of June. It also was the ninth time in 2017 he has homered as the first Astro to go to the plate. Springer’s nine leadoff home runs lead the majors and are an Astro’s single-season record. Alfonso Soriano’s 13 leadoff long balls in 2003 are the MLB record and Springer has more than a half season left to top that mark.
SO MUCH FOR THE STORIES. NOW – FOR DIEHARDS – THE STATS
FIRST FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
—–TEAM BATTING LEADERS … MONTH OF JUNE—–
Average
NL: Giants .281; Nationals – .280; Rockies – .276
AL: Astros – .294; Mariners – .288; Tigers – .281
Runs Scored
NL: Nationals – 161; Dodgers – 157; D-backs 152
AL: Yankees – 177; Mariners – 160; Astros – 157
Home Runs
NL: Dodgers – 53; Mets – 50; Brewers – 49
AL: Yankees – 47; Rangers – 47; Astros – 46
A SWING AND A MISS
The Brewers struck out an MLB-leading 290 times in June – 29.6 percent of their official at bats. The A’s led the AL in whiffs at 285 – also 29.6 percent of their official at bats.
Stolen Bases
NL: Nationals – 32; Brewers – 26; Dodgers & Marlins – 21
AL: Angels- 31; Rangers – 30; Rays – 19
GOTCHA!
The Orioles swiped the fewest bases in all of MLB last month – just four in five tries. The Braves had the fewest steals in the NL – five in nine tries – for an MLB-low 55.5 percent success rate. The Royals attempted just seven steals – but were successful all seven times.
Walks
NL: Dodgers – 131; Cardinals – 110; Cubs – 100
AL: Yankees – 115; Indians – 102; A’s – 97
CAN’T SEEM TO GET THE DUCKS OFF THE POND
Only two teams scored fewer than 100 runs in June: The Phillies (94) and the Blue Jays (96); Surprisingly, the Rockies tied the Phillies for the fewest home runs for the month (24), but they did play just nine of 27 games at Coors Field.
—–TEAM PITCHING LEADERS … MONTH OF JUNE—–
Earned Run Average (MLB Average – 4.63)
NL: D-backs – 3.04; Dodgers – 3.29; Cubs 3.98
AL: Indians – 3.71; Yankees – 3.85; Red Sox – 3.91
THAT’ S A LOTTA RUNS
Eight teams had ERA’s over 5.00 for June. Topping the AL – the Orioles at 6.27. In the NL – the Reds at 5.97.
Fewest Runs Allowed (MLB Average – 134)
NL: Dodgers – 96; D-backs – 101; Cubs – 113
AL: Indians – 109; Royals – 114; Red Sox – 116
Strikeouts (MLB Average – 225)
NL: Dodgers – 280; Nationals – 263; D-backs – 244
AL: Astros – 293; Indians – 267; Yankees – 258
Fewest Walks Allowed (MLB Average – 86)
NL: Padres – 75; Pirates – 68; – Nationals & Dodgers – 79
AL: Royals – 68; Rays – 71; Red Sox – 73
NOTHING LIKE A FREE PASS
The Orioles gave up an MLB-high 117 walks in June. The Brewers’ staff gave up an NL-highest 102 walks during the month.
Saves (MLB average – 6)
NL: Dodgers – 12; Brewers – 11; Padres & Cubs – 8
AL: Rays – 9; four with eight
BLEW THAT ONE
The Yankees and Marlins each recorded six blown saves in June. However, the worse save percentage went to the Tigers, who had just two saves in seven changes (28.6%).
______________________________________________________________
—–BATTING LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE—–
Average (minimum 50 at bats)
NL: Justin Turner, Dodgers – .415; Andrew McCutcheon, Pirates – .411; Denard Span, Giants – .374
AL: Ben Gamel, Mariners – .393; Josh Reddick, Astros – .389; Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians – .373
Home Runs
NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers – 13; Matt Adams, Braves – 10; two with nine
AL: George Springer, Astros – 11; four with ten
LET’S GO FOR THREe
The Rockie’s Nolan Arenado hit an NL-leading four triples in June.
RBI
NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers – 27; Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs – 27; Nolan Arenado, Rockies – 27
AL: Mike Zunino, Mariners – 31; Gary Sanchez, Yankees – 27; Justin Upton, Tigers – 27
Runs Scored
NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies – 25; three with 23
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 30; Joe Ramirez, Indians – 26; three with 24
Stolen Bases
NL: Trea Turner, Nationals – 22; Dee Gordon, Marlins – 13; Chris Taylor, Dodgers 9
AL: Cameron Maybin, Angels – 11; Delino DeShields, Rangers – 10; Elvis Andrus, Rangers – 8
Walks
NL: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals – 22; Anthony Rizzo, Cubs – 19; five with 18
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 30; Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers – 19; Carlos Santana, Indians – 18
BELOW THE M-LINE
The lowest average (minimum 50 June at bats) for the month went to Padres’ outfielder Allen Cordoba at .148 (8-for-54). In the AL, the Rangers’ Joey Gallo was in the basement at .162 (11-for-68).
Matt Davidson of the White Sox and Khris Davis of the A’s led all of MLB in June strikeouts with 42. Davidson achieved his whiffs in just 88 at bats (a 47.7 percent K rate. Still, he hit .239-7-13. Remarkably, Davis hit .299 for the month (.299-5-22), despite the 42 strikeouts. Early-season sensation Eric Thames of the Brewers had a rough June – hitting just .163 and leading the NL in strikeouts (39 in 92 at bats.)
—–INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS … THE MONTH OF JUNE—–
Wins
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 5-0, 2.23; Josh deGrom, Mets – 4-1, 2.75; Gerrit Cole, Pirates – 4-2, 6.17
AL: Jason Vargas, Royals – 6-0, 1.98; Jordan Montgomery, Yankees – 4-0, 2.59; Jose Berrios, Twins – 4-1, 3.21; Chris Sale, Red Sox – 4-1. 2.78
ERA (Minimum 25 June innings)
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals – 0.99; Chase Anderson, Brewers 1.56; Alex Wood, Dodgers – 2.10
AL: Corey Kluber, Indians – 1.26; Jose Quintana, White Sox – 1.78; Jason Vargas, Royals, 1.98
GETTING UP THERE A BIT
The worst ERA among pitchers with at least four starts or 15 innings pitched in June went to the Reds’ Amir Garret, who put up a 12.15 ERA in four June starts (13 1/3 innings). In the AL. given those parameters, We find th Orioles’ Chris Tillman at 9.69.
Strikeouts
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 57 (40 1/3 innings); Max Scherzer – 51 (36 1/3); Jimmy Nelson, Brewers – 50 (40 2/3)
AL: Corey Kluber, Indians – 64 (43 innings); Chris Sale, Red Sox – 45 (35 2/3); Yu Darvish, Rangers – 43 (37 1/3)
I WALK THE LINE
The Marlins’ Edison Volquez gave up the most walks in June (20 in 35 2/3 innings). He also gave up just 20 hits – finishing with a 3-1, 3.28 record for the month.
Saves
NL: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers – 10; Corey Knebel, Brewers – 10; four with seven
AL: Brandon Kintzer, Twins – 8; Roberto Osuma, Blue Jays – 8; Cragi Kimbrel, Red sox – 8.
_________________________________________________
NOW THE YEAR-TO-DATE STATS (Still with me?)
—–TEAM BATTING … YEAR-TO-DATE LEADERS—–
Average (MLB Average – .254)
NL: Nationals – .277; Rockies – .268; Braves & D-backs – .264
AL: Astros – .283; Yankees – .270; Red Sox & Mariners – .266
Runs Scored (MLB average – 373)
NL: Nationals – 447; Dodgers – 428; D-backs – 422
AL: Astros – 449; Yankees – 445; Mariners – 398
TIME TO POWER UP
Only the Padres (291) and the Phillies (299) have plated fewer than 300 runs through June. San Diego also has the lowest team batting average at just .227. In the AL, the Royals have put up the fewest tallies at 314, while the Rangers are hitting an AL-low .239.
Home Runs (MLB Average – 101)
NL: Brewers – 123; Nationals – 121; Mets – 118
AL: Astros – 128; Yankees & Rays – 123
A SWING AND A MISS
Tampa Bay hitterS have played a lot of air ball this year, as the Rays are the only team to strike out 800 times (802) through June. The Rays are, however, tied for second in home runs at 123.
Stolen Bases (MLB Average – 41)
NL: Brewers – 69; Reds – 68; Nationals – 62
AL: Angels- 74; Rangers – 73; Mariners – 50
NOT SO FAST!
The Orioles hace MLB’s fewest stolen bases through June and are the only team with under 20 steals (just 16 in 21 tries). From a percentage point of view, the Rockies are the least successful thieves (28 steals in 50 attempts – 56 percent). Compare that to the Royals, with 36 steals in 44 tries (82 percent).
—–TEAM PITCHING LEADERS … YEAR-TO-DATE—–
Earned Run Average (MLB average – 4.34)
NL: Dodgers – 3.24; D-backs – 3.41; Cardinals – 4.04
AL: Indians – 3.83; Yankees – 3.83; Red Sox – 3.86
I’D GIVE IT A FIVE
Only two teams have ERA’s over five through June – The Reds at 5.26 and the Orioles at 5.02. NotablY, the Orioles are just one game under .500, while the are 11 games away from break even.
Fewest Runs Allowed (MLB average – 373)
NL: Dodgers – 281; D-backs – 317; Cardinals – 351
AL: Indians – 315; Astros & Yankees – 333
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED
The Dodgers’ rotation has the best starters’ ERA in the NL at 3.40; while the Astros’ starters top the AL at 3.83. The other end of the spectrum? Reds’ starters at 6.18 and Orioles’ starters at 5.57.
Interested in the end game? The Indians’ pen is best at 2.57, while the Dodgers pen has the NL’s lowest ERA at 2.95. As far as throwing fuel the fire – The Tigers’ and Nationals’ pens are the only relief staffs with ERAs over five (5.15 and 5.07, respectively).
Strikeouts (MLB average – 657)
NL: Dodgers – 783; D-backs – 750; Nationals – 720
AL: Astros – 830; Indians – 771; Red Sox – 742
Fewest Walks Allowed (MLB average – 261)
NL: Dodgers & Pirates – 226; Nationals – 238
AL: Red Sox – 205; Indians – 220; Yankees – 234
Saves (MLB Average – 19)
NL: Rockies – 28; Brewers – 76; Cardinals & Dodgers – 23
AL: Rays – 26; Red Sox – 24; Astros – 23
THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY
The Rangers lead all of MLB in blown saves with 16 – and, in fact, five of the top six teams in blown saves are from the AL. The Nationals lead the NL with 13 miffed save opportunities. Only the Rangers and Phillies have been successful in fewer than half their save opportunities – Rangers 14-for-29/44.8 percent and Phillies 13-for-24/45.8 percent.
—–INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS YEAR TO DATE—-
Average
NL: Buster Posey, Giants – .341; Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals – 339; Daniel Murphy, Nationals – .336
AL: Jose Altuve, Astros – .330; Aaron Judge, Yankees – .326; Corey Dickerson, Rays .326
Home Runs
NL: Cody Bellingers, Dodgers – 24; Joey Votto, Reds – 23; Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 21
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 27; George Springer, Astros – 24; two with 22
THREE IS NOT A CROWD, BUT IT IS A BUNCH
The Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon has ten triples through June – no other player has more than five.
RBI
NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs – 66; Jake Lamb,D-backs – 65; Ryan Zimmeerman, Nati0nals – 62
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 62; Nelson Cruz, Mariners – 59; Robinson Cano, Mariners – 57
Runs Scored
NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs – 69; Charlie Blackmon, Rockies – 64; Bryce Harper, Nationals – 60
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 70; George Springer, Astros – 63; Corey Dickerson, Rays – 60
Stolen Bases
NL: Trea Turner, Nationals – 35; Billy Hamilton, Reds – 33; Dee Gordon, Marlins – 29
AL: Cameron Maybin, Angels – 24; Elvis Andrus, Rangers – 20; Jarrod Dyson, Mariners – 19
Walks
NL: Matt Carpenbter, Cardinals – 56; Joey Votto, Reds – 55; Kris Bryant, Cubs – 53
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 58; Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers 47; Edwin Encarnacion, Indians – 47.
OUCH!
Only four playes have fanned 100+ times through June: Khris Davis, A’s and Joey Gallo, Rangers – 107 each; Miguel Sano, Twins – 106; Keon Broxton, Brewers – 104.
—–PITCHING LEADERS … MONTH OF JUNE—–
Wins
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 12-2, 2.32; five with nine
AL: Jason Vargas, Royals – 12-3, 2.22; Chris Sale, Red Sox – 10-3, 2.77; Ervin Santana, Twins – 10-5, 3.09
ERA (Minimum 25 June innings)
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals – 2.06; Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 2.32; Gio Gonzalez, Natonals – 2.87
AL: Jason Vargas, Royals – 2.22; Lance McCullers Jr., Astros – 2.69; Chris Sale, Red Sox – 2.77
NOT EXACTLY THE YEAR OF THE PITCHER
In this year of the home run, five pitchers havce already given up 20 or more long balls: John Lackey, Cubs (24); Bronson Arroyo, Reds (23); Ricky Nolasco, Angels (23); Masahiro Tanaka (21)l Jordan Zimmerman , Tigers (20).
Strikeouts
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals – 151 (113 2/3 innings); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 135 (116 1/3); Robbie Ray, D-backs – 128 (100)
AL; Chris Sale, Red Sox – 155 (113 2/3 innings); Chris Archer, Rays – 131 (110 1/3); Yu Darvish, Rangers – 115 (107)
Saves
NL: Greg Holland Rockies – 26; Fernando Rodney, D-backs – 20; Kenley Jansen, Dodgers – 18
AL: Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox – 23; Brandon Kintzer, Twins – 23; Alex Colome, Rays 21
RESCUE ME
Three pitches have accumulated six blown saves (the MLB high); The Tigers’ Francisco Rodriguez; Marlins’ David Phelps; and Pirates’ Tony Watson. Their saves totals? Watson ten, Rodriguez six, Phelps zer0.
_______________________________________________________________
FINALLY!!! THE STANDINGS
Main Sources for stats in this post: ESPN.com; MLB.com; Society for American Baseball Research; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Follow/Like the Baseball Roundtable Facebook page, here.
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Negro Leagues Baseball Museuml Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
