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, as well as the BBRT Players and Pitches of the Month and the BBRT Trot index. Here’s the kind of thing you’ll read about – if you last to the end of the post.
- One player (Nick Castellanos, Reds) hit over .400 for the month;
- Four teams with earned run averaged under 3.00 for the month and ten starting pitcher with ERA’s under 2.00 for may.
- An 11-game winning streak and a 14-game losing streak.
- The third, fourth, five and sixth no-hitters of the young season.
- The fourth and fifth three-homer games of the season.
- A player end the month leading his league in home runs and stolen bases.
Changing of the Guard… and It’s Good to be a Junior
At the close of play May 31, four players were tied for the major league-lead in home runs with 16: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (age 23); Adolis Garcia, Rangers (age 28, only 24 MLB games before this season); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (age 22); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (age 22).
- The second triple play of the season;
- A player strike out in his first eight MLB at bats (a record) and then collect his first hit, first extra-base hit, first RBI and first run scored – all in the same inning;
- A on-the-field “Brain Freeze;”
- The scoring of MLB’s 2,000,000th run.
- An AL pitcher get is first MLB plate appearances – and go three-for-three; and
- More
You can read more about these events (and more May stories) in the Highlights Section. First, Baseball Roundtable’s Players and Pitchers of the Month.
——Baseball Roundtable Players and Pitchers of the Month——
National League
Player of the Month … Nick Castellanos 3B/OF, Reds
Castellanos led MLB in May batting average (among players with at least 75 May at bats) at a lofty .409. His 38 hits were third (second in the NL). He also had five home runs, 15 RBI and 18 runs scored. In addition, he drew 12 walks for a .476 on-base percentage (tops in the majors). Castellanos got hits in all but three of his 24 May games and finished the month on a 17-game hitting streak that included 11 multi-hit games. He also had a five-hit, two-homer game on May 2 – and his Reds needed all of that production, winning 13-12 in ten innings.
Honorable Mentions: The Dodgers’ Max Muncy was also in the running after a .337-10-19 month in which he also moved from first base to second base to accommodate the acquisition of Albert Pujols. (Muncy’s ten May homers led the NL.) I also gave strong consideration to Padres’ SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. and his .353-9-26 May stat line. His homers were second in the NL, his RBI first and he also stole a May-best eight bases. Castellanos’ .400+ average, however, was just too hard to deny.
Pitcher of the Month – Kevin Gausman, RHP, Giants
Photo by IDSportsPhoto 
Gausman led all pitchers (tied) with five May wins (no losses) in six starts. He threw 37 innings and gave up just three earned runs. His 0.73 May earned run average was the lowest among pitchers toiling at least 25 innings during the month. (And he did it without tossing a no-hitter.) His 37 innings pitched were eighth in MLB and his 49 strikeouts tied for third. During May, he never gave up more than one earned run in his six starts. On May 14, he went eight innings against the Pirates, giving up one run on five hits while fanning 12.
Honorable Mentions: The Nationals’ Max Scherzer went 3-2, 1.83 in six May starts, with an MLB-leading 57 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings (13.04 whiffs per nine). In his two May losses, Scherzer pitched 13 innings giving up just four earned runs (2.77 ERA), while fanning 19 (walking just two). The Nationals scored a total of one run in those two contests. The Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff also earned a look after putting up a 1.07 ERA in May (two wins and two losses), while fanning 49 batters in 42 innings. He could have used a bit more support. Woodruff gave up just five earned runs in six starts – never more than two in an outing. In his two wins, he held the opposition scoreless for a total of 14 innings. The Phillies’ Zack Wheeler also earned consideration. Although he was only 2-0 in May, he deserved better. His May ERA was 2.08 and his 57 strikeouts (43 1/3 innings) tied for the MLB lead.
American League
Player of the Month …. Marcus Semien, SS, Blue Jays
Marcus Semien hit .368 for the month (second only to Nick Castellanos in MLB), with eight home runs (tied for fourth in MLB) and 22 RBI ( tied for sixth). His 42 May hits led the majors and his 23 runs scored tied for third. The versatile infielder hit in all but three of 28 games played and had 12 multi-hit games.
Honorable Mentions: Rangers’ outfielder Adolis Garcia put up a .312-11-27 line in May – leading the major in May homers and tied for second in RBI for the month. He ran neck-and-neck with Semien for this recognition and was edged out primarily due on on-base percentage of .348 to Semien’s .429). BBRT also considered the Blue Jays’ Vlad Guerrero, Jr., who put up a .302-9-22 stat line in 28 games – and also drew 12 walks, while fanning only 16 times.
Pitcher of the Month … Lance Lynn RHP, White Sox
Lynn led the AL (and tied for the MLB lead) with five May victories (5-0, 1.64 in six starts.). He may not have been as overpowering as some of the competition (30 strikeouts in 33 innings), but he kept runners away from the plate. After giving up three runs in his first May start, he gave up only three more earned runs over his next five starting assignments. He’s a big part of why the White Sox reside in first place.
Honorable Mentions: How can you not mention the Rays’ veteran southpaw Rich Hill? The 41-yea-old, in his 17th MLB season, was downright stingy in May – pitching to a 0.78 ERA in five starts (three wins- one loss). This followed an April when he produced a 7.25 ERA in five starting assignments. Quite the turnaround. I also looked at the White Sox Lucas Giolito, 4-2, 2.41 with 45 whiffs (fifth-best in MLB) in May.
Surprise Player of the Month … Adolis Garcia, OF, Rangers
Adolis Garcia (also an honorable mention for Player of the Month) came into the season with a 0.87 average in 24 MLB games and then hit .242-5-14 in April. Garcia really turned it on in May. In 28 games, he hit .312, while leading MLB with 11 May home runs. His 27 May RBI were second only to the Rays’ Austin Meadow 28. For good measure, he also tossed in five stolen bases in five attempts. He was a positive surprise for the Rangers. He could use a bit more plate discipline (six walks and 30 whiffs in May), but Garcia earned surprise recognition for May.
Honorable Mention: More a comeback than a surprise, but still a very pleasant surprise of sorts. The Orioles’ Trey Mancini returned to the major this season after a bout with Stage 3 colon cancer. How is it going? Mancini’s May stat line was .320-6-25.
Now how about, BBRT’s regularly featured “Trot Index.”
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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE
Through May 2021, 37.4 percent of the MLB season’s 59,398 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 (24.2%); walks (8.9%); home runs (3.0%); HBP (1.8%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.
The 37.7 percent figure is up slightly from 2020’s (full season) 37.3 percent; 2019’s (full season) 36.2 percent and 2018’s 34.8 percent Trot Index.
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N0w, how about a look at May. Here’s how the teams fared last month. As you can see, a couple of teams played .700+ ball in May – the Rays and Cubs. The Cubs put together a solid month with MLB’s best May earned run average and the NL’s best batting average. (Their solid May showing included eight one-run victories.) Meanwhile, the NL West remained the closest MLB division race – and, appropriately, the three front runner (Giants, Padres, Dodgers) each scored 155 runs during the month.
The Rays played .786 ball, fueled in part by an 11-game winning streak (May 18-24). During the streak they outscored their opponents 95-43, outhit them .292 to .209 and out-homered them 22 to 15. Rays’ hurler put up a 3.20 earned run average during the streak, compared to the opponents 7.51, Seven of the eleven games were on the road. When the streak started, the Rays were in fourth place (three games out); When it ended, they were in first place (a half-game ahead of the Red Sox).
Over in the National League, the Padres put together a nine-game winning streak at about the same time (May 14 through May 23). Notably the streak consumed the entirety of a nine-game home stand, and was book-ended by a May 12 3-2 loss at Colorado (second game of a double header) and a May 24 5-3 loss at Milwaukee. During the streak, the Padres outscored their opponents 66-18 and out hit them .288 to .196 (home runs were even at nine apiece). The Padres mound staff pitched to a 1.65 earned run average over the nine games, as compared to their opponents 7.00, and notched 95 strikeouts to the opponents’ staffs’ 61. When the streak started, the Padres were in second place (1 1/2 games behind the Giants). After the ninth win, they were in first place with a one-game lead over the Dodgers.
On the other side of the coin, the Orioles finished May in a (still active) 14-game losing streak – in which they were outscored 93-48. (I’ll let the stats below tell the story.
——-Individual Statistical Leaders For May———-
RUNS SCORED
National League –Giants (155); Padres (155); Dodgers (155)
American League – Rays (160); Blue Jays (154); Astros (153)
No one scored fewer runs in May than the Pirates, who plated just 81 tallies. Others under 100 runs for the month included the Mariners (96) and Marlins (97).
AVERAGE
National League – Cubs (.262); Nationals (.251); Dodgers (.249)
American League – Blue Jays (.279); Astros (.275); Red Sox (.260)
The lowest May team average belonged to the Mariners at a meager .199. The Brewers were the lowest in the National League at .207.
HOME RUNS
National League – Giants (46); Braves (43); Dodgers (38)
American League – Blue Jays (42); Twins (41); Rays (40)
The Pirates had the fewest May home runs at 17. In the American League, the Tigers were at the bottom with 20 May homers. The Rockies (19) and Diamondbacks (18) also finished under 20 home runs in May.
STOLEN BASES
National League – Padres (26); Cardinals (20); Rockies (19)
American League – Rays (23); Tigers (19); Rangers (18)
The A’s stole the fewest bases in May – just four (in seven attempts).
WALKS DRAWN
National League – Giants (123); Padres (110); Dodgers (109)
American League – White Sox (123); Rays (120); Twins (109)
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League – Phillies (290); Giants (287); Brewers (276)
American League – Rays (311); Tigers (269); Yankees (268)
Astros’ batters fanned the fewest times in May (180).
EARNED RUN AVERAGE
National League – Cubs (2.52); Padres (2.69); Mets (3.18)
American League – Rays (2.70); White Sox (2.89); Yankees (3.33)
Two teams had ERA’s over 5.00 in May: Orioles (5.89) and Diamondbacks (5.46).
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Brewers (286); Dodgers (276); Phillies (273)
American League – White Sox (279); Indians (278); Angels (276)
The Brewers had the highest strikeouts per nine innings in May at 10.38. The White Sox led the AL at 10.21.
SAVES
National League – Cardinals (12); Mets (11); Cubs (10); Giants (10)
American League – White Sox (9); Indians (9); Red Sox (9); Yankees (9); Mariners (9)
No, a look at some of the players and plays that caught my eye in May.
–—-MAY 2021 HIGHLIGHTS—-
A Different Kind of RBI Machine
Once again proving #InBaseballWeCountEverything, Mets’ rookie Patrick Mazeika – between May 7 and May 11 – became the first major leaguer in more than fifty years to collect three RBI before his first hit. He collected those RBI on a pair of fielder’s choices and a bases-loaded walk.
On May 7, pinch-hitting for P Aaron Loup in the bottom of the tenth in a 4-4 game against the Diamondbacks, Mazeika came up with the bases loaded and one out. Mazeika hit a dribbler in front of the plate, the pitcher went for the play at the plate (to stop the winning run), the tag was not made and Mazeika had a walk-off fielder’s choice and his first MLB RBI.
On May 9, he came up as a PH in the bottom of the sixth with the Mets up 2-1 on the Diamondbacks, two outs and the sacks full. This time, he drew a five-pitch walk for his second MLB RBI.
On May 11, the rookie came up – again as a PH – in the bottom of the ninth with one out, the Mets and Orioles tied at two and runners on first and third. He hit a slow grounder to first, the Orioles unsuccessfully tried to cut down the winning run at the plate. End result: Run scored and Mazeika’s got his third MLB RBI and second “walk-off fielder’s choice.”
On May 16, Mazeika finally got his first MLB hit – and it was a home run, giving him his fourth MLB RBI.
DH? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ DH
On May 4, Braves’ 23-year-old -year-old Huascar Ynoa threw seven strong innings (one unearned run on four hits and two walks) to earn his third win of the season as the Braves topped the Nationals 6-1. He also went one-for-three at the plate – stroking a sixth inning Grand Slam. Notably, it was his second straight start in which he homered (a solo shot on April 28 versus the Cubs) and the third straight start in which he collected an RBI. At the close of May, Ynoa was hitting .353-2-6 in 17 at bats and had a 4-2, 3.02 record on the mount.
Ynoa Update – Ouch
After a poor outing on May 16 (five runs surrendered in 4 1/3 innings versus the Brewers), Brave’s righty Huascar Ynoa punched a dugout bench (with his pitching hand). The broken right hand is likely to keep him out for a couple of months, the Braves reported.
More #WeDon’tNeedNoStinkin’DH
Okay, how about an American League pitcher wielding the bat (other than Shohei Ohtani, of course)? On May 4, The White Sox ’25-year-old righty Dylan Cease found himself at the plate for the first time in his MLB career (2019-21). He made the most of it, collecting two singles and a double in three at bats. Oh yes, he also three six scoreless innings, giving up one hit, three walks and fanning eleven – as the White Sox topped the Reds 9-0. Cease now has an MLB average of 1.000 and a slugging percentage of 1.333.
Or, #WhyNotHaveADH, if he’s a pitcher.
In May, the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani (bats left/throws right) got four starts on the mound and went 1-1, 2.38, with 27 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings. At the plate the P/DH hit .245, with seven home runs and 21 RBI in 27 games.
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Four No-Hitters In May. Wow. Just. Wow.
May 2021 saw four MLB no-hitters – only the second time in MLB history that we’ve seen for no-hitters in a single calendar month. (June of 1990 saw no-hitters by Randy Johnson – June 2; Nolan Ryan – June 11; Dave Stewart – June 29; Fernando Valenzuela – June 29).
The four May no-hitters bring this season’s total no-hit games to six – one shy of the modern-era record of seven (1990, 1991, 2912, 2015) and two short of the all-time record of eight (1884).
Here’s a look at this May’s “no-no’s.”
May 5, John Means, Orioles
Means no-hit the Mariners – and it was the most dominating performance among May’s no-no’s. The only runner to reach base was Mariners’ LF Sam Haggerty, who struck out swinging in the fourth, but reached when the catcher couldn’t handle the third-strike wild pitch. Haggerty was then caught stealing, so Means faced the minimum 27 batters, fanning 12. He tossed 113 pitches (79 strikes).) The 28-year-old Means is in his fourth MLB season and, at the end of May , he was 4-1, 2.05 on the season and 18-16, 3.47 in his MLB career. The no-hitter was his first complete game (48 starts).
May 7, Wade Miley, Reds
The 34-year-old southpaw shut down the Indians 3-0 – giving up no hits and just one walk (eight strikeouts). He threw 114 pitches (72 strikes). Miley is in his eleventh MLB season and the no-hitter was his third complete game and first shutout in 261 starts. Through May he was 5-4, 3.26 for the Reds. His career record is 90-89, 4.21.
May 18, Spencer Turnbull, Tigers
Turnbull no-hit the Mariners as the Tigers won 5-0. He walked two (leadoff walks in the seventh to CF Jarred Kalenic and in the fourth to 1B Jose Marmolejos) and fanned nine, tossing 117 pitches (77 strikes). This may be the season’s most surprising no-hitter thus far. Coming into the 2021 campaign, Turnbull had an MLB record of 7-23, 4.55. The no-hitter was the 28-year-old right-hander’s first complete game in his four MLB seasons (52 starts). At the end of May, his 2021 record was 4-2, 2.93.
May 19, Corey Kluber, Yankees
The 35-year-old righty no-hit the Blue Jays – giving up just one walk (a four-pitch free pass to 3B Charlie Culberson in the fourth frame), while fanning nine. He tossed just 101 pitches (71 strikes). The Yankees prevailed 2-0. This one was no surprise, Kluber is in his eleventh MLB season, is a two-time Cy Young Award winner and has led his league in wins twice, complete games three times and shutouts three times.
A couple of no-hit tidbits:
- This season’s six no-hitters have seen three teams no-hit twice each (Rangers, Indians, Mariners). Just 19 teams have been no-hit twice in a season in MLB history.
- Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager has been on the field for nine no-hitters (five as a player on the team that was no-hit, four on the team tossing the no-hitter). That’s a record for no-hitter appearances for a single franchise. Bert Campaneris holds the overall record for appearing in no-hitters at 11.
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Grabbing Some Air and a Seat on the Bench
On May 8, Brewer’s reliever Josh Hader fanned the side in the bottom of the ninth (giving up a single in the midst of the whiffs), as the Brewers toppled the Marlins 6-2. The first batter of the inning, Corey Dickerson, fanned on three pitches, giving Hader 400 career strikeouts and making him the the quickest ever to 400 whiffs– 234 2/3 innings.
I’m in Control Here
With two outs in the top of the fifth inning of a Brewers’ May 13 2-0 loss to the Cardinals, Brewers’ starter Corbin Burnes walked Cardinals’ SS Tommy Edman on five pitches. That might not have been significant – except it was Burnes’ first walk of the 2021 season (coming in his sixth start). It completed a streak that left Burnes holding the record for the most batters struck out before giving up the first walk of a campaign (58) – as well as for the most batters fanned between walks at any point in the season. Burnes faced 125 batters in his streak and fanned 46.4 percent of them. (For more on Burnes’ streak, click here.)
While Burnes’ still holds the record for strikeouts before a walk from the start of a season, his record for most strikeouts between walks in a season has already fallen to the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole. Cole walked the Blue Jays’ LF Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. leading off the second inning of his start on April 12 and didn’t walk another batter until he issued a free pass to Rangers’ RF Joey Gallo in the fifth inning of the Yankees/Rangers Game of May 17. In between those walks he faced 150 batters and fanned 61 (the new record for strikeouts between walks at any point in a season). Ironically, Gallo ended May leading the AL not in walks, but whiffs at 73). In the midst of his streak, Cole notched his 1,500th MLB strikeout (The Rays’ Brett Phillips on May 12).
250 … That has a Ring to It
This May, the Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez and Braves’ Freddie Freeman each hit their 250th MLB home run. Freeman’s came on May 15 and was his tenth of the season. Martinez’ came on May 20 and was his twelfth of the season.
Zero-to-Fifty in a Hurry
On May 21, Padres’ shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. had a four-for-four day as the Padres pounded the Mariners 16-1. In the course of the game, Tatis popped his eleventh home run of the season – the 50th of his career. Reaching the 50-homer milestone in his 171st MLB game meant he reached the marker faster than any other MLB shortstop and quicker than all but four other major leaguers (any position). Those ahead of Tatis? Pete Alonso (152 games); Rudy York (153 games); Gary Sanchez (161 games); Mark McGwire (161 games).Making that first solid contact count.
Power and Speed
At the close of May, the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. was tied for the NL lead in home runs (16) and stolen bases. Only three MLB players have led their league in those two categories in the same campaign: Jim Sheckard, Superbas (Dodgers), in 1903; Ty Cobb,Tigers, in 1909; Chuck Klein, Phillies, in 1932.
Well, That’s a First
On May 21, Mets’ 22-yer-old rookie outfielder Khalil Lee, who made his MLB debut May 17, rapped a pinch-hit double in the top of the 12th inning that drove in the go-ahead run as the Mets topped the Marlins 6-5 in Miami. (Lee also scored in the inning – on a triple by another rookie – CF Johneshy Fargas. (The Mets plated three runs in the fop of the twelfth, the Marlins got two in the bottom of the frame.) In the inning, Lee notched a host of personal MLB “firsts” – his first hit, first extra-base hit, first RBI and first run scored. Not only that, he snapped a record-setting streak of futility. To that point in his MLB career, Lee had come to the plate eight times and struck out all eight (four looking/four swinging) – a record for the beginning of an MLB career.
Baseball Roundtable Extra
University of Nevada infielder Tyler Bosetti set a new Division One NCAA record, hitting home runs in nine straight games between April 24 and May 11. Notably, now in his fourth college season, Bosetti had a total of five homers in his first three campaigns.
Grand Slam Bookends and More #InBaseballWeCountEverything
On May 21, as the Braves thrashed the Pirates 20-1 in Atlanta, Atlanta popped seven home runs – including two Grand Slams. STATS reports they are the first team to collect seven or more home runs and two Grand Slams in the same game. Here is the long ball tally: RF Ronald Acuna, Jr. – Grand Slam in the second; 2B Ozzie Albies – two-run homer in the fifth; 3B Austin Riley – solo home runs in the fifth and seventh; CF Marcell Ozuna – solo in the sixth; SS Dansby Swanson – solo in the seventh; PH Ehire Adrianza – Grand Slam in the eighth.
Winker Going Wild
On May 21, as the Reds topped the Brewers 9-4, Reds’ leadoff hitter and LF Jesse Winker had a four-for-four day – and his first MLB three-homer contest. Winker popped solo home runs in the third, fifth and eighth innings. Winker ended the game hitting .356-11-26. It was the fifth three-homer game this season. The others belong to: The Rockies’ Ryan McMahon (April 6); Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez (April 11); Blue Jays Vlad Guerrero, Jr. (April 27); Twins’ Miguel Sano (May 18).
Like Father Like Son
Two father and son duos have three-homer games on their MLB resumes:
Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. and Cecil and Prince Fielder
Three Can Be a Lucky Number
On May 21, not only did we see the 2021 season’s fifth three-homer game (see above), but also the season’s second triple play – and it was a crucial triple killing, helping the Yankees to a 2-1 win over the White Sox, The score was 1-1 in the top of the ninth, when Yankees’ closer Aroldis Chapman started the inning by walking DH Yermin Mercedes on five pitches (Mercedes was replaced by pinch runner Billy Hamilton) and then mishandling a bunt by CF Leury Garcia – putting runners on first and second with none out. Next up was LF Andrew Vaughn, who hit a hard grounder to 3B Gio Urshela (playing near the bag), Urshela stepped on third, fired to 2B Rougned Odor for the second out and the watched as Odor relayed the ball to 1B Luke Voit for out number three. The Yankees then scored in the bottom of the inning to give Chapman the win.
Double Your Pleasure
On July 17, 1990 the Minnesota Twins became the first (and still only) team to turn two triple plays in one game. Both were classic third (Gary Gaetti) to second (Al Newman) to first (Kent Hrbek) triple killings. The Twins, by the way, lost the game (to the Rd Sox) 1-0.
Major League Brain Freeze
On May 27, the Cubs stole a run from the Pirates during a run-down – between first base and home plate. Here’s how it went down. There were two outs in the top of the third inning with Cubs’ catcher Wilson Contreras on second base. Chicago SS Javier Baez hit a ground ball to third base, but Pirates’ 3B Erik Gonzalez’ throw pulled 1B Will Craig off the bag. Then, the fun began.
Contreras, of course, was running on the play, approaching third base. Baez instead continuing toward first after Craig caught the ball up the line, retreated back toward home plate. At this point, all Craig needed to do was go back and touch first and the inning was over, with no run scoring. Oops! Instead, he chased Baez back toward home. By this time, as Baez approached home plate from the first-base side, Contreras was approaching the plate from the third-base side. Quite a crowd was gathering. Still, Craig just needed to return to first base and touch the bag to end the inning. Instead, he tossed the ball to Pirates’ catcher Michael Perez (with Contreras sliding under the tag). Still, all that needed to happen was for a Pirate defender to tag first base and retire Baez, with the run not scoring. (Baez was now again headed toward first and Pirates’ second baseman Adam Frazier was coming over to cover the bag.) Perez, however, threw the ball past Frazier into right field and Baez ended up on second base (later scoring on an Ian Happ single). Those two odd runs proved important as the Cubs emerged with a 5-3. Want to see how it all went down. Enjoy this YouTube video from MLB.
Baseball Roundtable Extra
On May 24, 17-year-old high schooler Frank Mozzicato (Manchester East Catholic High School) – possessor of a low-90’s fastball – tossed his fourth consecutive no-hitter. After the game, his season total included 101 strikeouts and just 15 walks (in 42 innings) and a 0.21 earned run average (just one earned run allowed).
The Two-Million Run Man (apologies to Lee Majors)
On May 29, in the first inning of a game against the Royals, Twins’ DH Nelson Cruz drove in 3B Josh Donaldson to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead. As Donaldson touched the plate, he scored the two millionth run in MLB history (as verified by the Elias Sports Bureau. (Side note: That designation may change once the Negro League statistics are officially incorporated into MLB’s stat lines.)
–——Individual Statistical Leaders for May———-
AVERAGE (75 May at bats minimum)
National League – Nick Castellanos, Reds (.409); Adam Frazier, Pirates (.360): Max Muncy, Dodgers (.330)
American League – Marcus Semien , Blue Jays (.368); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (.343); Andrew Benintendi, Royals (.340)
The lowest May average (among players with at least 75 at bats) belonged to the Royals’ Jorge Soler at .154 (14-for-91). Eleven hitters with at least 75 May at bats hit under .200 for the month.
HOME RUNS
National League – Max Muncy, Dodgers (10); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (9); Eugenio Suarez, Reds (8); Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (8)
American League – Adolis Garcia, Rangers (11): Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (9); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (8); Jared Walsh, Angels (8); Ramon Laureano, A’s (8); Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (8); Austin Meadows, Rays (8)
RUNS BATTED IN
National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr. Padres (26); Eduardo Escobar, Diamondbacks (23); Brandon Crawford, Giants (22)
American League – Austin Meadow, Rays (28); Adolis Garcia, Rangers (27); Jose Abreu, White Sox (26)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy had the highest slugging percentage (75 at bat minimum) for May at .714 The only other player at .700+ was the Blue Jays’ Marcus Semien (.702)
HITS
National League – Adam Frazier, Pirates (40); Nick Castellanos, Reds (38); Trea Turner, Nationals (35)
American League – Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (42); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (37); Jose Altuve, Astros (36)
DOUBLES
National League – Josh Rojas, Diamondbacks (10): Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (10); Nick Castellanos, Res (9); Adam Frazier, Pirates (10)
American League – Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (12); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (11); Randal Grichuk, Blue Jays (10)
TRIPLES
National League – Ozzie Albies, Braves (3); Garrett Hampson, Rockies (3)
American League –Amed Rosario, Indians (3)
The Reds’ Nick Castellanos led players with at least 75 May at bats in on-base percentage at .476.
STOLEN BASES
National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (8); Trea Turner, Nationals (7); Jonathan Villar, Mets (6); Story, Rockies (6); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (6)
American League –Niko Goodrum, Tigers (7); Whit Merrifield, Royals (7); Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Rangers (6); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (6); Randy Arozarena, Rays (6)
Whit Merrifield was seven-for-seven in May steal attempts.
WALKS
National League – Tommy Pham, Padres (19); Juan Soto, Nationals (19); several with 16
American League – Yasmani Grandl, White Sox (29); Yoan Moncada, White Sox (24); Carlos Santana, Royals (22)
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League – Javier Baez, Cubs (34); Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (33); Austin Riley, Braves (33)
American League –Miguel Sano, Twins (38); Michael Taylor, Royals (38); Brandon Lowe, Rays (37); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (37)
The top seven players in batters’ strikeouts for May were in the American League.
PITCHING VICTORIES
National League – Kevin Gausman, Giants (5-0); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-1); Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (4-1); Julio Urias, Dodgers (4-2)
American League – Lance Lynn, White Sox (5-0); Hyun Gin Ryu, Blue Jays (4-0); Yusmeiro Petit, A’s (4-0); Josh Fleming, Rays (4-1); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (4-2)
The Redss Luis Castillo had the most May losses (0-6, 8.04).
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 innings pitched)
National League – Kevin Gausman, Giants (0.73); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (1.07); Taijuan Walker, Mets (1.52)
American League – Rich Hill, Rays (0.78); Kris Bubic, Royals (1.52); Lance Lynn, White Sox (1.64).
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Max Scherzer, Nationals (57 / 39 1/3 IP); Zack Wheeler, Phillies (57 / 36 1/3 IP); Kevin Gausman, Giants (49 / 37 IP); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (49 / 42 IP).
American League – Lucas Giolito, White Sox (45 / 37 1/3 IP); Carlos Rodon, White Sox (44 / 29 2/3 IP); Shane Bieber, Indians (42 / 29 2/3 IP); Tyler Glasnow, Rays (42 / 32 1/3 IP)
Among pitcher with at least 25 May innings, the White Sox’ Carlos Rodon led in whiffs per nine innings at 13.35. Also, above 13 were The Padres’ Blake Snell (13.33); Nat’s Max Scherzer (13.04) and Tigers’ Tarik Skubal (13.00). Thirty-four pitchers with at least 25 May innings average 10 or more whiffs per nine.
SAVES
National League – Alex Reyes, Cardinals (9); Craig Kimbrel, Cubs (8); Mark Melancon, Padres (8)
American League: Liam Hendriks, White Sox (8): Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (7); Matt Barnes, Red Sox (6); Ian Kennedy, Rangers (6)
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If the season ended at the close of play May 31, your post-season team would be:
AMERICAN LEAGUE – Rays, White Sox, A’s. Wild Cards: Red Sox. Indians/Astros (tie).
NATIONAL LEAGUE – Mets, Bubs, Giants. Wild Cards: Padres, Dodgers.
–——Team Statistical Leaders through May———-
RUNS SCORED (average 231)
National League – Dodgers (282); Padres (264); Giants (261)
American League – Astros (284); Rays (273); Red Sox (269)
AVERAGE (average .236)
National League – Nationals (.249); Reds (.246); Dodgers (.246)
American League – Astros (.267); Red Sox (.259); Blue Jays (.258)
The lowest team average through belonged to the Mariners at a meager .205. The Brewers were the lowest in the National League at .211.
HOME RUNS (average 60)
National League – Braves (81); Giants (78); Reds (73)
American League – Blue Jays (77); Twins (72); A’s (70)
The Pirates had the fewest home runs through May at 37. In the AL, the Tigers and Royals were at the bottom with 48.
STOLEN BASES (average 25)
National League – Padres (59); Phillies (33); Cubs (32); Marlins (32)
American League – Royals (39); Rangers (37); Rays (32)
The Yankees and Reds stole the fewest bases in through May (12). The Yankees attempted the fewest steals through May at 16. By contrast, the Padres attempted 74 steals.
WALKS DRAWN (average 177)
National League – Dodgers (235); Padres (220); Giants (215)
American League – Rays (213); Yankees (213); White Sox (214)
The White Sox led MLB in on-base percentage through May at .343. The Dodgers led the NL at .338.
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS (average 479)
National League – Phillies (544); Brewers (538); Giants (530)
American League – Rays (584); Tigers (549); Rangers (527)
Hmm. What do strikeouts mean? The Rays have the most wins (through May) in the AL and also the most whiffs. The Tigers have the third-most losses and the second-most whiffs. In the NL, the Giants have the most wins through May and the third-most whiffs, while the Phillies with the most strikeouts have the fourth-most losses.
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (average 4.02)
National League – Padres (2.77); Mets (3.06); Dodgers (3.19)
American League –Yankees (3.20); White Sox (3.23); Rays (3.38)
The highest ERA through May belonged to the Angles at 5.06.
STRIKEOUTS (average 479)
National League – Padres (572); Brewers (555); Dodgers (544)
American League – White Sox (530); Yankees (526); Angels (524)
The Padres, Brewers and White Sox all averaged 10.4 whiffs per nine innings through May. Other teams at 10 or more: Mets (10.2); Dodgers (10.1); Angels (10.0); Indians (10.0). The MLB average was 9.2.
WALKS SURRENDERED (average 177)
National League – Cardinals (240); Reds (222); Rockies (204)
American League – Angels (222); Royals (211); Indians (201)
SAVES (average 13)
National League – Giants (21); Padres (20); Cardinals (19)
American League – Indians (17); Mariners (17); Rays (17)
–——Individual Statistical Leaders through May 31———-
BATTING AVERAGE (qualifying players – 3.1 plate appearance for each team game played)
National League – Nick Castellanos, Reds (.356); Jesse Winker, Reds (.348); Adam Frazier, Pirates (.332)
American League – J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (.323); Vlad Guerrero, Jr. , Blue Jays (.323); Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (.321)
The lowest average through May (among qualifiers) belonged to the Brewers’ Jackie Bradley at .150 (24-for-160).
HOME RUNS
National League – Ronald Acuna, Jr. Braves (16); Fernando Tatis, Jr. (16); five with 13.
American League – Adolis Garcia, Rangers (16): Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (16); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (15)
RUNS BATTED IN
National League –Eduardo Escobar, D-backs (39); Jesus Aguilar, Marlins (38); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (37)
American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (46); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (43); Vlad Guerrero, Jr.. Blue Jays (42); Trey Mancini, Orioles (42)
The Braves Nick Castellanos had the highest slugging percentage (among qualifiers) through May at .638. The only other player at .600+ were the Reds’ Jesse Winker (.635); Blue Jays’ Vlad Guerrero, Jr. (.634); Braves’ Ronald Acuna, Jr. (618); and Cubs’ Kris Bryant (.611),
HITS
National League – Adam Frazier, Pirates (69); Nick Castellanos, Reds (67); Jesse Winker, Reds (62)
American League – J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (62); Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (62); Isiah Kiner-Falefa,Rangers (611); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (61)
DOUBLES
National League – Nolan Arenado, Cardinals (17); Adam Frazier, Pirates (17); Mookie Betts, Dodgers (16); Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (16)
American League – Rafael Devers, Red Sox (17); Joey Wendle, Rays (16); Yuli Gurriel, Astros (15); Austin Meadows, Rays (15)
TRIPLES
National League – Dave Peralta, D-backs (5); Garrett Hampson, Rockies (4)
American League –Akil Badoo, Tigers (4); Nick Madrigal, White Sox (4)
The most extra-bases hits (among qualified players) through May was 31 for the Red Sox’ Rafael Devers. The Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado led the NL with 29. The fewest extra-base hits among qualifiers was seven (by six players).
STOLEN BASES
National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (12); Trea Turner, Nationals (12); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (10); Barrett Hampson, Rockies (10)
American League –Whit Merrifield, Royals (15); Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Rangers (10); Tim Anderson, White Sox (9)
The most stolen bases without being thrown out through May was eight by the Blue Jays’ Marcus Semien. MLB SB leader Whit Merrifield (Royals) was 15-for-16 in steal attempts.
WALKS
National League – Max Muncy, Dodgers (43); Freddie Freeman, Braves (35); Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (31)
American League – Yasmani Grandl, White Sox (42); Joey Gallo, Rangers (39); Carlos Santana, Royals (38)
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
National League – Javier Baez, Cubs (70); Eugenio Suarez, Reds (70); Willy Adames, Brewers (61); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (61)
American League – Joey Gallo, Rangers (73); Matt Chapman, A’s (70); Nate Lowe, Rangers (67)
The best walks-to-strikeouts ratio through May (among qualifiers) belonged to the Nationals’ Juan Soto at 1.318 (29 walks and 22 whiffs in 40 games).
PITCHING VICTORIES
National League –Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (8-1); Julio Urias, Dodgers (7-2); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (7-4)
American League – Yusmeiro Petit, A’s (7-0); Aaron Civale, Indians (7-2); five with six
The Reds’ Luis Castillo had the most losses through May (1-8, 7.22 in 11 starts). Coming into this season, the 28-year-old Castillo was 32-33, 3.62,
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying players … at least one inning pitched for each team game played)
National League – Jacob deGrom (0.71); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (1.27); Kevin Gausman, Giants (1.40)
American League – Gerrit Cole, Yankees (1.78); Carlos Rodon, White Sox (1.98); John Means, Orioles (2.05)
Among qualifying pitchers Jacob deGrom held batters to the lowest average through May at .129.
STRIKEOUTS
National League – Trevor Bauer, Dodgers (96 / 76 1/3 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (95 / 69 1/3 IP); Zack Wheeler, Phillies (92 / 75 IP)
American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (110 / 72 IP); Tyler Glasnow, Rays (98 / 70 IP); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (97 / 70 2/3 IP)
Among qualifying pitchers, the Mets’ Jacob deGrom had the best strikeouts/nine innings ratio through May at 14.47. Shane Bieber led the AL at 13.75. Two others were at 13+: The Brewers’ Freddy Peralta (13.18) and White Sox’ Carl Rodon (13.17). deGrom also had the best strikeouts-to-walks ratio at 11.14. The only other qualifier with a ratio of 10+ through May was the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole (10.78).
Among qualifying pitchers, the Phillies’ Zack Elfin had the best walks per nine innings ratio at 1.06.
SAVES
National League – Mark Melancon, Padres (17); Alex Reyes, Cardinals (15); Josh Hader, Brewers (12); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (12); Craig Kimbrel, Cubs (12); Jake McGee, Giants (12)
American League: Liam Hendriks, White Sox (13): Matt Barnes, Red Sox (12); Ian Kennedy, Rangers (11); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (11)
The Cardinals’ Alex Reyes and Brewers’ Josh Hader are the only pitchers with ten or more saves and no blown save opportunities. Reyes is 15-for-15, Hader 12-for-12.
Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; ESPN.com; MLB.com
Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.
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