From Giolito’s No-No to a “Lead Off” Sacrifice Fly to the “Trot Index” … Baseball Roundtable’s August Wrap

It’s the first of the month (September) and that means it’s time  for Baseball Roundtable’s (previous) Monthly Wrap Up – a BBRT tradition that continues even in this unusual, truly up-and-down season.  Those familiar with BBRT know that the wrap up includes a host of stats and stories (from the previous month) that caught BBRT’s eye, BBRT’s Players/Pitchers of the Month and “Trot Index,” and MLB’s standings and leaders. (month and year-to-date).  Before, we get into the details, here are a few events that helped shape August 2020.

• The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts had his sixth (and MLB record-tying) three-homer game.
• The White Sox Lucas Giolito threw 2020’s first no-hitter.
• We saw our first MLB extra-inning runner placements; and our first seven-inning doubleheader games.
• Power proved ageless,as the MLB home run leaders at the close of play on August 31 were 21-year-old Fernando Tatis, Jr. (Padres), 29-year-old Luke Voit (Yankees) and 40-year-old Nelson Cruz (Twins) with 13 each.
• We saw a “Lead Off” sacrifice fly.
• The Tigers had a game in which they hit four home runs (and a single) before the first out was recorded.
• The Dodgers set a new National League record for home runs in a calendar month (57); and puts up the only team ERA under  3.00.
• The White Sox became just the tenth team to hit back-to-back-to-back-to back home runs.
• The Braves’ Max Fried and Cubs Yu Darvish each went 5-0 for the month, with earned run averages under 1.50.
• National shortstop Trea Turner hit .408 for the month.
• A’s closer Liam Hendriks was lights out in August 2-0, 0.64 with nine saves in nine opportunities.
• The Twins’ Miguel Sano struck out in 41 percent of his August plate appearances – and still hit .284-7-15 for the month.

You’ll find these stories and more in the highlights section later in this post.  But let’s start with a look at BBRT’s Players and Pitchers of the  Month for August.

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH—–

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox

Jose Abreu led the surging White Sox to a 19-9 August, hitting .330, with 11 home runs (tied for first in MLB) and an MLB-topping 29 August RBI. August RBI. His 38 hits led the American League – and his .330 average was third in the junior circuit. Abreu was held without a hit in only five of 28 August games and ended the month on a 14-game hitting streak.

Honorable Mentions: The Angels’ Mike Trout tied Abreu for the most August home runs in MLB and finished just one RBI behind Abreu at 28.  His .263 average was the difference maker (although he was closer in on-base percentage – .359 to Abreu’s .374). Also high on my list were the Yankees’ Luke Voit (.326-11-21 for the month) and the White Sox’ Eloy Jimenez (.295-10-24).

Pitcher of the Month (tie) … Shane Bieber,  Indians

Shane Bieber tied for the American League lead in August victories, going 4-0, 1.63 (the AL’s second-lowest August ERA).   Bieber fanned 57 batters in 38 2/3 August innings (six starts) tying Lucas Giolito for the most whiffs in MLB for the month. (Bieber averaged 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings for August.)  He fanned ten or more hitters in three of his August starts and had now fanned ten or more in five of eight 2020 starts. He currently has an MLB-leading six 2020 wins (tied with Yu Darvish and Max Fried) and an MLB-best 1.20 ERA.

Honorable Mention: At 6’6” and 245 pounds, Lucas Giolito looks big on the mound – and he lived up to that appearance in August.  Giolito went 3-1, 2.12 in his six August starts and, on August 25, threw a no-hitter (missing a perfect game by one walk), with 13 whiffs versus the Pirates. How close was he to Bieber?  Bieber’s one extra win and sub-2.00 ERA made the difference.  BBRT also considered the Blue Jays’ Hyun-Jin Ryu, who had the lowest earned run average among American League qualifiers at 1.29. Ryu never gave up more than one earned run in any of his five August starts. However, he, went only 2-0 and average just 5.6 innings per start.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Player of the Month – (Tie) Fernando Tatis, Jr., SS, Padres; Trea Turner, SS, Nationals

Fernando Tatis Jr. raked at a .315 pace for August, tied for the MLB lead in home runs for the month with 11 and scored an MLB-high 29 runs.  He also drove in 22 runs (third-best in the NL) and even stole four bases.  The 21-year old had  eleven multi-hit games in August, homered in four straight games (August 5-9) and had a seven-RBI game (August 17).

While Tatis’ numbers were outstanding, BBRT could not ignore the MLB-best .408 average and 42 hits put up by the Nationals’ Trea Turner, who also had six long balls, 16 RBI and 26 runs scored.   For BBRT, a .400 average is also a “bright and shiny thing” that attracts my attention.  Turner ended August on a 16-game hitting streak.

Honorable Mentions:  BBRT also considered the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts (.315-10-21) and National League August RBI leader, Padre Manny Machado (.324-9-25).

 

National League Pitcher of the Month – Yu Darvish, Cubs

Yu Darvish was one of just two  MLB pitchers with five wins (no losses) in August – and the only one to do it in five starts.   In addition, his 1.09 earned run average was the lowest among MLB qualifiers and his 40 strikeouts (in 33 innings pitched) were fourth in the National League. In his five August starts, Darvish never gave up more than one earned run in an outing – averaging 6.6 innings pitched per start.  A dominating month for the 6’5” righty, now in his eighth MLB season.  Darvish’s overall record for the season (through August 31) is 6-1, 1.47 with 52 strikeouts and just eight walks in 43 innings.

Honorable Mentions. BBRT also looked at the Braves’ Max Fried, MLB’s only other pitcher to earn five August wins.  Fried went 5-0, 1.35 in six starts, fanning 31 hitters in 33 1/3 innings – falling just a bit behind Darvish.  The Mets’ Jacob deGrom (2-1, 1.80 with 46 strikeouts in 30 innings) also deserves mention here, as does the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, who went 4-1, 1.80 for the month.

__________________________________________

TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

Through August, 37.4 percent of MLB’s 37,952 2020 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 (23.3%); walks (9.3%); home runs (3.5%); HBP (1.3%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

The 37.4 percent figure is up from 2019’s (full season) 36.2 percent and 2018’s 34.8 percent Trot Index.   

Above, you can see the won-loss records for August.  No surprise to the see the Dodgers at 21-7, they had the lowest team ERA in August, as well as the most home runs and runs scored. The Padres are surprising a lot of people in the National League. Never known as a offensive team, they combined youth and veteran presence (from Fernando Tatis, Jr. to Manny Machado) to deliver  the National League’s second-highest batting average, home runs and runs scored in August. (And they made some solid trade deadline moves., indicating they are serious about the 2020 post-season.)

Over in the American League, the White Sox may be the biggest surprise. They came on strong in August, topping the AL in August average, home runs and runs scored – driven by the bats of Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Tim Anderson. Add the arms of Lucas Giolito and and Dallas Keuchel and they look to be in the race to stay.

You’ll find full current (through August 31) standings and statistics toward the end of this post, but here’s a look at hoe the post-season would look (under COVID Rules) if the season ended August 31.

Post-Season Qualifiers if the Season Ended August 31

American League:  Division Champions and Second-Place Teams: White Sox, Rays, A’s; Indians; Blue Jays; Astros.  “Wild Cards:” Yankees, Twins.

National League: Division Champions and Second-Place Teams: Cubs, Braves; Dodgers; Cardinals, Marlins; Padres; “Wild Cards:” Phillies, Rockies.

 

Now, some August stats – and then some August highlights. 

————-August 2020 Team Statistical Leaders August——————-

RUNS SCORED

National League – Dodgers (164); Padres (159);Phillies (153)

American League – White Sox (154); Rays (147); A’s (140)

Looking at runs scored per game (to factor out the differences in games played), the top scoring teams for August were  the Dodgers (5.86 runs per game), Phillies (5.67), White Sox (5.50), Padres (5.48) and Rays 5.25).  At the bottom of the list were the Reds (3.61); Rangers (3.88), Brewers (3.96); and Mariners (3.97).  Note:  Even runs per game is not a totally solid indicator, given the proliferation of seven-inning double head games. 

BATTING AVERAGE

National League – Nationals (.276); Padres (.271); Braves (.268)

American League – White Sox (.278); Orioles (.262); Tigers (.261)

The only teams hitting under .220 for August were the Cubs (.217). Brewers (.217) and Reds (.219).

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE

National League – Cardinals (.351); Mets (.350); Nationals (.344)

American League – Rays (.345); White Sox (.342);  Yankees (.338)

HOME RUNS

National League –  Dodgers (57); Padres (56); Reds (42)

American League – White Sox (54); Blue Jays (43); A’s (42)

Again, doing a bit to factor out the differences in games played, the Dodgers had the most powerful “at bats per home run” ratio at 16.33. Others averaging under 20 at bats per long ball were the Padres (17.36) and the White Sox (17.85). The Cardinals were at the other end of the spectrum – 42.53 at bats per August homer.  

WALKS

National League – Cubs (115); Mets (103); Reds (98)

American League – Indians (123); Rays (121); Angels (117)

STOLEN BASES

National League – Marlins (30); Phillies (19); Rockies (18)

American League – Mariners (29); Rangers (24); Royals (21)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Brewers (271); Cubs (260); Marlins (256)

American League –  A’s (277); White Sox (261); Rays (261)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE

National League – Dodgers (2.98); Cardinals (3.60); Reds (4.02)

American League – Indians (3.09); White Sox (3.09); A’s (3.46)

The highest ERA for August belonged to the beleaguered Red Sox at 6.26. In the National League that “distinction” goes to the Nationals at 5.77. 

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Brewers (288); Reds (274); Padres (260)

American League – Indians (266); White Sox (261); Rays  (251)

Whiff-Masters

Strikeout totals were, of course, affected by games played (particularly with the COVID  and civil protest postponements), as well as by seven-inning doubleheader games.  So, let’s look at strikeouts per nine innings. Only three  teams fanned at least ten batters per nine frames: Reds (10.80); Brewers (10.52); Mets (10.18). The Indians led the AL, with 9.89 whiffs per nine frames. 

WALKS (fewest)

National League – Dodgers (69); Rockies (76); Cubs (77)

American League – Tigers (76): Indians (77);  Yankees (78)

The Dodgers’ staff show the greatest control with 2.51 walks per nine innings in August, while the Indians were best in the AL at 2.86. The Pirates’ staff walked an MLB-high 4.47 batters per nine innings in August. 

SAVES

National League – Marlins (10); Cubs (9); Rockies (9)

American League – Rays (13); A’s (11); Indians (10);

There were only nine complete games thrown in August – two by the Reds (both Trevor Bauer) and one each by the White Sox, Indians, Angels, Giants, Mariners, Cardinals and Rangers.

——-Individual Statistical Leaders for August ———-

AVERAGE (minimum 75 at bats)

National League – Trea Turner, Nationals (.408); Jesse Winker, Reds (.369); Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (.359)

American League – Jeimer Candelario, Tigers (.356); Yandy Diaz, Rays (.355); Jose Abreu, White Sox (.352)

The lowest August average (minimum 75 at bats) belonged to Mariners’ 2B Shed Long Jr. at .145 (12-for 83). 

HOME RUNS

National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (11); Juan Soto, Nationals (11);  Jesse Winker, Reds (10); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (10); Mookie Betts, Dodgers (10)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (11); Mike Trout, Angels (11); Luke Voit, Yankees (11);  Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (10); Nelson Cruz, Twins (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Manny Machado, Padres (25); Juan Soto, Nationals (25); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (24)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (29); Mike Trout, Angels (28); Steve  Piscotty, A’s (26)

HITS

National League – Trea Turner, Nationals (42); Charlie  Blackmon, Rockies (38); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (36); Manny Machado, Padres (36)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (38); Hanser Alberto, Orioles (34); Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (33); David Fletcher, Angels (33)

DOUBLES

National League – Dominic  Smith, Mets (12); Nick Markakis, Braves (10); Christian  Walker, Diamondbacks (9); Freddie Freeman, Braves (9)

American League – Alex Verdugo, Red Sox (12): Anthony Santander, Orioles (11); Cesar Hernandez, Indians (10):

TRIPLES

National League – Ten with two

American League – Kyle Tucker, Astros (6); Jeimer Candelario, Tigers (3); six with two

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Jonathan Villar, Miami (9); Jon Berti, Marlins (8); Trevor Story, Rockies (6); Roman Quinn, Phillies (6)

American League – Jose  Ramirez, Indians (7); Adalberto Mondesi, Royals (7); Dylan Moore, Mariners (6); Whit Merrifield, Royals (6)

WALKS

National League – Brandon Nimmo, Mets (21); Ian Happ, Cubs (20); Bryce Harper, Phillies (20)

American League – Carlos  Santana, Indians (26); Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (19); four with 18

The Cardinals’ Paul Goldschmidt led MLB in on-base percentage in August – at .512. He had nearly as many hits as walks – 23 hits and 20 walks in 21 games. Goldschmidt also had the best walks-per-strikeout ratio at 2.250 (20 walks versus 8 whiffs). 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Keston  Hiura, Brewers (42); Javier Baez, Cubs (40); Ryan McMahon, Rockies (36); Trent Grisham, Padres (36);

American League – Miguel Sano, Twins (43); Jorge Soler. Royals (39);  Renato Nunez, Orioles (38)

The Twins’ Miguel Sano fanned in 41.3 percent of his August plate appearances (43 whiffs in 104 trips to the plate.)  Despite those numbers, he hit .284 -7-15 for the month. 

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Yu Darvish, Cubs (5-0); Max Fried, Braves (5-0); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (4-1); Zach Davies, Padres (4-2)

American League – Matt Foster, White Sox (4-0); Shane Bieber, Indians (4-0); Dylan Cease, White Sox (4-1); Randy Dobnak, Twins (4-1); Mike Fiers, A;s (4-1)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 25 IP)

National League – Yu Darvish, Cubs (1.09); Max Fried, Braves (1.35); Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.80)

American League – Hyun-Jin Ryu, Blue Jays (1.29); Shane Bieber, Indians (1.63); Framber Valdez, Astros (1.89)

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Jacob deGrom, Mets (46/30 IP); Trevor Bauer, Reds (41/31 2/3 IP);  Aaron Nola, Phillies (41/30 2/3 IP)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (57/38 2/3 IP); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (57/39 IP); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (48/34 1/3 IP)

August’s leader in strikeouts per nine innings was the Mets’ Jacob deGrom at 13.80; followed by the Indians’ Shane Bieber at 13.27. 

COMPLETE GAMES

National League – Trevor Bauer, Reds (2); Tyler Anderson, Giants (1); Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (1)

American League – Aaron Civale, Indians (1); Dylan Bundy, Angels (1); Lance Lynn, Rangers (1); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (1); Marco Gonzales, Mariners (1)

Both of Trevor Bauer’s complete games were shutouts. 

INNINGS PITCHED

National League – Antonio Senzatela, Rockies (38 1/3); German Marquez, Rockies (36 1/3);  Zach Davies, Padres (36 1/3)

American League – Aaron Civale, Indians (40); Lance Lynn Rangers (39 1/3); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (39)

SAVES

National League – Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (8); Josh Hader, Brewers (7); Brad Kintzler, Marlins (6)

American League – Liam Hendriks, A’s (9); Brad Hand, Indians (8); five with six

——————————-August 2020 Highlights ———————–

150 Wins and counting

On August 5, Rick Porcello won his first game as a Met and picked up the 150^th win of his 12-season MLB career – going seven innings and giving up just one run on five hits and no walks as the Mets top the Nationals 3-1.  That game was the bright spot this far this season for the 2016 American League Cy Young Award winner, who ended the month with a 2020 stat line  of 1-4, 6.00.

Walk, Don’t Run (until you have to)

August 6 was a unique day at the plate for Brewers’ LF Christian Yelich – with five
leisurely and one explosive plate appearance. He was able to casually stroll to first base in four plate appearances (walks in the first, third, sixth and eighth innings). He could also take his time walking back to the dugout after his ninth-inning strikeout.  In the only plate appearance that didn’t result in a “stroll,” it was full afterburner – as Yelich dashed out an inside-the-park home run in the fifth frame. It came as White Sox’ LF Eloy Jimenez made an attempt to catch a Yelich fly to left field and stumbled into the protective netting down the LF line.  As Jimenez struggled to right himself, Yelich circled the bases.  The Brewers, by the way, prevailed 8-3.

Four Homers Before the First Out

In recent seasons, home runs have been flying off MLB bats.  This August 8, the Tigers were out to continue the trend.  In a game against the Pirates (in Pittsburgh), the Bengals poked four home runs before the game’s first out was recorded  The top of the first inning started like this: SS Niko Goodrum, homer to left on a 1-0 pitch; 2B Jonathan Schoop, single to left on an 0-1 pitch; DH Miguel Cabrera, homer to left on an 0-2 pitch; 1B, C.J. Cron, homer to left-center on an 0-2 pitch; RF Jeimer Candelario, homer to left-center on the first pitch of his at bat.  So, starter Derek Holland – just 11 pitches into the game – had given up a single, four home runs and five runs. Holland’s line for the game (which the Tigers won 11-5) was five innings pitched, with nine runs allowed on 13 hits and one walk (six strikeouts.)

Blue Jays Take Wing(s) in Buffalo

It took a while for the Toronto Blue Jays to find a COVID-season home, but they ended up at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York.  They played their first “home” game in Buffalo on August 11 and the fans got their money’s worth.  (Oh, wait, there were no fans.)   At any rate, the Jays topped the Marlins in that first Buffalo game on a walk-off, run-scoring single by 3B Travis Shaw in the bottom of the tenth inning.  (Had there been fans, they would have gotten their money’s worth. )

100, That’s a Nice Round Number

On August 9, Lance Lynn of the Rangers (in his ninth MLB season) won his second game (against no losses) of the 2020 season.  More notably, it was his 100th career win.   Lynn gave up two runs on four hits and three walks (six strikeouts), as the Rangers topped the Angels 7-3.  Lynn got four  more August starts, running his 2020 record to 4-1, 1.93 and his career mark to 102-69, 3.53.  Lynn won 15 or more games in four of his first eight MLB campaigns.

Six-for-Three (not three-for-six)

On August 13, the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts tied an MLB all-time record by recording his sixth three-homer game, as the Dodgers manhandled the Pirates 11-2.  In the game, Betts was four-for-four, with three home runs, four runs scored and five RBI.  The only other players with six three-homer games are Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.  It’s a good bet that Betts will eventually have the three-dinger record all to himself.  For more on Betts’ accomplishment,click here.

1,000, Another Nice Round Number

On August 11, Dodgers’ 3B Justin Turner opened up the bottom of the second inning (of a 6-2 loss to the Padres) with a double to left off San Diego starter Garrett Richards.  It didn’t have an impact on the game, but it was Turner’s 1,000^th career safety.

Another COVID Quirk … A Lead Off Sacrifice Fly – A Perfect Inning and a Loss

August 15, as the Angels and Dodgers squared off on the West Coast (Anaheim), the perfect storm led to the quintessential COVID-Era play – MLB’s first-ever leadoff sacrifice fly (Dang, I can’t unsee that). The game went into the tenth inning tied at five apiece.  In the top of the inning, with the Angels’ Kenyan Middleton taking over on the mound, Dodgers’ LF Chris Taylor (last out of the LA ninth) was placed (via “COVID Rules”) at second base.  With LA 3B Max Muncy leading off the inning, Taylor stole third on an 0-2 pitch that missed the plate.  On the next offering, Muncy lifted a fly ball to warning track in right field for a run-scoring, leadoff sacrifice fly that proved to be the game-winning run. Middleton then got PH Joc Pederson and C Austin Burnes on ground outs.  The Angels did not score in the bottom of the inning, so Middleton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, yet was charged with the loss on a truly unearned (at least from a pitcher’s point of view) run.  Ouch!

Four-For-Four

On August 16. The 2020 Chicago White Sox became just the tenth MLB team to hit four consecutive home runs in an inning. The four four-base blasts came with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning of a game against the Cardinals.  At the time, the White Sox were up by a 1-0 score.   White Sox’ 3B Yoan Moncada started it off with a three-run shot to right; next was a home run to right by C Yasmani Grandal, then a dinger to left field by 1B Jose Abreu and, finally, another home to right by LF Eloy Jimenez. At that point, Roel Ramirez (who gave up all four home runs) was replaced by Seth Elledge, who fanned DH Edwin Encarnacion for the final out of the inning.  Ramirez’ line for the game, won by the White Sox 7-2, was 2/3 inning pitched, six hits, one walk on strikeouts and six earned runs.

Grand Slam-Diego

On August 20, the San Diego Padres’ became the first MLB to record a Grand Slam home run in four straight games.  The streak started with a Grand Slam by SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. in the top of the eighth inning of an August 17 14-4 Padres’ route of the Rangers. (Tatis also had a three-run homer in the seventh inning).  On August 18, as the Padres again topped the Rangers (this time by a 6-4 score), San Diego RF Wil Myers popped a first-inning Grand Slam.   The Padres continued to have the Rangers’ number, winning 6-3 on August 19 – behind a walk-off Grand Slam by 3B Manny Machado in the bottom of the tenth.  (This one aided by the rule placing a runner on second base to start each extra frame).  August 20^th saw another Padres ‘extra-inning, walk off win over the Rangers (8-7 in ten innings).  In that game, 1B Eric Hosmer launched a fifth-inning Grand Slam.

A new opponent for the Padres ended the streak on August 21, as the Astros held the Padres without home run in San Diego’s 4-3 win at home.  San Diego was back at it again on August 22, with 2B Jake Croenworth popping a second-inning Grand Slam in a 13-2 Padres win over the Astros.

300 for Longo

On August 21, in a 6-2 win over the Diamondbacks, Giants’ third baseman Evan Longoria became the 150^th major leaguer to reach 300 career home runs. Longoria’s blast, a two-run shot to left-center gave the Giants a two-run lead.  Longoria’s 300^th long ball (his third HR of the season) came in the 34-year-old’s 13^th MLB campaign. Longoria has hit 20 or more home runs in nine seasons, topping 30 four times.

Tigers Finally Growl at the Indians

On August 21, the Tigers topped the Indians 10-5 in Cleveland, ending a streak of 20 consecutive losses to the Tribe. For a deeper look into the 20-loss streak and the Orioles’ MLB-record 23 straight wins over the Royals, click here.

Quite a “Feet”

On August 25, Marlins’ CF/leadoff batter Jon Berti became the 44^th MLB player to “steal for the cycle” – pilfering second, third and home all in the same inning. It came in the sixth inning of a 3-0 Marlins win over the Mets (part of a doubleheader sweep) – and represented the definition of a “manufactured” run.

Berti opened the inning (Marlins up 2-0) with a five-pitch walk off the Mets’ Jeurys Familia. He then stole second on the first pitch to DH Jesus Aguilar, who later lined out to center.  On the second pitch to the next batter (LF Corey Dickerson), Berti swiped third – where he was held when Dickerson grounded out second-to-first. Next up was 3B Brian Anderson and, with the count, 0-2, Berti swiped home.  Anderson was eventually hit by a pitch and 1B Lewin Diaz followed with a ground out to end the inning.  Berti ended the game zero-for-one with two walks, two runs scored and three stolen bases.

Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner share the career record for stealing second, third and home in one inning, having each done it four times.

Lucas “No-No” Giolito

On August 25, Lucas Giolito tossed the first no-hitter of the 2020 season – shutting down the Pirates 4-0, with the only base runner being Pirates’ shortstop Erik Gonzalez, who drew a four-pitch walk to open the fourth inning. Giolito needed just 101 pitches (74 strikes) to complete the no-no, in which he fanned 13 batters. Going into the game, Giolito had a 2-2, 3.89 record and had averaged 5.8 innings pitched over six starts.  He ended August with a 3-2, 3.14 record on the season.

Pujols Climbs RBI List – To Where?

In the top of the fifth inning of an August 24 game against the Astros, Albert Pujols found himself facing Framber Valdez with runners on first and third and two-out (with the Angels trailing 3-5). Pujols laced an 0-1 pitch to left to drive in Mike Trout from third.  While the run meant little in the Angels’ ultimate 11-4 loss, the RBI was a significant one for Pujols.  It was his 2, 087th career MLB RBI and moved him past Alex Rodriguez into sole possession of third place (or perhaps second place) on the all-time MLB RBI list (Hank Aaron is the all-time leader at 2,297 career runs driven in).

Why do I say second or third for Pujols? Well, RBI were not an official stat until 1920 – and the Elias Sports Bureau lists only Aaron, Pujols and Rodriguez as members of the 2,000 RBI Club.  Other sources, like Baseball Reference, have worked to attribute pre-1920 RBI retroactively and, as of August 24,  their list read:  Hank Aaron (2,297); Babe Ruth (2,214); Albert Pujols (2,087); Alex Rodriguez (2,086); Cap Anson (2,075).   Then, of course, there’s MLB.com which does not include Cap Anson and lists Babe Ruth at 2,013.  Note:  At month’s end Pujols had brought his RBI total up to 2,090.

No matter how you count them, Pujols has brought a lot of runs home over his career.

Another Streak Comes to an End

On August 26, Braves rookie Ian Anderson – making his major-league debut – pitched a gem.  Anderson went six innings, giving up just one run on one hit (a Luke Voit home run), while fanning six and walking two – as the Braves topped the Yankees 5-1.  Not only did, he pick up his first MLB victory, he became the first pitcher to best Cole since May 22, 2019 – breaking Cole’s streak of twenty regular-season winning decisions.  For more on Cole’s streak, click here.

Long Ball Outfield

On August 30, as the Cubs trounced the Reds 10-1, the Chicago squad became the first MLB team to get multi-homer games from all three starting outfielders in the same contest (more of #InBaseballWeTrackEverything).  The long balls came off the bats of LF Kyle Schwarber (a solo shot in the fourth inning and a Grand Slam in the ninth), CF Ian Happ (a two-run shot in the fifth and a solo homer in the seventh) and RF Jason Heyward (solo dingers in the fourth and sixth).  All ten Cubs runs scored on the six round trippers.

Happy Birthday Waino

Adam Wainwright celebrated his 39^th birthday (August 30) in style.  The 6’7” righty, in his 15^th MLB season, threw his first complete game since 2016, as his Cardinals topped the Indians 7-2 in Cleveland. Wainwright gave up two earned runs on four hits and two walks, while fanning nine – bringing his 2020 record to 3-0, 2.65.

I Get by With a Little Help from Designated Hitters

The Dodgers, with a little help from the expansion of the Designated hitter to the National League, set a new National League team record for home runs in a calendar month with 57 – seven of which were hit out of the DH slot.   The MLB record is 74, set by the Yankees in August 2019.

Move Over Babe and Mickey, Here Comes Gary

With the Yankees’ long history as the Bronx Bombers – written by players with names like Babe, Mickey, Joe, Roger and Aaron – it seemed doubtful there were any long-ball feats that had eluded the Yankee heritage. Oops, just a minute there.  On August 30, Gary Sanchez delivered the first-ever, pinch-hit, extra-inning Grand Slam home run in Yankee history.  Oh, to add to its uniqueness, it came in eighth inning of the second game of one of the COVID-era’s seven-inning doubleheader contests.

 

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——-Individual Statistical Leaders Year-To-Date (through August 31) ———-

AVERAGE (qualifying, 3.1 plate appearances per team game played)

National League – Trea Turner, Nationals (.377); Juan Soto, Nationals (.367); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (.351)

American League – Tim Anderson, White Sox  (.330); Kyle Lewis, Mariners (.328); Hanser Alberto, Orioles (.321)

The lowest August average among qualifiers belonged to the A’s Matt Olson at .169 (21-for-124). 

HOME RUNS

National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres;  (13) Mookie Betts, Dodgers (11); Manny Machado, Padres (11); Juan Soto, Nationals (11)

American League – Nelson Cruz, Twins (13); Luke Voit, Yankees (13); Jose Abreu, White Sox (12); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (12);  Mike Trout, Angels (12)

The Royals’ Adalberto Mondesi had the most at bats through August 31  without a home run (129). The Royals’ SS had a .186 average, with 11 runs scored and two RBI in 35 games. 

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (33); Manny Machado, Padres (30); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (28)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (32); Mike Trout, Angels (32); Anthony Santander, Orioles (29); Nelson Cruz, Twins (29); Kyle Tucker, Astros (29)

HITS

National League – Trea Turner, Nationals (49); Charlie  Blackmon, Rockies (47); Fernando Tatis, Jr. Padres (46)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (45); David Fletcher, Angels (45); Hanser Alberto, Orioles (45)

DOUBLES

National League – Christian  Walker, Diamondbacks (13); Dominic  Smith, Mets (12); Freddie Freeman, Braves (11); Ketel Marte, D-backs (11); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (11)

American League – Anthony Santander, Orioles (13); Hanser Alberto, Orioles (12); Willy Adames, Rays (12); Cesar Hernandez, Indians (12): Alex Verdugo, Red Sox (12)

Orioles’ LF Anthony Santander had the most extra-base hits through August 31 at 24; followed by Padres’ SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. at 23. 

TRIPLES

National League – Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (3); Jake Cronenworth, Padres (3); 12 with two

American League – Kyle Tucker, Astros (6); Jeimer Candelario, Tigers (3); 11 with two

Juan Soto of the Nationals led qualifiers in slugging percentage through August 31 at an even .800. Luke Voit of the Yankees led American League qualifiers at .709.  They were the only players above .700. 

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Jonathan Villar, Marlins (9); Jon Berti, Marlins (8); Trevor Story, Rockies (8)

American League – Jose  Ramirez, Indians (8); Adalberto Mondesi, Royals (8); Whit Merrifield, Royals (7)

Indians’ 3B Jose Ramirez had the most steals without being thrown out through August 31 at 8. 

WALKS

National League – Freddie Freeman, Braves (25); Bryce Harper, Phillies (24); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (24); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (24)

American League – Carlos  Santana, Indians (33); Anthony Rendon, Angels (25); Yandy Diaz, Rays (23)

The Phillies’ Bryce Harper drew the most intentional walks through August 31, with five. 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Keston  Hiura, Brewers (48); Javier Baez, Cubs (47); Ryan McMahon, Rockies (46)

American League – Miguel Sano, Twins (51); Jorge Soler, Royals (50); Niko Goodrum, Tigers (49)

A’s 2B Tony La Stella had the best walks-to-strikeouts ratio through August 31 at 2.14 (15 walks/seven strikeouts).  Next was Cardinals’ 1B Paul Goldschmidt at 1.69 (22 walks/13 whiffs).  

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Max Fried, Braves (6-0); Yu Darvish, Cubs (6-1); Sony Gray, Reds (5-1); Zach Davies, Padres (5-2)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (6-0); Randy Dobnak, Twins (5-2); Dallas Keuchel, White Sox (5-2)

Five pitchers had lost five games through August: Luis Castillo, Reds (0-5, 4.10); Mike Minor, Rangers (0-5, 5.60); Trevor Williams, Pirates (1-5, 5.50); Luke Weaver, D-backs (1-5, 8.23); and German Marquez, Rockies (2-5, 4.88). 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 30 IP)

National League – Yu Darvish, Cubs (1.47); Max Fried, Braves (1.60); Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.76)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (1.20); Lance Lynn, Rangers (1.93); Framber Valdez, Astros (2.35)

The Tigers’ Matt Boyd had the highest earned run average among pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched through August.  He was 1-4, 7.27 in seven starts (34 2/3 innings pitched).

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Jacob deGrom, Mets (58/41 IP); Sonny Gray, Reds (55/41 2/3 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (55/37 1/3 IP); Dinelson, Padres (51/38 1/3 IP)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (84/52 2/3 IP); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (66/48 2/3 IP);  Gerrit Cole, Yankees  (60/46 IP)

The leader in strikeouts per nine innings through August was the Indians’ Shame Bieber at 14.35.  The Nationals’ Max Scherzer topped the NL at 13.26. 

COMPLETE GAMES

National League – Trevor Bauer, Reds (2); Tyler Anderson, Giants (1); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (1); Max Scherzer, Nationals (1); Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (1)

American League – Aaron Civale, Indians (1); Dylan Bundy, Angels (1); Lance Lynn, Rangers (1); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (1); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (1); Marco Gonzales, Mariners (1)

INNINGS PITCHED

National League – German Marquez, Rockies (48); Max Fried, Braves (45); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (44);

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (52 2/3); Lance Lynn Rangers (51 1/3); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (48 2/3)

SAVES

National League – Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (9); Josh Hader, Brewers (8); four with seven);

American League – Brad Hand, Indians (10); Liam Hendriks, A’s (10); Zack Britton, Yankees (9)

The Indians’ Brad Hand was a perfect 10-for-10 in save opportunities through August.

————-Team Statistical Leaders Through August 31——————-

RUNS SCORED – Team Average … 145

National League – Padres (211); Dodgers (204); Braves (175)

American League – Rays (188); White Sox (184); Astros (176)

With Teams having played such a varying number of games – from the Cardinals 26 to 37 for the Padres and Mariners, the following chart probably better illustrates scoring.

BATTING AVERAGE – Team Average … .244

National League – Nationals (.270); Padres (.266); Mets (.264)

American League – White Sox (.270); Orioles (.259); Red Sox  (.257)

The lowest team batting average through August 31 was .212 for both the Brewers and  .212 the Rangers.

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE – Team Average … .322

National League – Mets (.348); Phillies (.343); Padres (.343)

American League – Rays (.340); Yankees (.336); White Sox (.333)

HOME RUNS – Team Average … 44

National League – Dodgers (68); Padres (67); Reds (54)

American League – White Sox (65); Blue Jays (54); Yankees (53)

The Cardinals hit the fewest home run (21), but also played the fewest games (26). By way of comparison, the MLB average was 1.31 home runs per game, the Cardinals’ average was 0.81.

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE – Team Average … .419

National League – Padres (.493); Dodgers (.471); Phillies (.465)

American League – White Sox (.485); Yankees (.449); Blue Jays (.443)

WALKS – Team Average … 117

National League – Cubs (142); Dodgers (134); Reds (134)

American League – Rays (158); Angels (154); Indians (152)

Crowding the Plate

No team got plunked (HBP) more than the Cubs, who had 29 batter reach base via the Hit-By-Pitch.   In the America League, the A’s led the way with 25 plunkings. The Rockies had the fewest hit batters (4), while the MLB team average was 16.  The Astros, popularly speculated as potential targets, suffered 14 hit batsmen (below the overall team average).  

STOLEN BASES – Team Average … 16

National League – Padres (31); Marlins (31); Rockies (21)

American League – Mariners (37); Rangers (29); Royals (24)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS – Team Average … 295

National League – Braves (335); Cubs (334);  Brewers (331)

American League – A’s (340); Rays (333); Mariners (311)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE – Team Average … 4.45

National League – Dodgers (2.76); Cardinals (3.59); Reds (4.18)

American League – Indians (2.87); A’s (3.51); Blue Jays (3.72)

The highest ERA through August belonged to the Red Sox at 6.04 – the only team north of six. 

STRIKEOUTS – Team Average … 295

National League –  Reds (367); Brewers (353); Padres (332)

American League – Indians (360); Rays (336); White Sox (314)

As noted earlier, Strikeout totals have been affected by games played (particularly with the COVID  and civil protest postponements), as well as by seven-inning doubleheader games.  So, let’s look at strikeouts per nine innings. Only three  teams fanned at least ten batters per nine frames: Reds (1.38); Brewers (10.61); Indians (10.32).

WALKS (Fewest) – Team Average … 117

National League – Cardinals (89); Phillies (94); Rockies (96)

American League – Indians (91); Yankees (94); Tigers (98)

No team walked fewer hitters per nine innings than the Indians at 2.61, also under three walks per nine frames were the Dodgers (2.73) and Rockies (2.78). No team issued more free passes per nine frames than the Pirates at 4.60.   

SAVES – Team Average … 8

National League – Rockies (11); Marlins (11); Dodgers (10); Cubs (10)

American League – Rays (15); Indians (14); A’s (13)

Primary Resources:  MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com; ESPN.com; The Official Rules of Baseball Illustrated, by David Nemec, Sports Publishing, 2020

 

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