It’s August 1, which means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s look back at July – the stats, the stories and the highlights. We could call July Dodger Month, Beltre Month, Altuve Month, Paxton Month or maybe even Devers Month. Here are a few notable highlights:
- Adrian Beltre had a milestone month – picking up his 3,000th base hit (July 30); 5,000th total base (July 7); and 1,600th RBI (July 14). Better start clearing a sport on the wall at Cooperstown.
- The Dodgers went a sparkling 20-3 for the month, expanding their NL West Division lead to 14 games over the Diamondbacks.
- The Astros’ Jose Altuve’s month of July included a 19-game hitting streak, during which he hit .524.
- James Paxton was the only pitcher to win six games – going 6-0, with a 1.37 ERA for the Mariners – who went only 8-12 in the games Paxton didn’t start.
- Boston Red Sox’ rookie Rafael Devers was a .296 hitter over four minor league seasons, but he appears to like major league pitching even better. The 20-year-old made his major league debut on July 25 (becoming MLB’s youngest active player) and, in six July games, hit .417 (10-for-24) with two home runs, four RBI and four runs scored.
- The Astros hit a remarkable .323 at a team for July (the only team above .300), while the Dodgers put up a stingy 2.60 ERA for the montk (the only team below 3.00).
Still, the best moniker for July might be trade deadline month – as lots of players were moved as we approached the July 31 trade deadline. We’ll take a look at all this and the month’s highlight and statistical leaders coming up. But first the standings and Baseball Roundtable’s Players and Pitchers of the Month.
THE STANDINGS
The Dodgers went 20-3 for the month (an .870 winning percentage) and are now 74-31 on the season – the only team playing .700 ball. Pitching led the way for the boys from LA, as their 2.60 earned run average was far and away the lowest in MLB for the month. While the Dodgers 107 runs scored in July ranked 22nd among MLB teams, they still managed to outscore the opposition by 38 runs. Leading the way for the Dodgers in July was the now DL-ed Clayton Kershaw (3-0, 0.72 ERA); the surprising Rich Hill (4-0, 1.45); and, of course, Kenley Jansen with nine saves in ten opportunities.
If you are looking for offense, the Astros rode a month in which they led the majors in runs scored (174); batting average (a resounding .323); and home runs (44) to a 15-9 July record – despite MLB’s ninth worst ERA for the month (5.08). Leading the way for the Astros were Jose Altuve (.485 for the month); George Springer (.403); Alex Bregman (.329); and Evan Gattis (.322).
Other squads putting up solid July results (at least 15 wins) were the Cubs and Nationals (16-8), Royals (16-10) and Indians (15-11).
The worst July record belonged to the White Sox (6-19) in the AL and the Reds (8-18) in the NL.
If the season ended July 31, your playoff teams would be.
AL: Division Leaders – Yankees, Indians, Astros. Wild Cards: Red Sox and Royals.
NL: Division Leaders: Nationals, Cubs and Dodgers; Wild Cards: Diamondbacks anad Rockies/
Notably, there are three competitive division races: In the NL Central, the Cubs lead the Brewers by 2 ½ games; in the AL Central the Royals are two games back of the Indians; and in the AL East, the Yankees jhold just a ½-game dge on the Red Sox.
A full chart of July 31 standings and month of July won-lost records appears at the end of this post.
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BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH
NL Player of the Month – Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
Photo by jenniferlinneaphotography
I love those players who give you plenty of offense AND defense and no one does it better than four-time (in four seasons) Gold Glover at third base Nolan Arenado. He’s also a two-time NL RBI leader (and current 2017 leader) and two-time league home run champ. So, what did he do to earn Player of the Month for July? He hit .389, with eight home runs, 18 runs scored and an MLB-leading 30 RBI (in just 22 games played). Also under consideration were Rockies’ CF Charlie Blackmon, who hit .370, with seven home runs, 13 RBI and an MLB-leading 29 July runs scored. Blackmon also had three triples in July, adding to his season total of 13 three-baggers – six more than the next-best total. I also took a look at the Marlins’ RF Giancalo Stanton. who led MLB with 12 July home runs – to go with a .289 average and 23 RBI.
NL Pitcher of the Month – Rich Hill, LHP, Dodgers
This was a tough choice, but I went with Dodgers’ veteran Rich Hill. He went 4-0 in five starts (no NL pitcher won more than four games in July), with a nifty 1.45 ERA (behind only fellow Dodger Clayton Kershaw and the Phillies’ Aaron Nola among National Leaguers with at least 25 innings pitched in July). The 37-year-old southpaw also walked just five batters, while fanning 40, in 31 innings. Also in the running were Kershaw (3-0, 0.72 in four starts); Nola (3-1, 1.32 with 43 strikeouts in 34 innings); and Max Scherzer (3-0, 2.84 with a league-topping 50 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings.)
AL Player of the Month – Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
What can you say about a guy who hits an MLB-leading .485 for the month, raps out an MLB-tops 48 hits, gives you a little power (four home runs) and speed (eight stolen bases), while also scoring 22 times and driving in 21? Jose Altuve’s July totals incuded a 19-game hitting streak, during which he hit .524, with ten doubles, one triple, four home runs, 21 runs scored and 19 RBI. Clearly, Altuve does it all – and is a deserving Player of the Month. Also considered were Rangers’ 3B Adrian Beltre who – as noted earlier – achieved several milestone including his 3,000th MLB hit. At age 38, Beltre went .341-4-14 for the month. Clearly, twenty years into an MLB career and Beltre can still rake. Orioles’ 2B Jonathan Schoop was also on the radar for this recognition after a .343-9-28 month of July.
AL Pitcher of the Month – James Paxton, LHP, Mariners
Photo by hj_west
Mariners’ southpaw James Paxton put up stellar numbers in July – going 6-0, with a 1.37 ERA in six starts. (Numbers which look even better given Seattle’s 14-12 record for the month.) Paxton also fanned 46 batters, while walking just six, in 39 1/3 Innings. The 28-year-old Paxton is now 11-3 on the season, with a 2.68 ERA. So, how does it add up? For July, Paxton was in the AL’s top five in starts, wins, inning pitched, strikeouts and ERA. Coming into 2017, Paxton was 18-15, 3.43 in fifty MLB starts over four seasons. Also in the running was Red Sox’ ace Chris Sale (3-1, 1.04 with a league-leading 56 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.)
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NOW FOR SOME JULY HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT GOES AROUND, COME AROUND
Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann 
On July 15, Cody Bellinger become the first Dodgers’ rookie to hit for the cycle – going four-for-five – with the requisite single, double, triple and home run – notching three RBI and two runs scored in a 7-1 Dodgers’ win over the Marlins. It was the first four-hit game of the 22-year-old rookie’s career – and his 26th home run of the season. For a look at all the MLB rookies who have hit for the cycle, click here.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE HOME RUN – HOW ABOUT A WALK-OFF WALK
Dodgers’ rookie Cody Bellinger added four home runs to his rookie-season total in July – and ended the month at 28. However, it wasn’t all about the long ball. On July 8, Bellinger propelled the Dodgers to their 60th win of the season (the first team to reach 60 wins in 2017) by waiting out a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the tenth inning – giving the Dodgers a 5-4 win over Rays in LA. Of course, as it seems is always the case this year, the long ball did play a part. Bellinger had tied the game with a home run in the bottom of the eighth. Keep an eye of this rookie. After nine home runs in May and 13 in June, he slipped to four in July. Time for some adjustment?
LOOK OUT JOE! HERE COMES THE JUDGE!
Photo by apardavila
On July 7, Yankees’ rookie phenom Aaron Judge hit his 30th home run of the season – eclipsing Joe DiMaggio’s Yankee rookie record of 29 home runs – with plenty of season left. Judege ended July with a stat line of .303-34-75 – leading MLB in home runs and slugging percentage and topping the AL in runs scored and walks. Oh yeah, and he won the All Star Game Home Run Derby.
CRUZIN’ TO NUMBER 300
On July 7, Seattle DH Nelson Cruz hit his 300th round tripper as the Mariners bested the Oakland A’s 7-2 to snap an eight-game losing streak – it was his 16th home run of the season and his second in July. He finished the month with seven July homers, 21 on the season and 305 career blasts.
WOMEN BELONG IN BASEBALL
On July 15, Stacy Piagno made her first start on the mound for the Sonoma Stompers of the (independent) Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs – as they took on the Pittsburg Diamonds. Piagno pitched seven innings, giving up just one run on four hits and notching four strikeouts as Sonoma prevailed 16-1. With that outing, Piagno became the third women to notch a professional baseball victory since the 1950s – following Ila Borders and Eri Yoshida to victories from the hill.
HOW ABOUT SHOWING A LITTLE RESPECT
Max Scherzer –
ambushed by the Diamondbacks.
Photo by Keith Allison
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer came into his July 21 start against the Diamondacks with an 11-5, record and a sparkling 2.01 ERA. The Diamondbacks showed the Nationals’ ace very little respect, however. After three batters and just ten pitches, the Diamondbacks had three homne runs and a 3-0 lead. Lead off hitter/RF David Peralta homered to deep right, followed by CF A.J. Pollock’s blast down the left field line and 3B Jake Lamb’s RF home run. The three round trippers tied the MLB record for consecutive home runs to start a game.
How unexpected was the three-homer barrage? Scherzer had allowed just one home run over 34 2/3 innings in his past five starts. Scherzer did settle down and lasted five innings (eight hits, two walks, five runs and nine strikeouts – no decision) as the Nationals fell to the D-backs 6-5.
PARITY?
The MLB All Star competition is as even as can be: 43 AL wins, 43 NL wins, two ties – AND both teams have scored exactly 361 runs over the 88 games.
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
On July 23, The Orioles’ Zach Britton set a new AL record by converting his 55th straight save opportunity – pitching a scoreless ninth in a 9-7 win over the Astros. Britton extended his record with saves (versus the Rangers) on July 29 and July 30. He’s still a long way form the MLB record, however. That belongs to the Dodgers’ Eric Gagne, with 84 straight conversions from August 28, 2002 to July 3, 2004.
A BALANCED ATTACK
Photo by Keith Allison
On July 24, 1B Carlos Santana provide some well-balanced offense for the Indians. The switch hitter homered both left-handed and right-handed, as the Indians stopped the Reds 6-2. It was the fourth time in his career that Santana had homered from both sides of the plate in the same game. For those interested – through June of this year, the feat had been accomplished 312 times at the major league level. In 2017 alone, the Indians have accomplished it four times (Jose Ramirez twice, Francisco Lindor and Santana). Others to go yard from both sides in a game this season include the Yankees’ Aaron Hicks, Astros’ Marwin Gonzalez, Blue Jays’ Kendrys Morales, Dodgers’ Yasmani Grandal and Phillies’ Freddie Galvis. Nick Swisher and Mark Tiexiera share the MLB record for career games with home runs both left- and right-handed at 13.
MINOR LEAGUE NO-O-OTE
On Sunday, July 23, the Rookie Level Gulf Cost League (GCL) Nationals used four pitchers to throw a pair of seven-inning no-hitters. In Game One of a doubleheader (a 4-0 Nationals’ win over the Marlins), Joan Baez went six innings (no hits, one walk, seven strikeouts), with Jose Jimenez throwing the final frame. Game Two (Nationals 1 – Marlins 0) saw Jared Johnson go four no-hit innings (one walk, two strikeouts), with Gilberto Chu tossing the final three (no walks, four whiffs.)
A TRIPLE PLAY PRODUCES A RUN – A FIRST FOR FRAZIER
On July 25, in his first at bat at Yankee Stadium, Todd Frazier came to the plate in the bottom of the second inning, with the sacks full and no one out. Matt Holliday was on third, Didi Gregorius on second and Chase Headley on first. All had reached via singles. Frazier, facing rookie starter Luis Castillo, hit a one-hopper to Reds’ SS Jose Peraza. Peraza tagged second for out number one, then threw to 1B Joey Votto for the second out. As this traditional double play was completed, Holliday scored from third. Things then got interesting. Gregorius, who had been on second, stopped between second and third and basically found himself in the proverbial “pickle” between Reds’ 3B Eugenio Suarez and Peraza. In the end, the Reds recorded a 6-6-3-3-5-6 triple play and the Yankees recorded a run. Ultimately, the Bronx Bombers prevailed 4-2 – but it was a pretty memorable first Yankee Stadium at bat for Frazier. It also was just the tenth time (in 712 triple plays) that a run has scored on an MLB triple killing.
BACK – TO BACK-TO BACK-TO BACK … AND THEN SOME
On July 27, the Washington Nationals put an exclamation point on what some are calling “The Year of the Home Run” by tying a pair of MLB long-ball records – powering an MLB-record-tying four consecutive home runs and a record-tying five home runs in an inning. The third-inning outburst led to seven runs as Washington topped the Brewers 15-2 in D.C. It was the only the sixth time an MLB team has notched a five-dinger inning (and the eighth time a team had rapped four consecutive home runs) and featured long balls by CF Brian Goodwin (his tenth of the season); SS Wilmer Difo (third of the season); RF Bryce Harper (27th); 1B Ryan Zimmerman (21st); and 3B Anthony Rendon (21st). For full details on the other record holders, click here.
WORKING ON THE SOUTH 40
Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann
No player has ever hit 40 home runs in a Royals’ uniform (they are the only team without a 40-HR player in their history), but Mike Moustakas seems to be on his way. On July 28, Moustakas ripped his 30th home run of the 2017 season – a three-run shot as the Royals topped the Red Sox 4-2 in Boston. (It was the streaking Royals ninth straight win.) The home run made “Moose” the fastest Royal to reach thirty long balls – coming in his 364th at bat of the season. Previously, another third sacker – Gary Gaetti – was the quickest Royal to thirty dingers in a campaign at 410 ats bats (in 1995). Gaetti hit 35 that season, one short of Steve Balboni’s Royals’ record. Nicknames seem to be all the rage for Royals’ home run hitters – Moustakas is known as “Moose,” Gaetti as “G-Man” or “Rat” and Balboni as “Bye Bye.”
——STAT TIME … FOR THE MONT OF JULY AND YEAR-TO-DATE (throogh July 31)—-
—–TEAM BATTING LEADERS … MONTH OF JULY—–
Average (MLB Average – .257)
NL: Rockies- .297; Marlins – .279; Dodgers – .275; Nationals – .275
AL: Astros – .323; Tigers – .280; Royals – 279
Runs Scored (MLB Average – 117)
NL: Rockies – 148; Marlins – 139; Nationals – 128
AL: Astros – 174; Royals – 141; Indians – 135; Tigers – 135
WE’LL TAKE THE LOW ROAD
The White Sox and Angels plated the fewest runs in MLB in July – with only 88 runners crossing the plate for each squad. (The Reds were the lowest in the NL with 93 tallies.) The White Sox also had the lowest batting average for the month at .229; while the Giants showed the least power with an MLB-low 14 round trippers during the month. The Astros hit more than 100-points higher than the White Sox and bashed more than three times as many home runs as the Giants.
Home Runs (MLB Average – 31)
NL: Cubs – 40; Nationals – 37; Marlins – 35; Dodgers – 35
AL: Astros – 44; Rangers – 41; Royals – 38
Stolen Bases (MLB Average – 12)
NL: Brewers – 20; Reds – 15; Braves – 15
AL: Astros – 23; Royals – 22; Indians – 20
I THINK I’LL JUST WAIT HERE
The Mets attempted (and achieved) MLB’s fewest stolen bases in July – going three-for-five in steals. The Blue Jays had the worst rate of success – swiping four bags in eight tries.
Walks (MLB Average – 82)
NL: D-backs – 101; Reds – 96; Marlins – 91
AL: A’s – 112; Indians – 106; Blue Jays – 105
GRABBING A LITTLE AIR
The Brewers led all of MLB in strikeouts in July with 254 whiffs – which equates to just over ten per game.
—–TEAM PITCHING LEADERS … MONTH OF JULY—–
Earned Run Average (MLB Average – 4.37)
NL: Dodgers – 2.60; Cardinals – 3.06; D-backs – 3.48
AL: Red Sox – 3.24; Indians – 3.36; Mariners – 3.68
PUTTING UP SOME CROOKED NUMBERS
Eleven teams had ERA’s over 5.00 for July. The White Sox led (trailed?) all of MLB at 5.68, while the Rockies gave up an NL-leading 5.38 earned runs per nine innings.
Fewest Runs Allowed (MLB Average – 117)
NL: Dodgers – 69; D-backs – 87; Cardinals -94; Pirates – 94.
AL: Indians – 94; Red Sox – 101; Angels – 102
IT’S OUTTA HERE
Your team leader in home runs allowed in July was the White Sox – the ChiSox staff gave up 47 long balls; while the Reds topped the NL with 44. On the other side of the coin, the Dodgers gave up an MLB-low 17 July dingers.
Strikeouts (MLB Average – 209)
NL: Nationals – 229; Reds – 227; Brewers – 220
AL: Red Sox – 265; Yankees – 264; Indians – 251
Fewest Walks Allowed (MLB Average – 82)
NL: Dodgers – 49; D-backs – 62; Cardinals – 64
AL: Twins – 65; Indians – 68; Orioles – 72
LET ME TAKE YOU ON A FREE RIDE
The Blue Jays gave up an MLB-high 118 walks in July; while the Braves provided an NL-leading 108 free passes. The only other teams to exceed 100 walks allowed were the White Sox and Marlins (106 each).
Saves (MLB average – 6)
NL: Dodgers – 10; Padres – 10; five with seven
AL: Rays – 9; Mariners – 8; two with seven
OUCH!
The Diamondbacks had the worst save/opportunity percentage in July – blowing five of seven save opportunities – for a 28.6 percent success rate. The MLB average for the month was 66.0 percent.
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—–INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF JUlY—–
Average (minimum 50 at bats)
NL: Gerardo Parra, Rockies .443; Chris Taylor, Dodgers – .394; Anthony Rendon, Nationals – .392
AL: Jose Altuve, Astros – .485; George Springer, Astros – .403; Alex Pressley, Tigers – .380
Home Runs
NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 12; Bryce Harper, Nationals – 9; three with eight
AL: Rougned Odor, Rangers – 10; Mike Moustakas, Royals – 9; Jonathan Schoop, Orioles – 9
IT SEEMS LIKE HE’S ALWAYS ON BASE
Among players with at least 50 July at bats, only two got on base at least half the time. Your on-base-percentage leaders were: Jose Altuve, Astros – .523; Anthony Rendon, Nationals – .500.
RBI
NL: Nolan Arenado, Rockies – 30; Marcel Ozuna Marlins – 27; Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 23
AL: Jonathan Schoop, Orioles – 28; Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox – 25; Mookie Betts, Red Sox – 23
Runs Scored
NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies – 29; Bryce Harper, Nationals – 26; Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 25
AL: Alex Bregman, Astros – 24; Eric Hosmer, Royals – 22; Jose Altuve – Astros -22
WAIT FOR IT. WAIT FOR IT.
The Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson was MLB’s most patient hitter in July – averaging 4.83 pitched per plate appearance – edging the Twins’ Joe Mauer at 4.82.
Stolen Bases
NL: Billy Hamilton, Reds – 11; Dee Gordon, Marlins – 9; four with five
AL: Rajai Davis, A’s – 9; Whit Merrifield, Royals – 9; Jose Altuve, Astros – 8
Walks
NL: Joey Votto, Reds – 23; Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs – 22; two with 19
AL: Edwin Encarnacion, Indians – 20; Brett Gardner , Yankees – 20; Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays – 19
WAY BELOW THE M-LINE
The lowest average (minimum 50 June at bats) for the month went to the Twins’ Jorge Polanco at .078 (four-for-51).
—–INDIVIDUAL PITCHING LEADERS … THE MONTH OF JULY—–
Wins
NL: Seven pitchers with four
AL: James Paxton, Mariners – 6-0, 1.37; three with four
ERA (Minimum 25 July innings)
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 0.72; Aaron Nola, Phillies – 1.32; Rich Hill, Dodgers – 1.45
AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox – 1.04; James Paxton, Mariners – 1.37; Sonny Gray, A’s – 1.48
GETTING UP THERE A BIT
The worst ERA among pitchers with at least four starts or 15 innings pitched in July went to the Marlins’ Tom Koehler, who had four July starts and put up a 9.87 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. Using those same parameters in the AL,we find the Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr., with an ERA of 9.64 in four June starts (18 2/3 innings).
Strikeouts
NL: Max Scherzer – 50 (31 2/3 IP); Aaron Nola, Phillies 43 (34 IP); Rich Hill, Dodgers – 40 (31 IP)
AL: Corey Kluber, Indians – 56 (34 1/3 IP); Chris Sale, Red Sox – 56 (34 2/3 IP); three with 46
Saves
NL: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers – 9; Greg Holland, Rockies – 7; A.J. Ramos, Mets/Marlins – 7
AL: Alex Colome, Rays – 9; Edwin Diaz, Mariners – 8; two with seven
TOUGHEST OUTING OF THE MONTH
The Blue Jays’ Glenn Sparkman may have had the toughest outing of the month. The rookie righty was brought into a July 2 game against the Red Sox in the top of the seventh and the Blue Jays already down 7-1. Sparkman’s appearance went: single; single; single; strikeout; double; single; double; double. Ultimately, he gave up seven earned runs in 1/3 of an inning – for a July ERA of 189.00. In his only previous MLB appearance (June 30), also against the Red Sox, he went 2/3 of an inning, giving up no earned runs, despite allowing two hits and a walk. There is clearly a potential for better things to come – Sparkman has a 2.65 ERA in five minor league seasons, with 267 strikeouts in 268 1/3 innings.
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NOW THE YEAR-TO-DATE STATS (Still with me?)
—–TEAM BATTING … YEAR-TO-DATE LEADERS—–
Average (MLB Average – .255)
NL: Nationals – .275; Rockies – .274; Marlins – .266
AL: Astros – .292; Indians – .264; Yankees – .262
THAT’LL DO IN A PINCH
No team pinch hits more successfully than the St. Louis Cardinals – whose batters have gone 45-for-141 in pinch-hitting appearances this season, leading MLB in pinch hits and PH batting average (.319). Just down I-70, you’ll find the Royals, with the fewest pinch hits (two) and the lowest pinch-hitting average through July (.105).
Runs Scored (MLB average – 490)
NL: Nationals – 575; Rockies – 564; Dodgers – 535
AL: Astros – 623; Yankees – 557; Rangers – 516
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
Only the Astros topped 600 runs (through July) at 623. The Padres, on the other hand, have scored more than 200 times fewer than Houston, with San Diego notching just 400 runs. The Astros also lead the majors with 172 home runs, with the Giants the only team under 100 round trippers (82).
Home Runs (MLB Average – 132)
NL: Nationals – 158; Brewers – 156; Mets – 152
AL: Astros – 172; Rangers – 160; Rays – 154
A SWING AND A MISS
Only two teams had more than 1,000 batters’ whiffs through July: the Brewers (1,040) and Rays (1,037). Looks like a tight race for the most free-swinging squad.
Stolen Bases (MLB Average – 55)
NL: Brewers – 89; Reds – 83; D-backs – 72
AL: Angels- 88; Rangers – 81; Red Sox – 65
—–TEAM PITCHING LEADERS … YEAR-TO-DATE (July 31)—–
Earned Run Average (MLB average – 4.35)
NL: Dodgers – 3.09; D-backs – 3.43; Cardinals – 3.82
AL: Red Sox 3.70; Indians – 3.71; Yankees – 3.83
I’D GIVE IT A FIVE
Only two teams had ERA’s over five through July – The Reds at 5.28 and the Orioles at 5.07.
Fewest Runs Allowed (MLB average – 490)
NL: Dodgers – 350; D-backs – 404; Cardinals – 445
AL: Indians – 409; Boston – 435; Yankees – 438
DODGERS’ STAFF AT THE TOP
The Dodgers’ rotation had the best starters’ ERA in the MLB (through July) at 3.25; while the Astros’ starters were best in the AL at 3.96. In the bullpen, Cleveland ruled at 2.77. The Dodgers had the best bullpen ERA in the NL (and second-best in MLB) at 2.83.
If you’re wondering why the Nationals (despite a big lead) were active in the trade deadline market for relievers, Washington was one of only two teams with a bullpen ERA over 5.00 through July 31 – the Tigers at 5.25 and the Nationals at 5.05.
Strikeouts (MLB average – 866)
NL: Dodgers – 991; D-backs – 971; Nationals – 949
AL: Astros – 1064; Indians – 1022; Red Sox – 1007
Fewest Walks Allowed (MLB average – 343)
NL: Dodgers – 275; Pirates – 297; Cardinals – 314
AL: Indians – 288; Red Sox – 293; Yankees – 318
PUTTING UP SOME GOOD RATIOS
Through July, the Dodgers lead the NL in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 3.60; while the Indians top the AL at 3.55. Other teams with a better than three-to-one ratio: Red Sox (3.44); Astros (3.16); Yankees (3.12); D-backs (3.02). Common denominator? We’ll likely see all of them in the post season. Also, only two teams are averaging at least ten strikeouts per nine innings: Astros (10.18); Indians (10.01).
Saves (MLB Average – 25)
NL: Rockies – 35; Dodgers – 33; Brewers – 32
AL: Rays – 35; Twins – 29; Blue Jays – 29
LETS CONVERT
The major-league team average for save conversions through July was 64 percent. No team was under 50 percent, but Texas (17-for-34) was right at the low-water mark.
—–INDIVIDUAL BATTING LEADERS YEAR TO DATE—-
Average (qualifying)
NL: Justin Turner, Dodgers – .356; Daniel Murphy, Nationals – .332; Bryce Harper, Nationals – .329
AL: Jose Altuve, Astros – .368; Eric Hosmer, Royals – .323; Jean Segura, Mariners – 322
Home Runs
NL: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 33; Cody Bellinger, Dodgers – 28; four with 27
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 34; Mike Moustakas, Royals – 30; Justin Smoak, Blue Jays – 30
HE KEEPS HITTING THOSE THREES
The Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon has 13 triples through July – no other player has more than seven.
RBI
NL: Nolan Arenado, Rockies – 91; Marcell Ozuna, Marlins – 81; two at 80
AL: Nelson Cruz, Mariners – 79; Jonathan Schoop, Orioles – 77; Aaron Judge, Yankees – 75
Runs Scored
NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies – 93; Bryce Harper, Nationals – 86; Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs – 82
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees – 83; George Springer, Astros – 82; Jose Altuve, Astros – 74
Stolen Bases
NL: Billy Hamilton, Reds – 44; Dee Gordon, Marlins – 38; Trea Turner, Nationals – 35
AL: Cameron Maybin, Angels – 25; Jarrod Dyson, Mariners – 23; Jose Altuve, Astros 22
LEADERS IN A FEW OTHER CATEGORIES
Base Hits: Jose Altuve Astros (AL) – 148; Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (NL) – 141
On Base Pct: Justin Turner, Dodgers (NL) – .455; Jose Altuve, Astros (AL) – .430
Slugging Pct: Aaron Judge, Yankees (AL) – .639; Bryce Harper, Nationals (NL) – .627
Strikeouts: Miguel Sano, Twins (AL) – 144; Will Myers,Padres (NL) – 127
—–PITCHING LEADERS … YEAR TO DATE (July 31)—–
Wins
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 15-2, 2.04; Zack Greinke, D-backs – 13-4, 2.84; four with 12
AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox – 13-4, 2.37; Jason Vargas, Royals – 13-4, 3.00; two with 11
ONE (or more) THAT GOT AWAY
Rick Porcello of the Red Sox leads MLB in pitcher’s losses – with 14 losses (versus just four wins) to go with a 4.55 ERA (that would indicate he deserved better). Over in the NL the loss leader is the Padres’ Clayton Richard (5-12, 5.40).
ERA (qualifying)
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 2.04; Max Scherzer, Nationals – 2.23; Gio Gonzalez, Nationals – 2.66
AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox – 2.37; James Paxton, Mariners – 2.68; Corey Kluber, Indians – 2.90
Strikeouts
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals – 201 (145 1/3 IP); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 168 (141 1/3 IP); Jacob deGrom, Mets – 162 (139 2/3 IP)
AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox – 211 (148 1/3 IP); Chris Archer, Rays – 177 (142 IP); Corey Kluber, Indians – 161 (114 2/3 IP)
LIKE THE LONG BALL?
If you like big flys, show up when the Angels’ Ricky Nolasco or the Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka are on the mound. They share the MLB lead in home runs allowed at 27.
Saves
NL: Greg Holland Rockies – 33; Kenley Jansen, Dodgers – 27; three with 22
AL: Alex Colome, Rays – 39; Brandon Kintzler,Twins – 28; Robert Osuma, Blue Jays – 26
A PITCHER’S BEST FRIEND
No one has induced more double play grounders this season (through July) than Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays with 23 … to go with a 9-5, 3.08 record.
Primay sources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com; Society for American Baseball Research.
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Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baaseball Museum; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
