MLB Opening Week Notes

David Price

David Price, who has struggled in recent years, whether it be injuries, command, etc. finally looked like the star he used to be against his former team on March 30th. He went 7 shutout innings with 4 hits and 5 strikeouts. Price, who has an opt-out clause in his contract following this season, may need a bounceback year to stay with the Red Sox or get solid interest from another club.

Milwaukee Brewers

The offseason acquisitions of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain are certainly looking like a brilliant move a week into the season. The two star outfielders are leading the Brewers in almost every offensive category. Yelich and Cain are batting .435 and .409 and they are both atop the slugging percentage category, hits, on base percentage, and on base plus slugging percentage. The signings of these two certainly look like one of the top offseason moves so far, and if this hot streak continues for Yelich and Cain then the Brewers could be a dangerous team as the season goes on.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs made a splash this offseason when they signed Yu Darvish to replace Jake Arrieta, who the club lost to free agency. The rotation was looked at to be one of the best in baseball, but an opening 4 game series with the Marlins changed that. Aside from Kyle Hendricks, the starting pitching for the Cubs was horrendous. Jon Lester went just 3 1/3 innings allowing 7 hits, 3 walks, and 3 earned runs. Yu Darvish went 4 1/3 innings allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and 5 earned runs. Jose Quintana went 6 innings allowing 6 hits, 4 walks, and 6 earned runs. Although, it’s still early, so there is no reason to panic just yet.

Atlanta Braves

Preston Tucker was a quick spit filler add during the offseason for the Braves. He has spent the majority of his career fighting for Major League roster spots and battling injuries. When the Astros let him go the Braves decided to give him a chance to play the outfield at least until it was time to bring up highly regarded prospect, Ronald Acuña Jr. Since opening day Tucker is hitting .421 with a home run and 5 RBIs. Not to mention his .421 OBP and .684 slugging percentage. Tucker is definitely playing like his career depends on it and he is doing his best to make the Braves find a spot for him in the lineup once Acuña Jr. comes up.

Another stellar performer for the Braves is infielder Ryan Flaherty. After being cut by the Phillies, Flaherty was signed by the Braves and has been playing his heart out. Currently, he is hitting .474/.545/.632. All of which are top 2 in Braves team rankings. With the planned 3B in Johan Camargo on the DL for a few more days, Flaherty has certainly made a case for the Braves to keep him in the lineup.

Written by Justin Raley