First To Home: August 22nd MLB News and Notes

Just like the K in Aaron Judge’s Box Score we are once again back! After a vacation I am back to serve up some takes from last night’s action so let’s get it:

Dodgers now 88-35:  Behind a 12th inning bomb off the bat of Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers continue to assert their wrath on every opponent. They are now 14-4 this month and eyeing the Seattle Mariners 2001 mark of 116 wins. Unfuckingbelievable.

AL Wild Card Getting Spicy: While the Yankees appear to be poised to maintain their position at the top of the Wild Card despite their struggles, the chase for the second Wild Card remains heated. The Twins currently hold the spot, but have 4 teams who trail them by 2 or less games (Angels, Mariners, KC, Texas). The Rangers and Angels are currently battling in a 4 game set. Last night the Rangers took game 1 behind a strong outing from Cole Hamels. The Rangers always find a way to make it into the postseason and I will continue to bet on their success down the stretch as the only team in the top half of the league offensively in this batch.

Yonder Alonso: The question of who the best summer pickup across the league is is complicated, but Yonder Alonso is undoubtedly among the top additions. For the Mariners he is batting .318 out of the two spot and his 3 RBI’S against the Braves Monday night led his new club to a win. The top of Mariners lineup is officially scary as they continue to serge offensively.

Byron Buxton: Byron Buxton is officially ending all talk of him being a bust. He has now hit safely in 16 of 17 games including his current 12 game hitting streak. After his record breaking inside the park home run last week he has continued to deliver for the Twins as they fight it out for the final Wild Card position. He is far and away the piece they will rely on down the stretch both defensively and offensively.

Limited Games on a Monday, but tomorrow I’ll be back with a full slate of recaps!

Written by Paul McGovern