First to Home, Storylines, and Notes: MLB Recap June 22nd, 2017
June 22, 2017
The Dodgers: Since the return of Justin Turner, who is now batting .390, the Dodgers are 11-1. As reflected in Josh Turner’s 2.9 WAR, he is the most important bat in their lineup. For the first time in nearly a month, the Dodgers have reclaimed first place in the NL West and there’s no sign of them slowing down with the combination of Bellinger, Turner, and Yasiel Puig, who has recently shown glimpses of his star potential.
Houston Astros: The Astros beat the A’s once again Tuesday night improving their away record to an astounding 26-8 and their divisional record to an also impressive 25-10. The A’s are now an unbelievable 2-20 within their division…is that bad?
Tigers: The Tigers are now 32-39, so despite the central’s mediocrity, they still don’t appear to have a chance at October this season. Justin Verlander took a perfect game into the 6th inning before the wheels fell of and the Mariners quickly surged back. The Mariners are showing signs of reaching their potential, after 4 straight wins they have returned to the .500 mark.
Red Sox: After 29 straight instances where Boston relievers maintained the lead after the 7th inning, Wednesday saw that streak end. A Salvador Perez Grand Slam off of Sox reliever Robby Scott was the difference maker. The Royals are among the hottest teams in baseball.
Max Scherzer (8-5): Scherzer was again brilliant in the Wednesday matinee between the Nats and Marlins, in which he posted no hits through seven innings before an infield hit prevented him from joining the elite and rare company of pitchers who have thrown three career no hitters. And yet somehow he managed to get a loss; Dusty Baker kept him in during an 8th inning jam, but is that more a reflection of Baker’s confidence in Scherzer or a lack of confidence in his 28th ranked bullpen.
Corey Dickerson (.326/16/37) Logan Morrison (.247/21/51) Steven Souza Jr (.274/14/47): All three of these guys are underappreciated. They are all not nearly getting as much All-Star consideration. On Wednesday they combined for 5 hits and 5 RBI’s the type of performances which have become normal in this surprising Ray’s offense.
Written by Paul McGovern
