Best-Mike Minor SP Oakland Athletics-7IP 2H 0ER 2BB 8K 1W game 2
When the Oakland Athletics picked up Mike Minor at the trade deadline, they were merely adding pitching depth. Still, what Minor showed on Monday in the second game of their doubleheader is that he might be the starting pitcher to help solidify their staff heading into the postseason.
Minor came into Monday’s start with an ERA of 6.35 and left with an ERA of 5.40. Minor had a career year with the Rangers last season (14-10 3.59ERA 1.24WHIP 208.1IP 200K 68BB), but this season has been a dumpster fire. The Athletics took a chance on Minor anyway. If the Athletics continue to get performances like Monday night’s performance, the Athletics will have one of the deepest rotations heading into the playoffs.
Other Notables: Jose Iglesias SS Orioles-4-4 3R 4RBI 1HR; Trevor Bauer SP Reds-6.1IP 4H 1ER 2BB 12K; Ryan Mountcastle DH Orioles-3-5 1R 3RBI 1HR; Dinelson Lamet SP Padres- 7IP 3H 1ER 2BB 11K 1W; Marcus Semien SS Athletics-2-3 1R 4RBI 1HR.
Worst-Joc Pederson OF Los Angeles Dodgers-0-4 3K
The Dodgers were the favorites to win it all before the season started and have lived up to the hype as they held on to first place in the NL West throughout the season. They have the best overall record, but the San Diego Padres are coming in smoking hot against the Dodgers in a huge series that started on Monday. The Padres took the Dodgers down 7-2 in game one, no thanks to OF Joc Pederson.
Peterson had another lackluster performance on Monday. He has been a liability for the Dodgers all season with a batting average of .178. The Dodgers might have to think about not playing him anymore. With this victory, the Padres are only 1.5 games behind the Dodgers. They have to remove anyone who is struggling out of the lineup. You can’t wait on players, or they might blow the ultimate goal for the season.
Extra Trash: Taylor Rogers CP Twins-.1IP 2H 2ER 2BB 0K 1L; Nelson Cruz DH Twins-0-4 2K; Touki Toussaint SP Braves-2.2IP 7H 5ER 3BB 2K 1L; Matt Olson 1B Athletics game 1-0-4 3K; Vince Velasquez SP Phillies-3.2IP 7H 4ER 1BB 5K 1L.