Best – Dylan Bundy SP Anaheim Angels – 7IP 4H 0ER 1BB 10K 1W
Dylan Bundy was a prospect with huge expectations when he was drafted fourth overall in 2011 by the Baltimore Orioles. In 2013, Bundy rose to be number 2 overall in MLB.com’s top 100 prospect list, but he was never able to live up to the hype. Baltimore traded Bundy to the Anaheim Angels for some pitching prospects.
It seems the change of scenery was all Bundy needed because he flourished in Anaheim like he was expected to back in 2013. Bundy cut through the Athletics lineup like they were little leaguers. The Angels have always been searching for a star pitcher to go with OF Mike Trout, the best player in baseball. And Bundy has filled that role this season. If Bundy keeps these performances up to go along with Trout and the offense, the Angels might finally get back in the playoffs in 2020.
Other Notables: Eloy Jimenez OF White Sox – 2-4 1R 4RBI 1HR; Max Scherzer SP Nationals – 6IP 6H 1ER 2BB 7K 1W; Charlie Blackmon OF Rockies 3-4-2R 1RBI, Jon Lester SP Cubs – 6IP 3H 1ER 2BB 4K 1W; Nick Solak 2B Rangers-3-4 3RBI.
Worst – Gary Sanchez C Yankees – 0-4 2K
The Yankees are the favorites to win the American League and move on to the World Series. But if they do not start getting some production out of their starting C Gary Sanchez, their title aspirations might be put on hold. The Yankees are flush with offensive talent (Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleybar Torres, DJ LeMahieu). Still, with some recent injuries to Judge and Stanton, the pressure for Sanchez to come back to his power-hitting form is high.
Stanton was put on the IL after getting hurt on Monday and is expected to be out 3-4 weeks. Judge had to exit Tuesday’s game. Manager Aaron Boone says it was to get some extra time off, but we will have to wait and see what comes out on Wednesday.
Sanchez would need to step up if they lost both of their slugging outfielders, but Sanchez has not been able to hit all season. On Tuesday night, he had another hitless night dropping his average to a putrid .093 on the season. The Yankees cannot have this bad of a performance by one of their starters, let alone a piece that is meant to be a part of the power the Yankees possess. Sanchez needs to figure it out fast because, without Judge and Stanton, the Yankees lose their chance to bring the title back to New York.
Extra Trash: Mike Fiers SP Athletics – 3.2IP 7H 5ER 2BB 2K 1L; Mark Canha OF Athletics – 0-4 3K; Kevin Ginkel RP Diamondbacks – 0IP 3H 4ER 1BB 0K; Keston Hiura 2B Brewers – 0-4 3K; Tyler Alexander SP Tigers – 3.2IP 4H 5ER 3BB 2K 1L.