WEEK 21: MLB News and Rankings
Greetings from our newsletter team! As we step into another exciting week of MLB showdowns, we're committed to bringing you the latest and most pertinent updates. From comprehensive injury reports to insightful analyses of power rankings, our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the ever-evolving landscape of America's beloved pastime. Join us in diving into the heart of this week's MLB action.
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Bad Week for the Angels
The Los Angeles Angels received troubling news as Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout faced significant setbacks due to injuries. Ohtani, the two-way phenom, suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow during a game against the Reds, leaving his pitching future uncertain. Meanwhile, Trout, a prominent superstar, returned from the injured list but experienced ongoing pain related to a previous hamate fracture in his left hand. He was subsequently placed back on the injured list to allow for proper healing. Here are the major headlines:
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- Sustained a torn UCL in his right elbow during a game against the Reds.
- Had the same injury in 2018, leading to Tommy John surgery and a missed pitching season.
- Awaiting a second opinion on whether surgery is needed.
- Will not pitch for the remainder of this season due to the tear.
- Mike Trout:
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- Returned from the injured list after a hamate fracture in his left hand.
- Experienced discomfort while batting, prompting his return to the injured list.
- Placed on the IL ahead of the team's road trip against the Mets, Phillies, and A's.
- The team believes he returned too soon from the injury; hitting stats: .263/.367/.490, 18 HRs, 44 RBIs in 82 games this season.
Week 21 - Power Rankings
- Atlanta Braves (82-44)
- Baltimore Orioles (78-48)
- TB Rays (77-51)
- Texas Rangers (72-54)
- LA Dodgers (76-48)
- Houston Astros (72-56)
- Toronto Blue Jays (70-57)
- SF Giants (66-61)
- Philidelphia Phillies (69-58)
- Chicago Cubs (66-60)
NL & AL Top Races
National League (NL) Highlights:
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NL Home Runs:
- Leading Contenders: Matt Olson (ATL) - 43; Pete Alonso (NYM) - 39.
- Olson and Alonso vie for NL home run supremacy, with Olson on track to challenge a franchise record.
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NL ERA:
- Top Contenders: Gerrit Cole (NYY), Kyle Bradish (BAL), Luis Castillo (SEA), Sonny Gray (MIN), Dane Dunning (TEX), George Kirby (SEA), Kevin Gausman (TOR).
- A competitive race in AL ERA, where Cole's lead has narrowed, opening the Cy Young possibilities.
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NL OPS:
- Leading Contenders: Mookie Betts (LAD) - .995; Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) - .988; Freddie Freeman (LAD) - .982; Matt Olson (ATL) - .971.
- Betts surges in August, while Freeman and Acuña remain strong contenders for NL OPS leadership.
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NL Hits:
- Leading Contenders: Luis Arraez (MIA) - 168; Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) - 167; Freddie Freeman (LAD) - 163.
- Arraez, Acuña, and Freeman compete for NL hits supremacy in a tight race.
American League (AL) Highlights:
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AL ERA:
- Top Contenders: Gerrit Cole (NYY) - 3.03; Kyle Bradish (BAL) - 3.03; Luis Castillo (SEA) - 3.15; Sonny Gray (MIN) - 3.15; Dane Dunning (TEX) - 3.19; George Kirby (SEA) - 3.23; Kevin Gausman (TOR) - 3.24.
- A crowded field in AL ERA with Cole and Bradish leading the pack.
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AL Batting Title:
- Leading Contenders: Corey Seager (TEX) - .343; Yandy Díaz (TB) - .328; Bo Bichette (TOR) - .319.
- Seager maintains a lead but must qualify for the title with more plate appearances.
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AL Hits:
- Leading Contenders: Bo Bichette (TOR) - 148; Marcus Semien (TEX) - 146; Julio Rodríguez (SEA) - 143; Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) - 142; Shohei Ohtani (LAA) - 140.
- Bichette faces close competition as challengers inch closer after his injury.
Remember, these statistics and races could impact end-of-season awards and team performances. Stay tuned for more thrilling action in the MLB!