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Major League Baseball is the centre of attention in American sports right now. During the stretch run towards the playoffs, every series can swing the standings for contending teams. Big performances are catching the eye more than ever, but it’s not such an easy life for struggling stars.
Here, as we do every week, are our awards…
Performance of the Week
This may as well be called the Mookie Betts award at this point. Betts hit for the cycle with a ninth-inning home run against the Blue Jays a few days ago.
Boston’s superstar right fielder might just be the favourite for MVP right now with Mike Trout on the disabled list. He’s been forgotten about at times amidst the quality American League outfielders, people are taking notice now.
Start of the Week
Lance Lynn twirled 7.1 innings of two-hit ball against the White Sox this week. The right-hander has struggled this year, with a WHIP over 1.5 and an ERA in the mid-fours, but dominated the struggling Chicago ballclub in his first start for the Yankees.
Twins fans will have wondered where this Lynn was all year. Yankees fans will just be delighted to see a starter work deep into a game.
Defensive Play of the Week
Not many people had heard of Ramon Laureano before Saturday. The Oakland outfielder changed that with what could be the best play of 2018.
He tracked down a ball well into the gap at Angel Stadium, which was pretty impressive as an isolated incident. The real magic moment followed. Laureano hurled it all the way to first base for a remarkable double play.
Nightmare of the Week
Even with a decent ERA, the advanced metrics didn’t look good for Jon Lester. The veteran lefty has had an awful few weeks – featuring an 8.65 ERA in his last seven starts – and it didn’t get any better on Saturday night against the Nationals.
Lester completed just 3.2 innings against Washington, allowing 10 hits and eight earned runs. The Brewers are still hot on the Cubs’ tails, Chicago need an answer to Lester’s woes sooner rather than later.
