Tyler Saladino started to heat up this week. Photo courtesy mlb.com.
The White Sox remain at the top of the AL Central, despite losing four out of six games on the week. They dropped two games to the Astros and two more to the Royals to finish off their worst week of the season. Tyler Saladino was the most impressive hitter of the week, with a .400 batting average and two RBI. The power numbers weren’t there for Chicago this week, as they hit just two home runs and had 16 RBI. Chris Sale had a complete game, four-hitter to secure one of the two wins for the White Sox this week. The bullpen had a few solid performers as three different pitchers didn’t allow a run.
Upcoming games: vs. Cleveland (4 games), at Kansas City (4 games)
Cody Allen was the best pitcher in a very good bullpen. Photo courtesy cleveland.com.
2. Cleveland Indians, 22-19
Cleveland swept the Reds over four games, before losing two out of three to the Red Sox. Rajai Davis really heated up this week, tallying two home runs and nine RBI on the week. The Indians proved that they have one of the best bullpens in baseball, with five pitchers not allowing an earned run. Cody Allen was the most impressive, giving up no hits in four innings of relief.
Upcoming games: at Chicago White Sox (4 games), vs. Baltimore (3 games)
Paulo Orlando is an unsung hero for the Royals. Photo courtesy alchetron.com.
3. Kansas City Royals, 22-21
The Royals won four out of their six games against the White Sox and Red Sox on the week. Paulo Orlando had the week of his life, collecting nine hits in 14 at-bats. His 7 RBI led the team, even though he only played in four games. The Indians and the White Sox had great bullpen performances this week, but the Royals had great performances from plenty of pitchers. Eight of the 14 pitchers who pitched this week for Kansas City didn’t allow an earned run. Seven of the eight were relief pitchers.
Upcoming games: at Minnesota (3 games), vs. Chicago White Sox (4 games)
Jordan Zimmermann’s injury is going to be tough to deal with for the Tigers. Photo courtesy Freep.com.
4. Detroit Tigers, 21-22
Detroit won five out of six to get back in the thick of things in the Central race. Cameron Maybin returned from injury with a bang. He hit .600, with five RBI and four stolen bases. Jordan Zimmermann has the fifth best ERA in the American League and won his two starts this week, but had to leave his latest start with a groin injury. This along with Miguel Cabrera’s banged up knee may cause problems for the Tigers in the future.
Upcoming games: vs. Philadelphia (3 games), at Oakland (3 games)
Danny Santana has been one of the few bright spots for the Twins this season. Photo courtesy startribune.com.
5. Minnesota Twins, 11-32
The Twins had another miserable week, picking up just one win against the Blue Jays. Danny Santana had eight hits and four RBI on the week. Fernando Abad picked up the only win for the Twins and didn’t allow a run in two appearances.
Upcoming games: vs. Kansas City (3 games), at Seattle (3 games)
Cameron Maybin has no apparent setbacks from his injury. Photo courtesy gettyimages.com.
Player of the Week: Cameron Maybin
Maybin hit .600 in his first week off of the disabled list to help the Tigers have their best week yet.
