Eric Hosmer is swinging a hot bat for the Royals. Photo courtesy of cjonline.com.
The Royals started off the week hot by beating the Astros three out of four games, but then faltered late in the week by losing two out of three to the Athletics. Eric Hosmer had a really hot week, hitting .367 with 4 rbi and 3 runs scored. His hitting is what will lead the way for the Royals for the whole season. Ian Kennedy has been solid on the mound for Kansas City, with 0.66 era and a 2-0 record. This week he had seven innings pitched with only two hits and one run allowed in a win over the Astros.
Upcoming Games: vs. Detroit (3 games), vs. Baltimore (3 games)
Mat Latos had a bad season last year, but has had a hot start. Photo courtesy csnchicago.com.
2. Chicago White Sox: 8-4, This week: 4-2
Chicago won their first four games of the week (three against the Twins and one against the Rays), before losing their last two games to Tampa Bay. Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie have both been carrying the weak White Sox offense, as they hit over .400 for the week. Mat Latos has had a nice bounce back season so far with a 0.75 era and a 2-0 record. In his one start this week he pitched six innings and only allowed one run in the Chicago win over the Twins.
Upcoming Games: vs. LA Angels (4 games), vs. Texas (3 games)
J.D. Martinez is an x-factor for the Tiger offense. Photo courtesy themajors.net.
3. Detroit Tigers: 7-4, This week: 4-3
The Tigers took three out of four from the Pirates to win their first series, but lost two out of three to the Astros to end the week. J.D. Martinez has been the key player for Detroit’s offense this week. He hit .435 with 1 home run and 5 rbi. Jordan Zimmerman has two starts this season for the Tigers and hasn’t given up a run yet. Surprisingly he only has seven strikeouts in his two wins.
Upcoming Games: at Kansas City (3 games), vs. Cleveland (3 games)
Cleveland has been riding the hot arm of Danny Salazar. Photo courtesy cleveland.com.
4. Cleveland Indians: 5-5, This week: 3-3
The Indians only got to play four games in their opening week and split them. In week two they played six and split them again. Jason Kipnis pulled his average up by hitting .368 with one home run and three rbi this week. Danny Salazar leads the team in wins with two and era with a 0.79 mark.
Upcoming Games: vs. Seattle (3 games), at Detroit (3 games)
Trevor Plouffe has given the Twins two great hitters so far, with Joe Mauer.
5. Minnesota Twins: 3-9, This week: 3-3
Minnesota had an 0-6 record after the first week, but played .500 baseball in their second week to rebound. After losing their first nine games the Twins swept the Angels and are now on a hot streak. Joe Mauer still leads the offense, but Trevor Plouffe has chipped in with a .368 average and 4 rbi this week. Ryan Pressly has been the most impressive pitcher this year for the Twins with 7 appearances and no runs allowed. This week he pitched four innings of no run baseball, which helped them get two of the wins against the Angels.
Upcoming Games: vs. Brewers (2 games), at Brewers (2 games), at Nationals (3 games)
Player of the Week: J.D. Martinez
Martinez was an integral part of the Detroit offense this week with his .435 average and 5 rbi. His ability to provide another good bat in the middle of the lineup will make him an x-factor for the rest of the season.
