The first week of the American League Central wasn’t complete as there were a lot of games cancelled, but there was still a lot of baseball played. Here is how the week went for the teams in the AL Central:
- Kansas City Royals 4-1
The Royals had a solid opening week to the season. In their opening series, they split games with the New York Mets in a rematch of the World Series. They followed that up by sweeping the Minnesota Twins. Kansas City has only scored 19 runs this season, but have only allowed 11 through their first five games.
Mike Moustakas has been the best player on offense so far for the Royals, hitting two home runs and totaling three RBIs on 12 total bases.
The pitcher of the week for Kansas City, as will be the case a lot of weeks, is Wade Davis. He has yet to give up an earned run and notched two saves already.
Upcoming games: at Houston (4 games), at Oakland (3 games)
2. Â Detroit Tigers 3-1
Detroit beat the Marlins in the first two games of their season and then split two games with the Yankees. They had one of their games against the Yankees postponed.
Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler are both hitting over .400 on the season, which could be one of the best offenses in baseball this season.
The best pitcher for the Tigers has been new acquisition Jordan Zimmerman, who only gave up two hits and no runs against the Yankees. If he can continue to pitch well, the Tigers may be able to get into the playoffs.
Upcoming games: vs. Pittsburgh (2 games), at Pittsburgh (2 games), at Houston (3 games)
3. Chicago White Sox 4-2
The White Sox had their first game of the season postponed against the Indians and split the remaining two games. They then took three out of four from the A’s on the road. They have the fifth-best offense in the AL Central thus far with 24 runs scored, but have played six games, which is tied for most in the division.
Adam Eaton has been a spark-plug for the offense, hitting .450 with an OBP of .500.
Chris Sale has two wins already for the pitching staff and Mat Latos has a win and no runs allowed in one start.
At 4-2, the White Sox have had a solid start to what could be a promising season.
Upcoming games: at Minnesota (3 games), at Tampa Bay (3 games)
4. Cleveland Indians 2-2
Cleveland has had three games postponed already this season, two against the Red Sox and one against the White Sox.
Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor are both hitting above .300 to lead the Tribe. Their offense has been good, as they have scored 19 runs thus far, but they have already given up 20 runs on the short season.
Joba Chamberlain has two quality appearances where he hasn’t allowed a run.
So far the Indians are coping well without Michael Brantley, who is due to return from injury soon.
Upcoming games: at Tampa Bay (3 games), vs. New York Mets (3 games)
5. Minnesota Twins 0-6
The start to the season has been rough for the Twins. They were swept by the Orioles and the Royals.
Joe Mauer has been a force on offense. He leads the Twins in average, OBP, HR, RBIs and hits.
Ervin Santana has been a bright spot for the pitching staff with two starts with a 2.25 ERA.
Upcoming games: vs. Chicago White Sox (3 games), vs. Los Angeles Angels (3 games)
Player of the Week: Chris Sale, SP, White Sox
Sale had two wins in the opening week and has the White Sox in good position to compete.
