AL Central Weekly: 5/9-5/15

Todd Frazier had big power numbers this week. Photo courtesy mlb.com.

1. Chicago White Sox, 24-14

The White Sox only had two wins on the week, by dropping two out of three games to both the Yankees and the Rangers. They are still tied for the most wins in the American League with 24 wins and only behind the Orioles in win percentage. Todd Frazier heated up by hitting .333, with four home runs and 12 RBI. He also had an unfortunate injury by diving into the stands while going after a foul ball. Frazier is fine, but it was a scary moment nonetheless. Chris Sale was the best pitcher of the week once again for the White Sox, picking up another win with a 1.00 ERA.

Upcoming games: vs. Houston (3 games), vs. Kansas City (3 games)

Kipnis has started to heat up. Photo courtesy cbssports.com.

2. Cleveland Indians, 17-17

Cleveland also had a tough week by losing two out of three games to the Astros and Twins. Jason Kipnis got off to a cold start to the season, but really turned it on this week by getting eight hits and three RBI. The offense needs Kipnis to keep on producing if they want to stay in the AL Central race. Joba Chamberlain pitched well this week, giving up no earned runs in three appearances, while holding opposing hitters to a .100 average.

Upcoming games: vs. Cincinnati (2 games), at Cincinnati (2 games), at Boston (3 games)

Lorenzo Cain has been a bright spot for the Royals’ offense. Photo courtesy kansascity.com.

3. Kansas City Royals, 18-19

The defending World Series Champions are struggling to get above .500. Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer are both carrying the offense lately, as they both hit over .300 on the week. Cain added 8 RBI to lead the Royals. The pitching needs to get better, but three bullpen pitchers did well. Danny Duffy, Luke Hochevar and Peter Moylan all didn’t allow an earned run.

Upcoming games: vs. Boston (3 games), at Chicago White Sox (3 games)

Kyle Ryan had a great week in relief for the tigers. Photo courtesy of mlb.com.

4. Detroit Tigers, 16-21

Detroit is slowly slipping further below .500. They lost five of their seven games to the Orioles and Nationals, making it another forgettable week. Victor Martinez hit over .500 on the week, with 13 hits, but only 3 RBI. This is mostly a factor of the rest of the offense not doing so well. Kyle Ryan had four appearances this week and gave up no earned runs, while picking up a save.

Upcoming games: vs. Minnesota (3 games), vs. Tampa Bay (3 games)

Plouffe is one of the few players stepping up for the Twins. Photo courtesy cbssports.com.

5. Minnesota Twins, 10-26

The Twins lost three out of their five games on the week, with one game against the Orioles postponed due to rain. Trevor Plouffe and Danny Santana both hit over .300, but Joe Mauer had a down week, hitting .250. Tyler Duffey threw seven scoreless innings and picked up a win in his only start of the week.

Upcoming games: at Detroit (3 games), at Toronto (4 games)

Victor Martinez has put the Tigers’ offense on his back. Photo courtesy washingtontimes.com.

Player of the Week: Victor Martinez

Martinez hit over .500 on the week, and could have had better numbers if the rest of the team had stepped up.