With every month of baseball comes new exciting phenomenons from all across the league. This monthly spotlight will shed more light on some of the biggest talks of the town from the month of June. These talks are not just some big-name players creating fireworks, but also ball clubs currently on a tear.
Now mind you, everyone can enter a cold streak, as well as catch fire at anytime. Also, the playoffs are still months away. But certain teams are becoming the early favorites to play in October. As the month of June enters its last remaining acts, these players and teams have made their presences felt.
June spotlight: American League
Mike Trout swings for the fences
Experts and fans cannot stop talking about Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout. Given what he has been doing from the batter’s box, it is easy to see what the buzz is all about.
In his last seven games, Trout has posted a .700 batting average (this is not a typo), as well as a .402 average in his last 30. Trout’s current numbers include 23 home runs, 48 RBIs and a season batting average of .335.
There is no doubt that we will see Trout at the 2018 All-Star game and with another Silver Slugger award at the very least.
Houston Astros kick it up several notches
The reigning World Series champions are looking to defend their crown. The Astros have gone 9-1 in their last ten games. Not to mention they have won 12 games in a row before losing to Tampa Bay this past Tuesday.
Well, when your team boasts the MLB’s best pitching staff, as well as the highest team batting average and RBI count, the potential damage output seems limitless, especially while on the road.
Houston will need to keep its foot on the gas pedal if they wish to take over the American League.
Visitors to Yankee Stadium, beware
It is only by a small margin, but the New York Yankees boast the best record in baseball. But when playing at home, the Pinstripes are significantly more dangerous, as in 27-11 dangerous. On top of that, New York has gone yard more times than any ball club in 2018 so far.
Aaron Boone and company have won seven of their last 10 outings. But they cannot afford to ease up with their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, only one game behind them.
June spotlight: National League
Race for the NL Central
The Milwaukee Brewers are barely holding the lead over the Chicago Cubs in the division. Brewers manager Craig Counsell has found winning formulas time and time again. But Cubs manager, Joe Maddon, has shown to have a knack for guiding the Cubs deep into October, despite slow starts.
Stats wise, Chicago has the edge in team batting average and ERA, but Milwaukee has belted more home runs and boasts a better fielding unit.
Both teams have October in their sights, but only one can take the NL Central title.
Atlanta on the rise
With a roster full of young players hungry for victory, the Atlanta Braves lead the NL East by three games. As a team, Atlanta leads the NL in RBIs and is second in batting average. In addition, the ball club has won seven of their last 10 games.
One Brave in particular has been a big part of Atlanta’s batting presence. Freddie Freeman could have a chance to snag a batting Triple Crown in the NL this season. The 28-year-old first baseman has tallied 15 home runs and 49 RBIs, along with a .332 batting average. But he will need to keep swinging to add to his already impressive season.
Freeman and company are looking to get back to October for the first time since 2013.
Moving forward
July is just around the corner. Before you know it, the All-Star Game would be upon us. June has provided plenty to behold, including dominant runs from individual players and teams alike. As the 2018 season thunders onward, teams will either look to remain hot or break out of a slump. Regardless, fans and experts can’t wait to see what’s in store for these 30 squads. But space in October is limited, so every team will need to act fast.
Featured image from Getty Images & justfantasybaseball
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