Shohei Ohtani (on pace for an unheard of 111 extra-base hits) has been simply magnificent. And one scout — who’s noticed that his power is greater than ever, especially to center field — suggests perhaps a break from pitching could be behind that.
It says here Mookie Betts is still MVP, though, since he’s playing an adequate shortstop and putting up offensive numbers just behind Ohtani. Imagine, someone else getting the nod because they’re more versatile, at least for this year.
Juan Soto is the AL MVP front-runner. Interesting fact heard: He turned down seven contract offers before becoming a Yankee.
It was a suggestion by J.D. Martinez that’s credited with getting Mets slugger Pete Alonso back on track.
Justin Verlander’s rough start Tuesday vs. the Yankees might be even better for the Mets, who are on the hook for $17M next year plus $18.7M in tax if Verlander reaches 150 innings.
Every bona fide Astros starter but Ronel Blanco and Hunter Brown has had some injury already, which might mean their seven straight seasons in the ALCS is catching up to them. And by the way, Brown (8.89 ERA) should have been demoted by now if he wasn’t absolutely necessary.
The Yankees, with their second best 2.96 team ERA, will be cautious with ace Gerrit Cole. He could make it back before June 20, but that seems like a reasonable guess now.
Blake Snell has a rehab start scheduled for Sunday, and he could be back soon after that.