With 30% of the 2024 regular season now in the books, here are three things that we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Devers approaching history:
Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers has been on an otherworldly tear as of late. Over Boston’s last six games, Devers has hit an excellent .292/.346/1.042 with a homer in six straight games. That home run streak is good for the Red Sox franchise record and makes him one of just 33 players in MLB history to hit a home run in at least six games in a row, per MLB.com.
The all-time record, which is shared by Don Mattingly, Dale Long, and Ken Griffey Jr. stands at eight consecutive games with a home run. Should he hit a seventh consecutive homer tonight, Devers would join six other players who have achieved a seven-game home run streak: Barry Bonds, Jim Thome, Kendrys Morales, Kevin Mench, Joey Votto, and Mike Trout. Devers and the Red Sox are currently in Tampa for a series against the Rays, with right-hander Zack Littell set to take the mound opposite Boston today. Littell already contributed one homer to Devers’ streak during his last start — one of just four homers surrendered by Littell this season.
2. Ross to the IL?
Brewers right-hander Joe Ross exited his start against the Marlins last night after just one inning due to what Milwaukee has termed a low back strain. It’s not only an unfortunate birthday surprise for Ross, who turns 31 today, but difficult news for a Brewers team that has already lost DL Hall and Jakob Junis to the injured list to say nothing of season-ending injuries for Wade Miley and Brandon Woodruff. Through nine starts this season, Ross has pitched to a 4.50 ERA and 3.94 FIP in 42 innings .
Manager Pat Murphy indicated to reporters last night (per MLB.com’s Injury Tracker) that a trip to the shelf could be in the cards for Ross, though the righty suggested they’ll wait until they see how he feels today before making a decision. Should he wind up sitting down for the next 15 days, Aaron Ashby, Tobias Myers, and Janson Junk are the starting depth options the Brewers have at their disposal on the 40-man roster.
3. MLBTR Chat Today:
The 2024 season is now in full swing, and we’ve seen a handful of names traded at an unusually early stage of the season (e.g. Luis Arraez, Luis Guillorme, Robbie Grossman). If you have questions regarding your favorite club’s start to the campaign, or perhaps questions that look ahead to this summer’s trade deadline and the 2024-25 offseason, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will host a live chat with readers today at 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, and that same link will allow you to join in on the chat once it begins or read the transcript after it is completed.
I completely forgot that Kendrys Morales even existed. What could have been if not for that walk-off grand slam celebration
How about Kevin Mench? If you asked who the 6 guys were on that list as a trivia question, most of them would come up. Morales might take a while, but who would guess Kevin Mench?
A couple of Blue Jay legends.
Mench was the most obvious juicer alive.
Canuck – Here’s a great trivia question …
Which MLB players have slashed at least .270/.350/.500 each of the past 3 seasons?
1. Devers
2. Freeman
That’s it.
Don’t be silly, Raffy prefers chocolate.
Writing an article and mentioning the HR streak all but assures Devers goes 0-4 tonight.
Yes because that’s how life actually works.
Trot – Remember the SI Cover Jinx? Brought down many, including Nomah.
Remember following Don Mattinglys way back when… mad respect for Donnie Baseball…still hated the team but Don deserved better… watching Bronx zoo ( 90 Yankees) man George was a trip!!! Good ol Mel Hall… traded with Joe Carter for Rick the Baron Sutcliffe a Cubs legend and a great guy( threw me a baseball at old Comensky) later to be signed by Rick Manning (cf Indians) before his trade in 84… ah the good old days!!!
oh yes, yes, walking to school, uphill both ways, in the snow, with no shoes…good old days, yes yes
I had shoes???
Olm – Chris Martin and others are tossing a football in the LF corner (no BP today). Ball ended up in the seats. I said to myself “What would Olm do?” Probably throw it back and it hits Cooper Criswell in the face, he covers his face with his hands and says “Oh my nose!”
FPG… mom always said you shouldn’t play ball in the TROP… looking forward to some RR in Cincinnati… Friends have us hooked up with tickets to Saturday 6/22 game… I see the night before Casas is hoping to be back.. last time in Cincinnati Dave Conceppion was still playing. Will add another ballpark to my list.. Mrs …..way to smart( plus no friends in LA) to take trip to Chevas Reven ( dodger stadium)
Devers streak is nice and maybe a sign he’s breaking out of his early season funk. Maybe Cora has finally found a lineup configuration that works
Maybe?
He has a 948 OPS. Good lord man find some joy in your life.
Rsox – Devers had multiple injuries early on, before that he was hitting very well. Driving the ball to the opposite field more often has really helped.
A lineup that works.
Rafaela at SS (defense + opens up OF spot)
Abreu, Duran, O’Neill in the OF
Devers 3B
Hamilton 2B (.750 OPS – hard to complain)
Cooper or Smith (not great, but better than Bobby)
Wong (.900 OPS)
Refsnyder DH or resting regular
Getting Dalbec, Valdez, and Grissom out of the lineup has helped. Rafaela has helped stabilized the defense. 1B and 2B production will help the offense immensely.
Didn’t realize just how much Ashby has been struggling since his surgery.
But Devers can’t field. Waaaaah.
If boston could surround devers with anyone with a pulse he might have 150 rbi every season
In regards to Milwaukee’s 40 man SP depth, I think you can safely add Blalock to that list. He’s been used as a starter all year, averaging 5 ip per game.
Myers is probably 1st in line, then I’d guess Blalock. Ashby still hasn’t regained his velocity, and Junk seems like a mop up guy
Devers goes thru more spells of being selective. He has missed a ton of RBI opportunities this year and last. He is getting his chances. But a lot of the issues also are about who is hitting behind him. Get a more consistant bat behind him and Devers will see less junk.