Dodgers continue record pace as playoff contenders begin shopping sprees The deals in MLB are beginning to heat up ahead of the July...
Dodgers continue record pace as playoff contenders begin shopping sprees
The deals in MLB are beginning to heat up ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, but it seems everyone is simply trying to catch up to the Dodgers.
The Diamondbacks added another bat to bolster their lineup before Tuesday's win over the Reds by acquiring J.D. Martinez from the Tigers. But Arizona is simply playing for wild-card spot because the Dodgers are on a record pace.
Behind seven shutout innings from ace Clayton Kershaw, who improved to 15-2 and lowered his ERA to 2.07, the Dodgers won their 10th straight with a 1-0 victory over the White Sox.
Not playing in the game was Chicago third baseman Todd Frazier, who is on his way to New York. The Yankees sent reliever Tyler Clippard along with three prospects to the White Sox in exchange for Frazier and pitchers Tommy Kahnle and David Robertson, who spent his first seven MLB seasons with the Yankees and was an All-Star in 2011.
The Dodgers (65-29) have the best record in baseball and are on pace to win 112 games, which would be the most by a NL team since the Cubs won 116 games in 1906. What's even more impressive with the Dodgers' torrid pace is they began the season by winning just 10 of their first 22 games. Since April 26, the Dodgers are 55-17 and have built a 10 1/2 game lead on the D-backs.
It's worth noting Cody Bellinger, who drove in the only run of Tuesday's game, did not make his MLB debut until April 25. Justin Turner, who is hitting .370 this season, also missed three weeks with a hamstring injury. With Bellinger and Turner both in the lineup, the Dodgers are a remarkable 37-9.
Kershaw is a leading candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, but will be competing with teammates Bellinger, Turner and Corey Seager for NL MVP honors.
Studs of the Night
Orioles first baseman Chris Davis feasted on Rangers pitching Tuesday, driving in six runs in an 12-1 victory. Davis went 2 for 4 with a pair of home runs, including a fourth-inning grand slam.
Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha shut down the Mets Tuesday with eight strikeouts for a complete-game shutout. Wacha walked one and allowed just two hits in the 5-0 win to improve to 7-3 on the season.
Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco helped his team overcome another big day from Giancarlo Stanton. While Stanton hit another monster homer, Franco went 3 for 4 with a double and home run of his own in a 5-2 Phillies victory.
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