Every Sunday, The Trailing Runner recaps the past week’s biggest headlines and most exciting performances. On Mondays, keep an eye out for The Leadoff, which breaks down the week ahead.
Cabrera, Kershaw Make (More) History
It was a good week for two of the greatest players of the generation, as both Clayton Kershaw and Miguel Cabrera found their way into the record books. On Sunday, Kershaw recorded his 2,697th career strikeout, punching out Spencer Torkelson with his legendary slider to move past Hall of Famer Don Sutton for most in Dodger history.
Your new franchise strikeout leader, @ClaytonKersh22. pic.twitter.com/PgJaseUE1I
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2022
THE KING.
Congratulations, @ClaytonKersh22, on being the all-time strikeouts leader in Dodger history! pic.twitter.com/heplKnEQsG
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2022
Over in the American League, Miguel Cabrera had a historic week as well. He had recorded his 3,000th hit back on April 23, becoming just the seventh player to reach that plateau with 500 home runs. On Saturday, he joined an even more exclusive club when he recorded his 600th double — only Hank Aaron, Albert Pujols, and Cabrera have 3,000/500/600.
Miggy being Miggy.
Two runs and double the fun for the lead. pic.twitter.com/ERXtEFYhtH
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 7, 2022
Cabrera’s double pushed him past Hall of Famers Frank Robinson in RBI, George Brett in extra-base hits, and he now sits just one hit (of any kind) behind Wade Boggs. Earlier this week, a three-single day moved him past Tiger legend Al Kaline with 3,008 hits. In response, Kaline’s widow Louise posted this heartfelt message:
Statement from Louise Kaline on behalf of the Kaline family: pic.twitter.com/FpsuuAYl6Q
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 6, 2022
Yankees Win 11 Straight, Reds Historically Bad
The Yankees were certainly the team of the week, as their 11-game win streak came to a close on Wednesday night with a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays. New York took advantage of a generous schedule, sweeping the Guardians, Orioles, and Royals before taking two of three from their fellow division powerhouse Toronto. Now at 18-7, the Yankees are even with the Dodgers for the best record in baseball and have moved up to #3 in the most recent edition of the PL Power Rankings.
The Yankees have actually not played a game since their streak ended on Wednesday, with a scheduled off day Thursday followed by two rainouts Friday and Saturday. Gerrit Cole and Jordan Montgomery started opposite Dane Dunning and Glenn Otto in today’s double-header versus the Rangers.
In less, uh, successful news, the Cincinnati Reds concluded their April at 3-18. Now, a week later, they remain the worst team in baseball at 4-23. In baseball history, only two teams have had an April worst than the Reds’ .143 winning percentage.
- 2003 Detroit Tigers: 3-21
- 1988 Baltimore Orioles 1-22
It’s been a tough month. Longtime face of the franchise Joey Votto made his feelings known:
#Reds Joey Votto on the team's 3-16 start: "it's an awful and embarrassing experience." pic.twitter.com/b0ySF6ufPj
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) April 28, 2022
Brew Crew Slugs, Cease, Gausman Dominate
- Despite their outstanding starting rotation, questions lingered at the beginning of the season around Milwaukee’s ability to score. First baseman/DH Rowdy Tellez and shortstop Willy Adames would beg to differ. In May, Tellez is hitting .360 with three home runs and four doubles while driving in 12, including a career night vs. the Reds where he went 4-6 with 2 HR and 8 RBI. Adames followed that up the next day with two home runs of his own (also against the Reds … poor Reds).
- On Monday, White Sox SP Dylan Cease turned in one of the best starts of the season, striking out 11 Angels over seven scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and no walks. He followed that with another strong performance on Saturday, striking out eight in five innings against the Red Sox.
- Toronto SP Kevin Gausman finally walked a batter on Saturday after going 45:0 K:BB to begin the season. However, he still has yet to allow a home run — making for this incredible stat:
Kevin Gausman joins Cy Young (1906) as the only pitchers (min. 20 IP) to begin a season with 5 straight starts of 0 BB and 0 HR allowed in the World Series era (since 1903)! pic.twitter.com/2YvmsdJjoO
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 1, 2022
Around the League
- The Yankees sit atop the AL East and pace the American League at 18-7. The Twins are the best team in the Central at 17-11. The Angels lead the West at 18-11.
- The Mets pace the NL East at 19-9, tied for the second-best record in the NL with the Brewers, who lead the Central. In the West, the Dodgers lead at 18-7.
- Manny Machado, third baseman for the San Diego Padres, leads hitters with 2.8 fWAR.
- Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays paces pitchers with 2.2 fWAR.
Featured image by Doug Carlin (@Bdougals on Twitter)