The Week That Was: April 17–23

The third week of the MLB season was truly a wild one, with more big news off the field than on it.

Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America

Standings

After three weeks of action, some of the best teams have recovered.

Playoff Odds

National League

The Giants playoff odds have cratered. But more on them later.

American League

The Blue Jays have absolutely cratered their playoff odds, although they have improved slightly over the last week.

Standout Performers

American League West:

• Ryon Healy, 1B, Oakland Athletics: 11 H, 2 BB, 1 HR, 18 TB
• Dallas Keuchel, LHP, Houston Astros: 7 IP, 7 K, 1 BB, 1 ER

National League West:

• A.J. Pollock, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: 14 H, 3 BB, 1 HR, 20 TB
• Kyle Freeland, LHP, Colorado Rockies: 11 IP, 6 K, 5 BB, 1 ER

American League Central:

• Michael Brantley, OF, Cleveland Indians: 8 H, 2 HR, 2 BB, 15 TB
• Corey Kluber, RHP, Cleveland Indians: 9 IP, 9 K, 2 BB, 0 ER

National League Central:

• Eric Thames, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers: 9 H, 2 HR, 6 BB, 18 TB
• Lance Lynn, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals: 13 IP, 12 K, 3 BB, 1 ER

American League East:

• Andrew Benintendi, OF, Boston Red Sox: 11 H, 0 HR, 2 BB, 13 TB
• Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles: 13 IP, 8 K, 3 BB, 0 ER

National League East:

• Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals: 11 H, 3 HR, 7 BB, 24 TB
• Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Atlanta Braves: 14 IP, 12 K, 6 BB, 3 ER

Injury Report

• In perhaps the biggest injury news of the year, San Fransisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner was placed on the 10-day disabled list following a dirt biking accident in which he bruised his ribs and suffered a Grade 1 or 2 left shoulder AC strain. Initial reports say Bumgarner could be out somewhere between six and 10 weeks, meaning the Giants may be without their ace until at least June, and perhaps even longer.
• After initially going on the 10-day disabled list earlier in the season, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list after an exam revealed nerve irritation in his throwing arm on April 22.
• After an injury scare on Saturday, the Houston Astros appear to have avoided a more serious injury to young outfielder George Springer, as he is only expected to miss a few days at most after experiencing hamstring discomfort.
• Zach Britton was placed on the 10-day disabled list by the Baltimore Orioles on April 16 after experiencing left forearm soreness. Britton had a clean MRI on April 21, but he is slated to see a hand specialist on April 24.
• The Detroit Tigers have placed slugger Miguel Cabrera on the 10-day disabled list following a right groin strain.

Three Big Storylines

The San Francisco Giants Season is… Over??

On Friday afternoon, the Giants were dealt a devastating injury blow, as it was announced ace Madison Bumgarner could miss six to eight weeks, or perhaps even more, following a dirt bike accident that injured the AC joint in his left shoulder. Now seven games out of the division lead, and holders of the worst record in the entire National League, the Giants may have seen the end of their season before they even saw the calendar turn to May.

There is opportunity for the Giants to overcome, but they weren’t playing particularly well even before Bumgarner’s injury. Time will tell, but it’s not looking good in San Fran.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Season is… also over?

Speaking of seasons already over, the Pittsburgh Pirates may be facing the same fate as the Giants. The Pirates are 8–10 and only two games out of the division lead, but their best position player, Starling Marte, has been suspended for 80 games following a positive PED test. Now the Pirates, who were already counting on a lot of things going right if they wanted to make the postseason, are further up against the wall then they were just last week.

Replacing a player like Marte won’t be easy, and the Pirates will likely lose a few wins in the process. And in what should be a tight wild card race, those few games could just be the difference come October.

The Best Team in Baseball is the Colorado Rockies and the worst is the Toronto Blue Jays?

With three weeks now gone in the 2017 MLB season, teams are starting to play to their true talent level. However, there are two teams surprising everybody. As the standings currently sit, the Colorado Rockies are the best team in baseball, and the Toronto Blue Jays are the worst. Who had those predictions right? Anybody? The Blue Jays could have been discussed with either the Pirates or Giants above, but they still have some time to change things. The Rockies on the other hand have over-performed even with injuries to several key players, including Jon Gray, David Dahl, and Ian Desmond. Once they get those players back, they could be even better. Watch out National League West.

Play of the Week

Odubel Herrera makes an amazing catch to rob Dansby Swanson of an almost sure hit.

Hit of the Week

Joey Gallo hit the farthest and hardest home run of the season so far.

Pitch of the Week

Chris Sale continued to be unfair with his nasty slider.

Matchups to Watch: April 24–30

Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies: April 24–27

The two best teams in baseball face off in what should be a high scoring four-game set in Colorado.

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: April 24–27

In the first edition of their rivalry this season, the Yankees and Red Sox square off at Fenway for a four game set.

Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox: April 28–30

Once the Yankees leave town, the Red Sox welcome the reigning World Series champions to town for what should be a great series.

Seattle Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians: April 28–30

Finally, the Mariners head to Cleveland this weekend for what should be a great series in its own right.