ND in the MLB: Week Five Report

A.J. Pollock - OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

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Week Five Stats: .179 (4-23), 3 R, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 2 2b, 1 3b, 1 BB, 6 K

2017 Stats: .297 (BA)/.338 (OBP)/.799 (SLG), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 11 SB, 22 R, 8 BB, 23 K

After a blazing hot week four, Pollock came back down to earth this past week. He collected just four hits, but three of them went for extra bases. He still is boasting a very healthy slash line of .297/.338/.799. Pollock and the Diamondbacks will opening up a nine game home stand this week against the Detroit Tigers. They’ll also host the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.

Jeff Samardzija - SP, San Francisco Giants

Week Five Stats: 1 GS, 8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 Ks, W-L: 0-0

2017 Stats: 0-4, 5.03 ERA, 39.1 IP, 35 H, 22 ER, 46 K, 10 BB, .241 BAA

Samardzija turned in his best start of the year on Wednesday against the Dodgers. He tossed eight innings of three hit ball, while striking out 11 batters. Despite all this, he was hit with yet another no decision as his Giants offered very little run support. The Shark seems to be turning it around after a rough start to the season. Over his last two starts he’s fired 15 innings, allowing just two earned runs, 16 strikeouts and just one walk. Samardzija is scheduled to get two starts this week when he takes on the Mets on Tuesday and the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

David Phelps - RP, Miami Marlins

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Week Five Stats: 2 G, 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K, W-L: 0-0

2017 Stats: 2-2, 5.06 ERA, 16.0 IP, 17 H, 9 ER, 16 K, 6 BB, .279 BAA

While his appearances may be limited, Phelps keeps performing. In his last six outings Phelps has not surrendered any hits or runs, and has allowed just four base runners. If he can keep up his current performance, he will warrant more innings out of the Marlins bullpen.

Trey Mancini - 3B/1B/OF, Baltimore Orioles

Week Five Stats: .615 (8-13), 1 R, 2 2b, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 K, 0 BB,

2017 Stats: .297/.313/.641, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 8 R, 4 2b, 22 K, 2 BB

In only 13 at bats Mancini had one heckuva week. He had three extra base hits, including a two-run homer against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night. Mancini has been one of the most productive rookies so far here in 2017. He still probably strikes out a bit too much, but the power is there to be a very good big league hitter. Sooner or later he will be a mainstay in the Orioles lineup.

John Axford - RP, Oakland Athletics

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Week Five Stats: N/A

2017 Stats: N/A

Axford threw a 30 pitch bullpen on Sunday. It was his second straight successful bullpen, and he’s also lined up to pitch live batting practice on Wedneday. Axford appears to be on schedule to begin a rehab assignment sometime in the coming week.

Craig Counsell - Mgr., Milwaukee Brewers

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Week Five Stats: 3-3

2017 Stats: 16-16

Counsell’s Brewers split the week in series against the St. Louis Cardinals and Pirates. The Chicago Cubs have yet to take off the in NL Central, so the Brewers are still in play for first place in the division. They stand just a game and a half outside first place. This week the Brewers will play hosts to the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.