Notre Dame in the MLB: Week 11 Report

A.J. Pollock - OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

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Week 11 Stats: N/A

2017 Stats: .299 (BA)/.337 (OBP)/.455 (SLG), 2 HR, 11 RBI, 11 SB, 26 R, 9 BB, 29 K

We finally have some good news on Pollock, as on Sunday he played in a rehab game at triple-a Reno. Pollock went 1-2 with a double and walk. Although Arizona hasn’t outlined an exact time table, he seems to be very close to rejoining the DBacks this week. Pollock is expected to dress and play with Reno on Monday night, and if all things go well he could be back as early as Tuesday.

Jeff Samardzija - SP, San Francisco Giants

Week 11 Stats: 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 11 H, 8 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, W-L: 0-1

2017 Stats: 2-9, 4.81 ERA, 114.2 IP, 95 H, 49 ER, 14 BB, 103 K, .268 BAA

Samardzija did not fare to well in his only outing last week. He was shelled for eight earned on 11 hits against a powerful Colorado Rockies lineup. Although the Shark had his struggles on the mound, he didn’t let it carry over to the batters box. Samardzija unloaded on Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela for a two run homer. It was his third home run of his career and first since the 2013 season. Samardzija will toe the slab next on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.

David Phelps - RP, Miami Marlins

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Week 11 Stats: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 B, 0 K

2017 Stats: 2-3, 3.93 ERA, 34.1 IP, 32 H, 15 ER, 11 BB, 36 K, .248 BAA

Phelps may have fell victim to high usage this past week, as he appeared in four games last week, including the entire series against the Braves over the weekend. Phelps was outstanding all week, until Sunday when he blew a save allowing two earned in the bottom of the seventh.

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

Week 11 Stats: 13/29 (.448), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3 2b, 1 3b, 1 BB, 11 K

2017 Stats: .310/.352/.576, 12 HR, 38 RBI, 24 R, 11 2b, 1 3b, 12 BB, 55 K

Thanks to an injured Chris Davis, Mancini earned a spot in Baltimore’s everyday lineup at first base last week. The rookie took full advantage of it by hitting .448 with three homers and driving in eight runs. Davis is expected to be out for an extended period of time, so look for Mancini to remain a mainstay in the lineup for the O’s.

John Axford - RP, Oakland Athletics

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Week 11 Stats: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

2017 Stats: 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 12.0 IP, 16 H, 9 ER, 7 BB, 13 K, .314 BAA

Axford struggled in limited action this week, surrendering three earned in just two innings of work. He’s had trouble with his command this season, as he’s allowed seven walks in just 12 innings.

Craig Counsell - Mgr., Milwaukee Brewers

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Week 11 Stats: 5-2

2017 Stats: 38-33, 1st place in NL Central

While the Chicago Cubs haven’t taken off like everyone thought, some credit needs go to Counsell and the Brewers for their strong play. Milwaukee turned in another solid week last week as they took three of four from the St. Louis Cardinals and two of three from the San Diego Padres.