Studs:
Talk about an under the radar performance. Medica, who is only owned in 4.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, hit three home runs among his 10 hits last week. Teammate, Yonder Alonso, was battling injuries and Medica took full advantage of his playing time. When Alonso returned, he tallied eight hits in 15 at-bats (.533). Bud Black will need to make a tough decision when interleague play ends.
Kung Fu Panda is back! He’s currently riding a seven-game hitting streak and has recorded seven hits in the last three games combined. Sandoval has also notched three-straight games with three RBI performances.
Cueto needs to be dubbed the Big Reds’ Machine. Look at his game-by-game stats this season. Cueto had two bad outings this year. He has now gone 11-straight starts allowing three earned runs or fewer, mainly fewer. Recently, he went the distance against the Indians, striking out six in the process.
Honorable mention: Danny Santana (MIN), Michael Brantley (CLE), Adam Eaton (CWS), Chris Coghlan (CHC), and Madison Bumgarner (SF)
Duds:
Mr. Jones has a seven-game homerless drought. Last week, he went four games without a hit. Yet, the Orioles continue to win (7-3 in the last 10 games) and remain in first place in the AL East. Imagine what this lineup is going to do when Jones’ bat bounces back. Also, he’s not the only guy struggling in the lineup…
Yes, even the crushing bat of Cruz is slumping right now. He only recorded two hits last week and hasn’t hit a home run in 10-straight games. Thankfully, guys like Caleb Joseph and Nick Markakis can pick up the slack. Again, imagine this lineup, and the damage they will do, when Jones and Cruz are sending pitches over the wall.
Shockingly enough, Lohse is the best pitcher on a first place team. However, the Cardinals didn’t care. St. Louis tattooed him for nine hits and seven earned runs last Saturday. Lohse is now 3-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 11 starts against the Red Birds. He will look to rebound against the Dodgers on Friday and the Cubs next Wednesday.
Dishonorable mention: Alex Rios (TEX), Brandon Moss (OAK), Charlie Blackmon (COL), Scott Kazmir (OAK), and Alfredo Simon (CIN)
