It's been a disappointing year for American League rookies. Justin Grimm and Nick Tepesch have pitched well for the Rangers, and third baseman Conor Gillaspie is third on the White Sox with a .310 average. That's about it for the AL. For the second consecutive week, the top five rookies reside in the National League, led by a strikeout artist who was called up just two weeks ago. (Statistics through Monday)
Remember when Tim Lincecum arrived? He made his debut on May 6, 2007 after going 4-0 with a 0.29 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 31 innings for Triple-A Fresno.
Cingrani's numbers at Triple-A Louisville this year were just as eye-popping. In three starts, he didn't allow a run and fanned 26 in 14 1/3 innings.
Now he's blowing away major leaguers with his deceptive delivery and superb command. In three starts for Cincinnati, Cingrani has allowed just three runs on 12 hits, while striking out 28 of the 70 batters he's faced.
So what happens when Johnny Cueto returns to the Reds rotation? If Cingrani keeps this up, Mike Leake will be the odd man out.
Stats: 3-2, 2.05 ERA, 33 K in 30 2/3 IP
On Sunday, Miller had a chance to avenge his only loss of the season. No such luck. He labored through 113 pitches in 5 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits and three walks, while striking out seven in a 9-0 loss to the Pirates.
Miller yielded two solo homers and was charged with another run after John McDonald greeted Fernando Salas with a well-placed pop fly that barely dropped in for an RBI double.
After the game, Miller said he simply left too many pitches up.
"I probably can't even count on my fingers how many balls I threw down in the zone," Miller said.
You can't win 'em all, kid. At least he's aware of what went wrong.
Stats: 2-1, 3.41 ERA, 34 K in 31 2/3 IP
There's no doubt the big fella can pitch.
Ryu worked seven strong innings last Thursday, giving up only three hits while striking out eight as the Dodgers rallied in the ninth to beat the Mets 3-2. He gave up his only run in the bottom of the sixth but came back to shut the Mets down in order in the seventh.
Ryu received more support from the fans than his teammates. A large Korean neighborhood is just one subway stop away from Citi Field, and Ryu appreciated the warm welcome.
“I was aware there are a lot of Korean-Americans here in New York,” Ryu said through a translator. “It was definitely encouragement.”
Stats: .236/.291/.556, 6 HR, 14 RBI
The Braves have cooled off, and so has Gattis, who went 6-for-30 with eight strikeouts during Atlanta's recent 3-7 road trip. Five of those hits went for extra bases, however, including two home runs.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has no intention of sending Gattis to the minors when Brian McCann returns, possibly as soon as next week. Where Gattis plays is another story.
It's hard not to root for El Oso Blanco, a humble guy who took four years off from baseball for a spiritual quest that included a series of odd jobs (janitor, ski-lift operator and valet).
How humble is Gattis? He uses his janitor I.D. as his Twitter avatar.
Stats: .407, 2 HR, 2 RBI in 27 AB
The book on Mariekson Julius Gregorius (yes, that's his full name): an athletic, slick-fielding shortstop with good range and cannon for an arm who rarely walks or strikes out.
Not known for his power, Gregorius homered in his season debut and went deep again two games later. He's hit safely in all seven games he has played this season, and endeared himself to D-backs fans with two hustle doubles last week.
Everything was going well until Gregorius was struck in the head with a pitch on Friday. While a CT scan came back clean, the Diamondbacks still placed Gregorius on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
Gregorius should be back in the lineup next week and should continue to get playing time while Aaron Hill recovers from a broken hand.
