The 2020 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are making noise. Here’s the latest on the MLB Owls from the week of September 3.
Brock Holt was released by the Brewers last week but wasn’t unemployed for very long. The utility man landed in Washington with the defending World Series Champs. Manager Dave Martinez was very complimentary about the new addition. “We think he can help,” Martinez said of Holt, “He can play multiple positions, he can swing the bat. He’s going to get a chance to play everywhere here.”
Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
Rendon cooled down a bit this week after his torrid mid-August pace. He’s still on pace for a terrific season and currently sports what would be the highest on-base percentage of his career (.435). The former National has settled in quite nicely in Anaheim and the impact he’s had on the entire lineup has been noticeable, perhaps no more so than how pitchers have to game plan for his spot in the order.
It certainly seems like pitchers are being more aggressive against Mike Trout w/ Anthony Rendon behind him. Trout’s walk rate is down to 10.5 percent. #Angels pic.twitter.com/3WMaqXROmC
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) August 30, 2020
There’s no more pitching around Mike Trout when you have to deal with Rendon at the plate after him. So far, Rendon’s been doing just fine with the arrangement.
Through September 2, Rendon is hitting .292 with 11 extra-base hits, 25 walks and 20 strikeouts.
Tyler Duffey – Minnesota Twins
Duffey took his first loss of the year this week, allowing a two-run home run in the fifth inning to Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera. Minnesota was unable to climb out of the two-run hole. He bounced back with his first multi-inning outing in his next appearance.
Through September 2, Duffey has a 1.88 ERA with a .4767 WHIP. He’s averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
Other Owls
Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen downplayed the chances of pitcher Jon Duplantier rejoining the rotation later in the season. Saying “I don’t think it’s likely” in response to a question about his availability in the coming weeks. If that is the case, we’ll have to wait until 2021 to see Duplantier on the mound again.
