The 2021 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are busy on the mound and at the plate. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls from this week.
Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
Rendon played eight games this season before a strained groin landed him on the injured list at the beginning of the week. The Angels are 2-2 without Rendon in the lineup thus far. For now, the Angels will anxiously await the return of one of the most productive hitters in the league over the past couple of seasons.
Highest OPS in last 162 games played (among players who have played this season):
1.079 Mike Trout
1.040 Nelson Cruz
1.035 Juan Soto
.970 Ronald Acuña Jr.
.965 Alex Bregman
.958 Freddie Freeman
.951 Anthony Rendon
.951 Christian Yelich— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) April 16, 2021
Through April 17, Rendon is hitting .290 with one extra-base hit, five walks and seven strikeouts. His OPS is .765.
Tyler Duffey – Minnesota Twins
Duffey’s lone outing of the week was a rough one, breaking his perfect 0.00 ERA stint through his first four appearances of the season. Opposing batters are hitting .286 against him this year, well above his carer average against of .252.
Through April 17, Duffey has a 4.50.00 ERA with a 2.250 WHIP. He’s averaging 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
Brock Holt – Texas Rangers
This Saturday marked Holt’s return from a brief stint on the Injured List, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout. He’s now reached base successfully in all five games this season and holds a .450 on-base percentage. That’s quite a bit higher than his career OBP of .338, amassed through 10 big league seasons.
Through April 17, Holt has three hits in 14 at bats, a .214 average. He’s walked six times, struck out three times and collected two RBI.
Lucas Luetege – New York Yankees
Luetege has made five appearances this season, including two this week. He went a season-long four innings on Friday against the Rays, striking out three and allowing two runs. He’s recorded three or more strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
Through April 17, Luetge has a 6.10 ERA with a 1.258 WHIP. He’s averaging 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings.