Hunter Greene's Return: Hot or Not?

AL West

Hot: George Kirby stands out

Seattle’s rotation is known for being one of the most formidable in Major League Baseball, making it easy to overlook individual performances. However, George Kirby continues to shine with his consistent pitching. On a recent outing, he limited the Orioles to just three hits over seven innings while striking out seven batters. Despite not having the best record (8-5) or the lowest ERA (3.71), Kirby’s performance highlights the depth and talent of the Mariners’ starting rotation.

Not: Astros lose a critical reliever

Houston faced a setback when Josh Hader was diagnosed with a left shoulder capsule sprain on August 14. This injury will keep him sidelined for at least three weeks, and if surgery is required, he could be out for the rest of the season and into the first half of next year. While the Astros' bullpen remains strong, Hader's presence is crucial. His 2.05 ERA and 97% save percentage have been instrumental in maintaining the team's slim lead over the Mariners in the AL West.

AL Central

Hot: Tigers rely on their bullpen to regain momentum

Detroit has managed to bounce back from a challenging July, using its bullpen to maintain its division lead. The Tigers won five of six games last week thanks to a 2.45 ERA from their relief pitchers and two saves. Kyle Finnegan and Rafael Montero, acquired at the trade deadline, contributed significantly, with Finnegan not allowing a run since joining the team. Although the margins have been tight, every win counts.

Not: Twins succumb to August slump

Minnesota struggled through a typical August hitting slump, posting a .143/.219/.270 batting line. This led to a -1.2 WAR and a -15 run differential. The Twins also led all teams with 58 strikeouts in seven games, which made their two wins all the more fortunate.

AL East

Hot: Baltimore’s rotation marches on

Although the Orioles are out of playoff contention, their starting rotation continues to perform. The starters allowed four runs across four games, with Dean Kremer and Trevor Rogers combining for 12 strikeouts in 15 innings. Tomoyuki Sugano earned his 10th win in just 126 innings, providing a solid foundation for the team moving forward.

Not: Jarren Duran loses his swing

Boston’s center fielder has seen a significant drop in performance this season. Duran’s .125 batting average hasn’t helped the Red Sox’s inconsistent offense. While he drew four walks and contributed two runs, his overall production has declined.

NL West

Hot: San Diego’s rotation dominates

The Padres have been performing well, with their starting rotation playing a key role. Their starters have held opponents to a 1.82 ERA, limiting the Red Sox, Giants, and Dodgers to just five runs in five games. Yu Darvish, Nestor Cortes, and Nick Pivetta were in sync during the series against San Francisco, each earning a quality start and combining for 17 strikeouts. With this kind of performance, the Padres remain in the race for the division title.

Not: Giants skid hard

San Francisco has struggled with a seven-game losing streak, putting them out of playoff contention. Justin Verlander had his worst game of the season in an 8-0 loss to the Nationals, allowing five runs and a home run in five innings. The Giants then lost 16-2 in a series against the Padres, as Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and rookie Kai-Wei Teng failed to hold the lead. Even with one of the strongest rotations in MLB, the Giants’ starters let the team down.

NL Central

Hot: Hunter Greene dazzles in return

After missing over two months due to a groin strain, Hunter Greene made a strong return. In his first game back since June 3, he shut out the Phillies, allowing only three hits and striking out six batters. His performance came at a crucial time, as the Reds moved within half a game of the Mets for the final Wild Card spot in the NL.

Not: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s spark dies

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s hot streak came to an end in August. He went 1-for-15 in his latest stretch, with only one decent hit against the Pirates. Although he didn’t strike out much, his inability to get on base was a concern. The Cubs’ struggles continue, and it seems like the team is still looking for a consistent source of power.

NL East

Hot: Pete Alonso becomes franchise HR leader

Pete Alonso made history on August 12 by hitting his 253rd career home run, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s record and becoming the all-time home run leader in Mets history. Alonso achieved this feat in just 965 games and ranks third in MLB for home runs this season. His performance has solidified his place as one of the league’s premier sluggers.

Not: Philly pitchers start dropping

Philadelphia’s pitching staff has faced some challenges. Zack Wheeler was placed on the 15-day IL with a blood clot in his right shoulder, a serious injury that could impact the team’s playoff hopes. Jhoan Duran also suffered a minor injury after being hit by a line drive, though his X-rays were negative. Both injuries highlight the importance of keeping the team’s top pitchers healthy as the season progresses.