The last week in MLB was about a club in the National League making history, a reliever in the American League landing on the disabled list, and an infielder suffering an injury.
Arizona Diamondbacks Make History with Series Victories
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of the biggest surprises after the first month of the season. They have the best record in the National League at 19-8 and reached a significant accomplishment over the weekend.
The Diamondbacks won two out of three games against the Washington Nationals this past weekend, and this was their ninth straight series victory to open the season.
First NL team in 111 years to open the season with 9 straight series wins. #GenerationDbacks pic.twitter.com/QlXIbD672j
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 28, 2018
The @Dbacks never lost a series this April ???? pic.twitter.com/4Ngpnn8sgD
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 28, 2018
They’re the first club since the 2001 Seattle Mariners to win their first nine series of the season, and they tied a club record for consecutive series wins, per Nick Piecoro of azcentral.
Dbacks are the first team since the 2001 Mariners to win their first nine series of the season. This also ties a club record for consecutive series wins at any point in the year.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 28, 2018
The team is also the first NL club to win their first nine straight series since the 1907 Chicago Cubs, who won 11 straight series, per Stats By Stats.
Most Consecutive Series Wins to Start a Season – All-Time
1907 Cubs 11
1888 Red Stockings 10
2018 @Dbacks 9
2001 Mariners 9
1978 Tigers 9#GenerationDbacks— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) April 28, 2018
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It was expected the Los Angeles Dodgers would be the best team in the NL West, but the Diamondbacks are the top team in the division.
The secret to them being successful is receiving phenomenal pitching from the rotation and bullpen, steady defensive play and an offense that comes through when it matters most.
The Diamondbacks face an uphill battle in trying to match the 1907 Cubs as they start a four-game series against the Dodgers on Monday, followed by a series facing the Houston Astros.
Cleveland Indians Place Reliever Andrew Miller on Disabled List with Left Hamstring Strain
The Cleveland Indians will be without a critical member of their bullpen for quite some time as they placed reliever Andrew Miller on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, per an announcement by the team.
Actual roster move:
– Placed Andrew Miller on the 10-day DL with a left hamstring strain
– Selected the contract of Jeff Beliveau from Triple-A Columbus pic.twitter.com/x84lbNI4BV— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 26, 2018
It’s a monumental loss for the Indians without having Miller available.
The southpaw reliever is off to a fantastic start in 2018 as he has yet to allow a run in 10 innings. He has fanned 17 batters, issued just four walks and yielded only six hits.
Miller plays a prominent role in the bullpen for the Indians as he’s not only the setup guy for closer Cody Allen but can pitch multiple innings.
He’s someone that Indians skipper Terry Francona utilizes if the team is trying to prevent the opposition from having a big inning.
Since Miller has a hamstring injury, the Indians will be extremely cautious ensuring the reliever is entirely healthy before activating him off the DL.
This is the type of injury that can linger on throughout the season and become progressively worse if not treated properly.
Texas Rangers Put Third Baseman Adrian Beltre on DL with Left Hamstring Strain
The Texas Rangers will be short one of the best hitters on their roster for a couple of weeks.
The club has placed third baseman Adrian Beltre on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, per Rangers Executive Vice President of Communications John Blake.
Rangers place Adrian Beltre on 10 day DL with left hamstring strain. Ryan Rua recalled from Round Rock. Doug Fister activated from 10 day DL to start tonight. Matt Bush optioned to Round Rock.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) April 25, 2018
Beltre was off to a strong start for the Rangers before land on the DL. He posted a .310 batting average and .803 OPS with nine extra-base hits and nine RBIs in 24 games.
The third baseman is not only a fantastic hitter but serves a leader for some of the younger players on the Rangers’ roster.
Beltre isn’t expected to return until the middle of May as an injury to the hamstring takes time to heal.
Author Profile
- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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