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The last week in MLB was about a player making franchise history, a player will be retiring after next season, and a first baseman will undergo season-ending surgery.
Los Angeles Angels Superstar Shohei Ohtani Makes Franchise History
Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani made franchise history over the weekend in the series against the San Diego Padres.
The first player in Angels history to record 40+ home runs and 20+ steals in a season?
None other than Shohei Ohtani 💨
(via @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/RZzehXeZUU
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) August 29, 2021
This year, Ohtani stole his 20th base and became the first player in team history to have a season with 40 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Power and speed. Shohei Ohtani's incredible season continues. pic.twitter.com/eJ4w93WN6n
— MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2021
He is the first American League player to reach those marks since Curtis Granderson did it with the New York Yankees in 2011.
Ohtani is the first Japanese-born player to have a season with at least 40 home runs and 20 stolen bases, per MLB Stats.
Shohei Ohtani is the first Japanese-born player with a 40 HR/20 SB season. pic.twitter.com/bOc5hAWH3J
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 29, 2021
Ohtani has had a remarkable 2021 season which will be remembered.
He has posted a .264 batting average and .986 OPS in 125 games with 85 runs scored, 25 doubles, five triples, 41 home runs, and 89 RBIs.
As a pitcher in 19 games, he has compiled a 3.00 ERA in 105 innings pitched with 127 strikeouts, 39 walks allowed, 11 home runs yielded, and 3.42 FIP.
Ohtani has been masterful on the mound and when he steps in the batter’s box.
I am hopeful that Ohtani can stay healthy to have several seasons of showcasing his two-way talent.
St. Louis Cardinals Catcher Yadier Molina Will Retire After 2022 Season
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has said he will retire after the 2022 season, per Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Yadier Molina says the 2022 season will be his final season. #STLCards
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) August 25, 2021
Molina signed a one-year extension with the Cardinals last week worth reportedly $10 million.
The backstop has spent his entire career with the Cardinals and will retire with the club.
We should not take this for granted as it is quite rare for a player to spend their entire career with one franchise.
Molina has had a decent 2021 campaign with the Cardinals as he has posted a .258 average and .673 OPS in 98 games with 16 doubles, eight home runs, and 51 RBIs.
He was known for being a stout defensive catcher early in his career and developed into a better hitter as the years progressed.
The value Molina has provided the Cardinals goes deeper than numbers.
He acts as an extension of the manager and knows how to handle a pitching staff.
Molina is bound for Cooperstown when he becomes eligible.
Philadelphia Phillies First Baseman Rhys Hoskins Will Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins will undergo season-ending surgery to repair an abdominal tear, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Rhys Hoskins will not play again this season. He said he will have surgery soon to repair a tear in his lower abdomen.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 26, 2021
He recently returned from the injured list after dealing with a groin injury.
The loss of Hoskins is enormous for the Phillies as they are battling for a playoff spot.
Hoskins was a significant contributor for the Phillies this year when healthy.
He posted a .247 average and .864 OPS in 107 games with 29 doubles, 27 home runs, and 71 RBIs.
The team will miss his bat in the lineup, and it will be more challenging for them to have a chance of making the postseason.
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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