#HIGHFIVE: Top 5 Black & Brown MLB Bros Of Week 2

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Without even making a dent in the schedule, MLB has rebounded strongly from the challenges of last year’s COVID season. After already seeing two no-hitters, a bench-clearing brawl, and what feels like daily game-winning hits from new and established MLB talent — these first two weeks only make fans crave for more. 

As far as MLB Bros go, there are 69 Black and Brown (125 including Alternate Site) players in a league of 906 players. Believe us when we tell you, that 7.6 percent is making a tremendous impact on the league. 

 

This week’s #HighFive features a new player at the top:

1. Byron Buxton 

Buxton makes the jump to the top of the list after continuing his solid start to the season. He has a .469 Batting average with 5 Home Runs and 9 RBI’s while having a hit in all 9 games he has played in.  

 

The work he put in during the offseason is paying off as he gained around 15 pounds of muscle and changed his approach to more of a power swing.  Defensively he has always been one of the best in the game and it’s good to see him putting it together on both sides.  Health has been the major factor in Buxton reaching his full potential and it’s worth noting he has missed the last few games, including Jackie Robinson Day, with hamstring tightness.

 

2. Akil Baddoo 

Real Deal Akil “BADDOO, BADDOO, BADDOO” was walked down by Buxton and fell from the top spot he owned last week. However, it’s no knock on the impact he has had on the Tigers.  

 

The rising rookie is hitting .370 with four home runs, including a two-run shot to left against the Astros in Houston.  Baddoo has been a spark plug for a  surprising Tiger’s team, currently tied for first in a wide-open American League Central.

3. Cedric Mullins (Baltimore Orioles) 

Cedric Mullins has been one of the hottest hitters on the planet as he has a 15-game hitting streak dating back to last season.  Entering Thursday’s games, Mullins was 5th in the league in batting average and 2nd in hits with 19.  

Mullins has become more of a complete player. Last year he was known for his bunting and defense in centerfield.  His ability to be a table-setter at the top of the Oriole lineup will be key in helping this Baltimore team gel fast.

4. Marcus Stroman/ Taijuan Walker

New York’s Black & Brown aces share cleanup in this week’s #High5.  Both have come into the season on fire as they have gotten back-to-back wins twice already, the most recent coming in a doubleheader sweep of the Phillies on Tuesday.

 

The melanated mound marauders have combined to pitch 22.1 innings posting a 1.61 ERA with a 2-0 record.  Both hurlers have been key in the Mets’ starting rotation having the 5th-best soft contact rate in the majors. 

 

5. Joe Ross

Joe Ross is the only new member of this week’s High 5 as he mowed down two of the best lineups in baseball.  He has not given up a run in 11 innings of work on the mound.  He has a 1-0 record and 9 strikeouts as he allowed only 6 hits combined to the Dodgers and Cardinals.

 

 

Ross and the Nationals had a bumpy start to the season as it began with a COVID  outbreak throughout their locker room.  With the team in chaos early in the season, Ross’ dominance has been a stabilizing force on the field and in the locker room.