#HIGHFIVE | Top 5 Black & Brown MLB Players (Week 23)

Our very own Brandon Carr believes Triston McKenzie is the best MLBbro pitcher in the game, and over his last few starts his numbers haven’t lied.

He etched his name into the Cleveland baseball record books and has retired 96 of the last 112 batters he has faced.

For that, McKenzie takes the top spot on week 23 of our #High/Five list.

1. Triston McKenzie

This past Tuesday Triston McKenzie became the first pitcher in Cleveland Guardians history to throw six plus innings and allow three or fewer hits in five consecutive starts.

After putting his 5.57 ERA for the month of July behind him, McKenzie has been a different animal on the mound.

He posted a 1.93 ERA in the month of August and began his recent streak of seven consecutive starts going six or more innings.

McKenzie sat out for a week after dealing with shoulder fatigue, and although many thought that would spell the end of his season, it seems to have made him stronger for the final regular season push.

Even though the Guardians are basically out of the playoff picture, McKenzie has a chance to showcase why he can be a number one or two starter in their rotation next season.

His next start is scheduled for next Monday against Michael Taylor and the Kansas City Royals.

2. Aaron Judge/ Giancarlo Stanton

 

 

Last weekend’s Subway Series matchup between the Yankees and Mets was one of the most entertaining of the season, and Stanton and Judge found themselves right in the thick of things.

Saturday night Judge hit two home runs including one off of fellow MLBbro All-Star Taijuan Walker, which made him the second fastest player ever to reach 150 homers, doing so in just 552 games.

The only person to do it in fewer games was former Philidelphia Phillie Ryan Howard who did it in just 495 games.

He also hit a two-run game tying home run in the 8th inning, as the Yankees pulled out an 8-7 victory.

Sunday night’s game was a wild one in itself, and this time Giancarlo Stanton decided to stir the pot.

After Mets shortstop Franciso Lindor had some words for the Yankees during his home run trot, Stanton put one in the stands himself and made sure to let Lindor know about it after he rounded second.

Benches would clear, but I am sure nobody was looking forward to a face to face with Stanton.

3. Mookie Betts

It’s a good thing we never hit the panic button on Mookie Betts, because he’s back, and the number over his current eight game hitting streak proves it.

Over that stretch Betts has two home runs and six RBI, including a three-run home run Saturday night to break a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning.

Something about the fifth inning felt good to Mookie over the weekend, as he hit a solo shot to deep left during Sunday’s game as well.

Betts and his Dodgers have officially clinched a playoff spot and are right on the Giants’ tails for the number one overall seed in the National League.

4. Marcus Stroman

Tuesday’s start against the Cardinals was the 23rd time Stroman allowed two or fewer runs this season, tying him with Dodgers aces Walker Buehler and Max Scherzer for the most this season.

Stroman also showed us why he is one of the top athletes in the sport, as he dropped a bunt down and sprinted 4.02 to first base.

It’s not the first time Stroman has shown off his skill with the bat as well as his speed.  Multiple pitchers have fallen victim to his bunt singles, and with the speed he has he’ll claim more in his future.

Stroman’s next start will come next Tuesday in Fenway Park against the Red Sox.

5. LaMonte Wade Jr.

“Late Game LaMonte” is one of the many reasons the San Francisco Giants have the best record in baseball and he has earned a key role for the championship run they are preparing to go on.

Over his last seven games Wade Jr. is hitting .320 with five RBI, four walks and five runs scored.

Wade has made a name for himself by coming up in big situations late in games this season.

During the 9th inning, he is 9-for-15 with nine RBI, including a go-ahead two run single in the top of the ninth inning of their game against the Rockies.

This season Wade Jr. now has 17 home runs, 48 RBI, six steals and an .845 slugging percentage.