#HIGHFIVE | These MLBbros Blew Up This Week. They Don’t Want July To End.

Devin Williams’ Airbender changeup has been the best pitch in Major League Baseball this year, giving hitters the blues since the start of April. He has not surrendered a run in 18 of his last 19 appearances and his Brewers own the top spot in the National League Central entering the weekend. He sits atop our #HIGHFIVE list this week. 

 

1. Devin “Airbender” Williams

 

Two-time All-Star Devin Williams sits 2nd in the National League with 26 saves as he has been one of the most dominant relievers in the sport since returning from the break. He has not given up a run in his last seven innings pitched, only allowing three hits, two walks and striking out 14.

Williams’ save over the Atlanta Braves last weekend set the tone for what could be a potential Wild Card matchup this postseason.

 

 

2. Josh Bell

With hits in seven straight games and a .385 batting average over that span, Josh Bell is giving Cleveland exactly what they hoped he would when they signed him over the off-season.

 

 

His recent work at the plate has not gone unnoticed as he was given the honor of being the feature of Rob Parker’s Homeboi Highlights this week.

With the Guardians offense struggling and sitting 24th overall in the Majors, Bell, along with the Naylor Bros and Jose Rameriez are going to have to continue to produce at the plate as well as on defense if they want to pass the Twins in the race for the  American League Central pennant.

 

3. Marcus Semien

Marcus Semien became the 17th second baseman to hit 200 home runs with his leadoff home run against the Dodgers Saturday afternoon and prompting a shout out for his hard work from his Pops!

 

The highlight of the week for the Rangers Captain came Wednesday when he hit homer #201 against the Astros.

 

 

After being hit in the back with a fastball, Semien homered on the next pitch he saw and made sure the Houston battery and dugout knew how he felt about it.

Later in the game, after a Texas grand slam, Semien had a few more words for catcher Martin Maldinado, leading to the benches clearing and both being thrown out of the game.

“When I hit the home run, I told him we are going to win this game,” Semien told reporters.

“He said it would be just like when I was in Oakland.  Whatever.  After I scored on Adolis grand slam I told him “I told you” and all of a sudden their whole bench was out there.”

Semien and his Rangers will have another shot at vengeance against the Astros in a three-game series in early September.

 

4. C.J. Abrams

This time last season C.J. Abrams had his life turned upside down, switching coast from San Diego all the way to D.C. after he was traded in a package for Juan Soto and Josh Bell.

 

It has not come without struggle, but since the start of July he has become a force for the Nationals in the field and the plate, sporting a .338 batting average with 11 steals, 20 runs scored, eight RBI and a bases loaded walk off ninth inning single Wednesday.

 

 

5. Tim Anderson

He is hitting .357 with a .41 on base percentage, four walks and three runs scored in his last seven games. Despite his slow start, teams will be lining up at the door for the former batting champion. In his most recent games, Tim Anderson has been playing himself out of the Southside and hopefully to a contender before the end of next week’s trade deadline.

 

 

 The best suitors for T.A.’s services are the Blue Jays, Angels and San Francisco Giants.