Melanated Mound Marauders Shoved Across The Board | Here’s An Update On The Top MLBbro Pitchers Across The League

Melanated Mound Marauders Shoved Across The Board | Here’s An Update On The Top MLBbro Pitchers Across The League

by | Apr 13, 2023 | THE LEAD OFF

The Melanated Mound Marauders have seen plenty of action through the first couple of weeks of the season, so let’s give you MLBbro fans an update on who’s hot and who’s on the cusp of greatness. 

 

Hot Starter: Marcus Stroman 

 

 

 

After his first two starts, Marcus Stroman has kept it squeaky clean. He’s collected two wins after twirling 12 innings, fanning 14 batters and allowing nobody across the dish, giving up just five total hits in that span. 

 

Stroman got the contract he wanted before the 2022 season, signing a 3-year, $71 million deal, and in turn, Chicago is getting every cent’s worth of the ace they needed. 

 

Both of Stroman’s starts were quality, going six scoreless in each. He’s just the fourth Cubs pitcher to toss at least six innings and allow zero runs in his first two starts of a season, joining Mike Bielecki (1991), Bill C. Lee (1934), and Mike Prendergast (1916), per Elias Sports Bureau.

 

His third start saw the first blemish on his ‘23 resume. Stro Show Marcus Stroman was his same steady self in his third start of the 2023 season, allowing his first two runs of the season over six solid innings while fanning six in the Cubs’ 5-2 loss to the Seattle, giving Stroman his first loss (2-1) of the season. Stro has a minuscule ERA of 1.00 this year. 

 

Just like he did in 2017, the right-hander is feeding off the energy and his performance in the World Baseball Classic. 

 

“When I played in that WBC [in 2017], I felt like I had one of the best starts to my season,” Stroman told MLB.com. “It puts you in that competitive mind frame and gets you going much earlier than Spring Training. Playing super competitive, playoff-level-atmosphere baseball in March is extremely fun, but not only fun, it makes you get ready for the start of the season.”

 

Although high-level reps play a major factor in Stroman’s early success this season, the 5-foot-7, 180-pound hurler’s confidence and mindset never seem to waver. His swagger on the mound is on visual display with his durag poking out from under his cap, but he also shows off his mindset in the apparel he sports off the field. The bounce back from last year’s slow start, where he allowed 13 earned runs in his first three games, is evident in how Stroman carries himself. 

 

“I think the mental point of that is just knowing that I’ve been through spurts where I haven’t been great, and then I’ve always come out on the other end pretty well,” Stroman said. “So I look at adversity as something to grow from. I look at bad times as something to turn into better times. So I never shy away from struggle, you know, or adversity. I truly believe that it makes you a better individual.”

 

Stroman is the model for the saying, “no crying in baseball”, as he’s been seen wearing an Enfants Riches Deprimes “ERD” hat with text on the front read “Wasted Tears.”

 

“I think ‘Wasted Tears’ means exactly what it says,” Stroman said. “I think a lot of people put themselves in a position where they’re either stressed or overwhelmed. I think that ‘Wasted Tears’ should be looked at as the positive moments, or smiles, in that sense, honestly.”

 

Stroman is making the most of the positive moments, whether it’s fanning eight batters on Opening Day or showing off his electric smile in the WBC. This melanated mound marauder is pound-for-pound one of the most exciting pitchers to watch, and you won’t want to miss the rest of his games this season. 

 

On the cusp of greatness: Hunter Greene 

 

Hunter Greene is one inning away from being one of the most dangerous flamethrowers in the league.

 

At just 23 years old, the young ace is one of five active Black starting pitchers and has carried a heavy load since entering the league with high expectations from the Reds. 

 

In Greene’s second season in the Majors, he was the Opening Day starter for Cincinnati. After his first three starts, he sits with a 5.14 ERA, allowing eight runs over 14 innings while fanning 23 batters. 

 

 

 

Each of the right-hander’s first two starts had laborious innings or a key homer allowed that derailed his opportunity to go deeper into the game.

 

But Greene was able to display his ability to overcome adversity in his third start, giving up two early runs against a powerhouse Atlanta lineup. But the flamethrower persevered, twirling his first quality start allowing three runs over six innings while striking out 10 batters along the way.

 

Greene is one of three Reds pitchers with multiple games striking out 10 batters without allowing a walk before turning 24 (since at least 1901). The other former Reds pitchers that also have two such games are Don Gullett (1973-1974) and Gary Nolan (1967).  

 

Greene has relied heavily on his fastball, throwing it 156 times already this season with an average velocity of 99.9 mph. 

 

“Pretty incredible,” said catcher Tyler Stephenson. “Obviously, we know how great he is and how great he is going to be. It’s fun. I was telling him my [left index] finger is a little sore today. He was throwing hard.”

 

Greene’s potential is through the roof with his blazing fastball and sweeping slider, but he’ll need to keep making the necessary adjustments to avoid long innings to elongate his time on the mound. 

 

Josiah Gray 

 

 

Josiah Gray falls into the category of being on the cusp because of his lack of run support from the Nationals.

 

Admittedly so, Gray’s first outing against the Braves, where he allowed five runs over five innings, including three home runs, wasn’t an ideal start to the season. But the 25-year-old was able to redeem himself with two back-to-back solid performances yet still ended up with the loss, moving his record to 0-3. 

 

Over his last two starts, the right-hander allowed just three runs over 11 2/3 innings. The Nationals’ offense hasn’t given Gray any leeway, as they have only scored one run over his three starts. 

 

“It’s always going to sting to get an ‘L’ with your name attached to it, but I know I’m going out there doing my job, keeping my team in the game and just making it simpler on myself,” Gray told MLB.com. “I’m seeing the results I want to see in terms of getting softer contact, getting more ground balls, getting off the barrel.

 

“These last two starts are really beneficial, and they will bear fruit a week from now, two weeks from now, months from now, to where I have the year I’m looking to have.”

 

The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder going pitch for pitch with Shohei Ohtani in his latest outing on Tuesday is proof that he can hold his own against the best, but he’ll need support from the players behind him to have the success he’s hoping for. 

 

Hot Relievers: Devin Williams 

 

Devin Williams is doing it all for the Brewers. 

 

In three appearances out of the bullpen, Williams has earned a win and a save while maintaining a clean ERA over three innings, allowing just two hits while fanning two batters. 

 

 

The right-hander picked up the save in his first appearance of 2023 in a 3-1 win over the Cubs. The two hits Williams has allowed thus far were both in this game but struck out the game’s final batter to protect the lead. 

 

He collected his first win of the season four days later in a 7-6 walk-off win against the Mets after slamming the door in the top of the 9th, allowing no hits or walks. 

 

Carl Edwards Jr.

 

Carl Edwards Jr. has been dominant in all five of his appearances this season. 

 

The 31-year-old garners a 1.81 ERA over five innings, striking out five. If fans are into angel numbers, Edwards might be your guy this season. 

 

The right-hander has allowed one hit or less in all of his appearances thus far this season, except for his outing against the Rockies on April 8. 

 

 

The 6-foot-3, 165-pounder came into the game after Anthony Band had already given up three runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out in the ninth. Edwards was tasked with cleaning the mess and preserving a then two-run lead. He gave up three hits and his lone earned run of the season to Colorado, but Edwards got the last laugh as he struck out Kris Bryant to secure his first save of the season in the Nationals’ 7-6 win. 

 

In 2022, Edwards was arguably Washington’s best reliever, leading the bullpen in ERA (2.76) and finishing eighth on the team with 1.3 WAR. 

 

But his resurgence to success wouldn’t have been without the trust that manager Dave Martinez instilled in Edwards in 2018. 

 

Martinez and Edwards’ relationship was built around a championship. Martinez was the bench coach, and Edwards was a key figure out of the bullpen during the Cubs’ World Series title run in 2016.

 

Martinez became the manager of the Nationals in 2017, and in 2018 Edwards’ injury-riddled seasons began. This is when Martinez reached out to Edwards telling him, “If you are ever in a bind, we have a place for you [in Washington].” 

 

Then, when it seemed like no team wanted Edwards, the Nationals signed Edwards to a Minor League contract on March 8, 2022. His contract was selected by the team on May 10. Martinez had reached out with a reminder of his promise years earlier: “Remember, I told you, ‘I got you, man. You got me.’”

 

Now Edwards comes out of the bullpen with a revitalized sense of urgency, picking up the guy in front of him, figuratively reiterating what Martinez had once done for him to save his career, “I got you, man. You got me.”

 

On the cusp relievers: Taylor Hearn

 

Taylor Hearn was nearly perfect through his first two appearances, allowing just one walk over 3 1/3 innings while fanning four batters. 

 

But the Cubs got the best of him in his third outing. Hearn gave up four runs on five hits and a walk while fanning two batters over 1 2/3. innings. This performance launched his ERA from squeaky clean to 7.20. 

 

If Hearn can display more signs of his first two impressions and keep the big innings to a minimum, he’s well on his way to having a prosperous season. 

 

Jordan Hicks

 

Jordan Hicks has had scattered performances throughout the year.

 

In five game appearances, Hicks has tossed five innings, allowing six earned runs and five strikeouts. 

 

The right-hander has given up two or fewer runs in each of his appearances, but this consistency of runs allowed over his reliever inning load has skyrocketed his ERA to 10.80. 

 

The 26-year-old flamethrower is a prospect that you’ll definitely need to keep your eyes on as he topped out at 104.6 in a spring training game against the Mets. That is the fastest-tracked pitch (regular season, playoffs, or Spring Training) since Hicks threw 105 mph twice in May 2018.

 

 

In addition, Hicks also hit 102 mph 10 different times. That feat has been accomplished only by four other pitchers in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008): Aroldis Chapman (14 times), Ryan Helsley, Bruce Rondon, and Jhoan Duran. Hicks himself has done it six other times before Saturday.

 

Hicks is readjusting to pitching out of the bullpen after earning the opportunity to start last year after his first three seasons were spent in the ‘pen. 

 

The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder was only alerted that he’d be starting in the final week of a compressed Spring Training in 2022, with the coaching staff saying that he would be eased in. Hicks went 0-4 with a 5.47 ERA over eight starts before an injured list stint last year. 

 

But Hicks, now as healthy as he’s been since 2019, is ready to embrace his reliever role but adamant that fans do not diminish the chance that he’ll earn another opportunity to start if he continues to showcase his talents. 

 

“No, I don’t feel like I got my fair shot [starting],” Hicks told MLB.com. “I didn’t come in built up, I built up during the season, and I don’t agree with people who come up and say, ‘You feel like you got the starting bug out? Are you done starting?’

 

“I don’t have an [ambition to start] or want to start because it’s not in the plans right now; things aren’t lining up for that this season,” added Hicks. “But, down the road, sure. This year, I am preparing for [relieving], and why would I want to go back to doing something else? Overall, I’m in a good position, and I’m happy to be in the bullpen right now.”

 

Honorable Mention: 

Jack Flaherty

After walking 13 batters in his first two starts, St. Louis Cardinals ace Jack Flaherty rebounded with just one walk over 5.1 innings while striking out six and allowing just one earned run, on Wednesday (April 12) against the Colorado Rockies. Glad he’s got his control together because he’s only surrendered three runs in 15.1 innings pitched.

 

Taj Bradley

When the Tampa Rays placed starting pitcher Zach Eflin on the IL, they called up top prospect Taj Bradley

 

“All Of A Sudden…He Gets Bigger And Stronger” | MLBbro Pitcher Taj Bradley Has Sights Set On Being Next Tampa Bay Rays Great

 

The talented pitcher had eight strikeouts, surrendered five hits and three runs in his MLB debut in the Rays’ 12th straight win to begin the season.

 

With 2021 In His Rearview, MLBbro Carl Edwards Jr. Has Found A Home In Washington

With 2021 In His Rearview, MLBbro Carl Edwards Jr. Has Found A Home In Washington

by | Jul 7, 2022 | THE THREE SPOT

Carl Edwards Jr. is playing with his fifth team in the last three seasons. The brother has certainly bounced around the league. The Washington Nationals took a shot on Edwards this season despite his struggles the past few years.

Edwards has shown that he can be effective on the mound and that people should not write him off.

 

In Case Y’all Didn’t Know | MLBbros Shining As Elite MLB Relievers

 

When he joined the team in May, he immediately made his presence felt on the mound. After allowing three runs in his season debut, Edwards did not allow a run in his next 13 appearances.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez is very familiar with Edwards, as the two were together in Chicago with the Cubs. Martinez remembers what Edwards brought to the mound and he wanted Edwards to be a part of his team in the nation’s capital.

“I knew all along if he could stay healthy, and throw strikes, that he could help us, and he’s doing that right now,” Martinez said of Edwards back in June according to an article from NBC Sports. “I’ve had him, like I said, he was with me in Chicago, we knew what he could do if he pounded the strike zone, and his focus right now is throwing strikes, and he’s done a great job. I’ve used him in different situations, but he’s really done a great job for us.”

Edwards dealt with multiple injuries in 2021 and he only made seven appearances that entire season playing with two teams. He appeared in one game with the Atlanta Braves giving up three earned runs in 0.1 innings of work and then made six appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up four earned in 5.1 innings.

It was a trying year for Edwards as he looked to get back healthy and to make a comeback going forward. He’s certainly been doing just that this season and has been effective out of the bullpen for the Nationals by cutting down on the finesse and just rearing back and letting it loose. 

“I’m not trying to nibble,” he said. “The more you’re in the strike zone, the more contact you get so the best thing for me with the way I have been pitching is if I’m getting weak contact and throwing 15 pitches less in an inning, it helps me out for the next day’s recovery. I have a speedier recovery. If I throw more, the recovery takes a little longer.”

 

 

Through 26 games, he has a 2-3 record with a 3.60 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 30 innings of work. He has not appeared in this many games since the 2018 season when he made 58 appearances for the Cubs.

This is definitely a good sign to see from Edwards and although the Nationals have struggled this year, he’s been a bright spot out of the bullpen.

And Edwards is having fun being a part of the team as well.

“I love this team,” he said. “I’m relaxed here, but it just goes to show if anything happens and I’m not here, I’m still gonna wish these guys the best for the upcoming years. It’s because, like I said, these guys was the team that really had interest in me and was willing to give me the opportunity so it’s all I can do is say than you and continue to be myself.”

Watching Edwards throughout the season just goes to show you that you should never give up when adversity hits, and always put your best foot forward and work hard every day. That’s what grinding out a career at the major league level is all about. 

Black Baseball Was On Full Display This Weekend | Nats vs. Rangers Bro Show

Black Baseball Was On Full Display This Weekend | Nats vs. Rangers Bro Show

by | Jun 27, 2022 | THE THREE SPOT

Black baseball was on full display this weekend as the Washington Nationals made a rare trip to Texas for a series against the Texas Rangers.  Here is how some of the best bros in baseball fared.

Josh Bell

Josh Bell ended the weekend with a .308 batting average which is the highest for any switch hitter in the majors this season.  He is playing the best baseball of his career and made a statement during the first game of his return series in his hometown of Dallas, Texas going 3-for-4 with a triple, double and a RBI, capping it off by scoring the game-winning run in the top of the 8th.

He ended the series Sunday going 3-for-5 with a double and a RBI.

Bell came into the series riding a high note after hitting four home runs in a three-day span against the Philadelphia Phillies, a team he has crushed in recent history with eight home runs, 23 runs batted in and a .293 average since joining Washington last season.

After this season Bell will become a free agent and things may get interesting for him as the trade deadline approaches.

Josh Bell’s Unlimited Potential Is Truly Emerging | Washington Nationals Slugger Bringing Big Stick Energy

In addition to leading all switch hitters in batting average, Bell is first in hits and on base percentage while ranking second in slugging percentage and OPS.

He finished the series going 7-for-11 with two RBI.

Josiah Gray

Josiah Gray threw a career high, in both innings (seven), and pitches (117), in Saturday afternoon’s matchup.

He struck out nine, allowed four hits, walked only one and the only runs he allowed to cross the plate came on a two-run homer in the second inning.

Gray put his name in the conversation for the National League Pitcher of the Month award with the numbers he put up in June.

In his last five starts, Gray is 2-0 with a 1.24 ERA and has allowed only three extra base hits (all home runs) and held batters to a .155 batting average against which is the lowest in the majors since May 29.

During that time he also did not surrender a hit to a righty, holding them to 0-for-19 against him, and his 1.24 ERA over that span is the third lowest in the majors and the second lowest in the National League.

The next start for Gray will be this Friday when he faces off against “The Bahamian Blur” Jazz Chisholm Jr. and the Miami Marlins.

Carl Edwards Jr

“The Slanga” aka Carl Edwards Jr., has been solid out of the bullpen for Washington in his return to the Bigs this season.

This series he pitched 2.2 innings giving up no runs on one hit and one strikeout.  He got the win in Friday’s game and is now 1-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings this season.

He currently ranks third in the National League in opponent’s batting average, hits per nine innings and WHIP.

In a stat that will probably surprise 99 percent of baseball fans, only Josh Hader has allowed a lower opponent’s batting average for all Major League relievers other than Edwards since 2015.

Over his last 6.2 innings Edwards has only given up one hit, struck out seven and has not given up a run.

Taylor Hearn

In one of the most questionable moves this season, the Rangers sent Dallas native pitcher Taylor Hearn to Triple A Roundrock after throwing four shutout innings in relief Saturday.

Hearn, who’s four wins are tied for the second most on the team was sent down to the bullpen earlier this week after a few rough outings, but looked sharp in his long relief role that may better suit him for future success at the Major League level.

The front office has not given a reason for sending Hearn down, but said he will be working as a starter while in Roundrock, which coincides with them saying they believe he can bring his best stuff in shorter stints out of the bullpen.

Hearn may only be down for a week if not shorter but that still remains to be seen.

Regardless, a homegrown pitcher who has become one the faces of the franchise as well as a leader in the clubhouse to be sent down after the best outing any reliever has had for your team this season, leaves us with more questions than answers.

Marcus Semien

The record holder for most home runs in a season by a second baseman has been grinding over the last month to raise his batting average from under the Mendoza Line to above .230.

This series Semien went 3-for-14 including a 2-for-5 game Friday night.

Semien did have the chance to drive in the winning run Friday but failed to after he flew out.

His batting average is now at .228 with seven home runs and 27 RBI on the season.

The Rangers will head out on a road trip this week beginning in Kansas City before they head to New York for a battle versus the Mets who have the best record in the National League.

With 2021 In His Rearview, MLBbro Carl Edwards Jr. Has Found A Home In Washington

Carl Edwards Jr. Has Rough Nats Debut, But The Gas Thrower Will Earn His Keep

by | May 11, 2022 | 5TH SLOT

NATIONALS PARK — Melanated Mound Marauder Carl Edwards Jr. throws gas for the Washington Nationals. Unfortunately, Tuesday night in Washington was just a quick trip in relief where he gave up three earned runs and a 2-0 lead to the New York Mets in his Nationals debut. 

After their contentious series in Queens last month, the teams were well behaved as New York beat Washington 4-2 at Nationals Park.

During his only inning of work, Edwards turned Patrick Corbin’s best start of the season into a no decision.  After a tremendous start in Rochester leading to dreams of staying in the District for the rest of the season, Edwards lived through the nightmare debut with help from one of his biggest clubhouse supporters.

Nationals manager Davey Martinez and new teammate Josh Bell came to his defense. Edwards definitely pulled his weight in his prior destination. During his extended stay in western New York, Edwards was killing it with a 1-0 record and a 0.63 ERA in 13 games. He had only walked four batters coming in, striking out 17 and opposing batters were hitting at a 0.68 clip. Washington was hoping Edwards could be a part of a remixed middle relief tandem that could relieve pressure from the already taxed bullpen.

Bell admitted that he was “pumped” to have Edwards on his side because he didn’t relish the notion of facing Edwards’ “elite cutter” anymore. He also gave his “homeboi” props for having a great, albeit short spring training.  The latest edition to Washington’s evolving rotation 

Bell didn’t help Edwards’ cause in his fateful fifth inning.  Despite repping for his man with the media, the Nats first baseman played a tough out into what was ruled a two RBI double that gave the Mets a 3-2 lead. Bell did continue to scorch with the bat, going 2-for-4 in the game to lift his average to .349, good for fifth in the league. 

He also has four homers.

The only Black starting first baseman in baseball is locking down an All-Star bid early in the season. The Nats haven’t gelled as a team yet, but MLBbro Carl Edwards adds another live arm that can help hold the fort during this rebuild.