Trending Up, Trending Down: Grandal Struggles, Kershaw & Greinke Surge
Trending Up:
Clayton Kershaw: Needing one win against the Giants in order to clinch the NL West, Kershaw was nearly perfect. In nine shutout innings, he allowed just two baserunners (one single, one walk), and registered 13 strikeouts — assuring a celebration at AT&T Park.
On Sunday, Kershaw made a final tuneup start of the regular season, striking out seven in 3.2 innings without allowing a run. He completed his 2015 campaign with a 2.13 ERA while also leading the Majors in innings pitched (232.2) and strikeouts (301).
Zack Greinke: Making two starts last week, one each against the Giants and Padres, Greinke solidified his case for a second career Cy Young award.
In 15 combined innings, he allowed three earned runs on eight hits while striking out 15 batters. He ends the regular season with a 1.66 ERA, the lowest for a qualified pitcher since 1995 (Greg Maddux, 1.63).
Brett Anderson and Alex Wood: With the number three spot in the NLDS rotation still up for grabs, both Anderson and Wood contributed with quality starts this past week.
The two combined to allow four earned runs over 14.2 innings pitched (2.45 ERA), with seven strikeouts to just one walk. It will be interesting to see which ground ball specialist gets the nod.
Honorable Mentions:
Corey Seager: Starting in six of seven games last week, Seager totaled two walks and eight hits, including a home run on Sunday.
A.J. Ellis: Picking up nine at-bats last week, Ellis homered on Tuesday and tallied four overall hits.
Andre Ethier: Receiving four starts (six games), Ethier produced three extra-base hits, including a pair of triples in San Francisco.
Justin Turner: In four starts last week, Turner went 4-for-13 (.308 batting average) with a home run and three RBIs.
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I’ve had it with Grandal’s lack of hitting, but he still has been good behind the plate.