After a relaxing and well deserved vacation, Rhys is back to cover AAA with Smada continuing the MLB grind. Ivan Herrera had a career game, Nick Kurtz is making AAA look like Little League, and Rhys is ready to see Craig Yoho in the big leagues.

Major League Baseball

Covered by Smada

Ivan Herrera, C STL (MLB) 

3-for-6, 3 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI, BB, K

What a day for Herrera, truly didn’t know he had a throng of dongs in him. As Willson Contreras got announced as the everyday first baseman, the door was opened for Herrera and Pedro Pages to get opportunities. Even though Herrera is by far the superior hitter, there were grumblings that the Cardinals liked Pages a bit more behind the dish. The worry was a 50/50 timeshare, but in the early going Herrera has started four of six games. An outburst like this is likely to increase that share.

Mike Trout, RF LAA (MLB) 

1-for-4, HR, R, RBI, K

Great to see Trout get on the board with his first bomb of the year. It’s been a bit of a rough week, but that’s all we’re going to call it at this point. Be careful to read too much into a lower walk rate or SwStr% over 6 games, they are still well within his normal ranges given that sample.

Ian Anderson, RHP LAA (MLB) 

IP, 6 H, 5 R (4 ER), BB, K

Ian Anderson entered the game in the 7th to protect a two-run lead. He had never thrown in back to back games in his career. That’s the Angels for you.

Oneil Cruz, CF PIT (MLB) 

2-for-4, HR, R, 2 RBI, K, SB

Does Oneil Cruz have his sights set on a Ronald Acuna Jr. type season? He’s already swiped six bags in seven games and added his second home run, an oppo left-center shot coming 108 mph off the bat. The whiffs have been down and he’s walked a handful of times already. Let’s see if he can build off the strong starts.