Typically, a line in a box score that reads 1-for-2 with a single and two walks would not stand out. However, for Shin-Soo Choo , that line from Friday night was far more than enough to extend an impressive streak. The 36-year-old veteran, who was selected to his first All-Star team this season, has now reached base in 50 consecutive games. Overall during this stretch, which dates back to May 13, Choo has put up a stellar .332/.462/.579 slash line with 12 homers, 45 walks, 27 RBI, and 29 runs. The Rangers are not having much of a season (41-55), but Choo certainly is.

 

In Case You Missed It

The Cardinals lost to the Reds 8-2 on Saturday night, making it three straight defeats and 10-of-15 for the Red Birds. Apparently, the St. Louis front office had seen enough from a club that now sits 7.5 games out in the N.L. Central and 4.0 games behind in the Wild Card race, as it dismissed long-time manager Mike Matheny along with hitting coach John Mabry and assistant hitting coach Bill Mueller.

Matheny leaves the organization after compiling a nice 55.5 regular-season winning percentage since taking over prior to the 2012 season. His tenure includes four trips to the playoffs and an N.L. Pennant in 2013. However, the Cards are suddenly at risk of missing the postseason for a third straight season which is something they have not done since the late 90’s.

 

Quick Hitters

The Manny Machado trade chatter has been hot and heavy for several days with many suitors reportedly making offers to land, or perhaps “rent”, the services of the four-time All-Star and free agent to be. Among those suitors at this point, however, it now appears, per reports, that the Dodgers and Phillies are the favorites.

Following an almost unimaginable demotion to back to the minors more than two weeks ago, Jon Gray returned to an MLB mound in fantastic fashion Saturday night. The Rockies fourth-year flamethrower, who was largely expected to serve as the “ace” of the staff this season, limited a stout Seattle lineup to just one run on five hits and one walk across 7.1 innings.

It was simply another night at the office for Javy Baez on Saturday in San Diego. The versatile slugger enters Sunday tied for the N.L. lead with 71 RBI after driving in five during yesterday’s 11-6 victory. Baez finished the contest 2-for-5 with a homer and a double, and there is certainly an argument to be made that the first-time All-Star is the leader in the N.L. MVP race headed into the Break.

 

Streaking

Mookie Betts (BOS) – 12 games – 24-for-50, 1.372 OPS, 3 HR

Starling Marte (PIT) – 11 games – 18-for-43, 1.224 OPS, 4 HR

Yuli Gurriel (HOU) – 11 games – 17-for-42, 1.125 OPS, 2 HR

José Altuve (HOU) – 11 games – 15-for-44, .896 OPS, 2 HR

J.D. Martínez (BOS) – 10 games – 16-for-43, 1.144 OPS, 4 HR

 

You can follow Nate Miller on Twitter @Miller_RotoDad or hear him every Monday & Thursday hosting the Fantasy Alarm Fantasy Baseball Podcast along with Colby Conway.