In a year where Nico Hoerner has seemingly put it all together, the 25-year-old shortstop’s scorching summer run at the plate has continued throughout the month of August.
Hoerner is slashing .296/.345/.418 with 7 HRs and a career-high .763 OPS this season. The 2018 MLB first round draft pick has highlighted his fourth season in the big leagues with two of the best months of his career.
The shortstop began his summer hitting .344 with nine multi-hit games in the month of June.
Now, with still 12 games still to play in August, the Standford University product has rivaled those figures as he continues to lead the Chicago offense in the stretch run.
His .839 OPS in August is his second best, but just barely. June's .844 OPS was the best of any individual month in his career. Six multi-hit games, including three-hit games against the Miami Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Washington Nationals, have helped in raising that figure.
His August numbers in key statistic categories when compared to all Major League shortstops have ranked him in the top-five of batting average (fifth), hits (tied for fifth), OPS (fourth), and OBP (fifth).
As the Cubs look to secure a sweep, it's hard to imagine that Hoerner will remain quiet at the plate for Sunday's finale against the Brewers. Despite his 0-for-5 performance at the plate this series, he will look to cause havoc against Milwaukee on Sunday.
While a small sample size, Hoerner is 1-for-8 against Milwaukee's Brandon Woodruff. However, his numbers versus right-handed pitchers this season are at career-highs in hits (79), RBI (27), strikeout percentage (11.1%), and wRC (38.)
As Hoerner looks to continue his hot month at the plate, his consistency to produce and remain healthy has been one of the biggest positives for Chicago as they look to carry his success into next year.
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