Early MLB storylines to be aware of heading into April
The opening weekend of MLB is over, which means March has ended and April baseball gets underway. Here are some early-season storylines that fans should think twice about believing in.
Atlanta's revenge on Philadelphia with an opening series win
The Braves won two out of three games in Philadelphia over the weekend. The last time Atlanta played at Citizens Bank Park, they were eliminated from the 2023 NLDS by the Phillies for a second consecutive season. Some Braves fans might feel their squad exacted some revenge with the opening series win against their playoff nemesis.
However, despite Atlanta's 21-14 regular season record against Philadelphia since 2022, the reigning NL East champs are 2-6 as the favorites over that period when games have mattered the most in October.
The on-pace numbers for Mookie Betts
It's a small sample size, but after six contests, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has 11 hits in 22 at-bats. He's collected four home runs, 10 RBI and a .621 on-base percentage. Betts has also crossed home plate nine times in that span and is on pace for 243 runs scored.
Some have wondered if the leadoff hitter can average one run per contest and become the first player to tally 150 runs in a season since Jeff Bagwell's 152 in 2000.
With a revamped Dodgers lineup hitting behind Betts, it's certainly a possibility to average one run per game but beware of early-season expectations. Not only does a player have to be productive to reach such levels, but he must stay healthy as well.
It's too early in the campaign to believe in individual statistics, especially in an era of high injury risk and scheduled maintenance days.
The Yankees great start after sweeping the Astros
New York's four-game sweep in Houston against the franchise that has knocked them out of the postseason four times since 2015 was the perfect start to the new campaign for The Pinstripes.
Newly acquired outfielder Juan Soto had a great series, which included a clutch game-saving throw from right field in the ninth inning of Thursday's season opener as well as back-to-back go-ahead hits on Saturday and Sunday.
As the calendar turns to April, keep in mind that the Yankees continue their difficult road trip with three games at Arizona, the defending National League champs, followed by three at home versus their AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. Staying healthy is key for every contender, but especially for New York given their recent injury history.
With reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole on the IL with elbow nerve inflation until at least May, it will be imperative that the starting rotation stays intact. The wear and tear over the long haul on oft-injured players such as designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and first baseman Anthony Rizzo will be crucial to the team's success going forward.
The Pirates are undefeated and alone in first place
As with the Yankees, it's a great start to the new year. However, unlike the Bronx Bombers, the Pirates don't have the same track record when it comes to regular-season success.
Remember, it was one season ago when Pittsburgh entered May as the best team in the NL Central with a 20-9 record. For the rest of the 2023 campaign, the Pirates were 56-77; good enough for a fourth-place finish in the division.
Pittsburgh's most recent playoff appearance came in 2015 after winning 98 games during the regular season. The Pirates are young and have some talent, but it's hard to believe in a franchise that has lost at least 100 contests in two of the last three years.
More must-reads: