Three hitters who smashed the ball during the month of August
The weather is warm and the ball is flying during August. As teams are fighting for playoff spots, they need all of the offensive production that they can get. Entering the last full month of the MLB season, teams hope that the runs will continue to pour in as we head into September.
Here are three sluggers who had unbelievable months of August for their respective teams.
Mookie Betts, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers: With one game left to play in the month of August, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has put up possibly the best month of his career.
Slashing .454/.512/.796 with nine home runs and 26 RBI, Betts has been a nightmare to face for opposing pitching while the Dodgers have been cruising their way into the playoffs in the National League West.
Playing three positions for the Dodgers this season, Betts has a .316/.410/.611 slash line with a career-high 36 home runs and 94 RBI in 126 games out of the leadoff spot and will be in the mix for the National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Bryce Harper, designated hitter, Philadelphia Phillies: Two-time MVP Bryce Harper had a slow start to his 2023 season while continuing to rehab from Tommy John surgery, but after his hot August, he looks to be back to All-Star form.
In 26 games played in August, Harper slashed .361/.452/.784 with 10 home runs and 24 RBI. His 10 homers are a great sign for the Phillies after he hit just five over his first 73 games of the season.
With a hold on the first Wild Card spot in the National League, the Phillies hope Harper can continue his strong play as they look to clinch another World Series berth for the second year in a row.
Julio Rodriguez, outfielder, Seattle Mariners: In the middle of what was a solid but disappointing season, 22-year-old Julio Rodriguez has turned it into another great year after a historic August.
With 45 hits on the month, he hit .429 with 30 RBI including 17 extra-base hits while helping the Mariners charge their way back into the playoff picture in the AL, going 22-5.
During August, Rodriguez would have 18 hits over a five-game span, the second-most since 1901. At the start of a potential Hall-of-Fame career, Rodriguez looks to continue this level of production as he will be the face of the Mariners for the next decade.
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