Marty’s musings: Joe Musgrove makes history

Welcome to ‘Marty’s Musings’, my weekly column of numbers summarizing the happenings in the baseball world. I am your guide for taking an analytic look at the news and notes throughout the game, and highlighting key pitching matchups.

An exciting week as San Diego joins the rest of the league in having a starter throw a no hitter, the Red Sox start the year with a streak of sweep-or-be-swept, and Jacob deGrom’s hard luck continues.

News & Notes

3 - Runs allowed by Phillies’ pitching in a three-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves. The Phils’ bullpen was their Achilles’ Heel last year, when they blew 13 saves in a shortened season. Both the starters and the relievers pitched great for Philly in the first series of the year. The pen threw 7/13 scoreless innings in this first impressive series.

101 - Joe Musgrove’s game score in his no hitter over the Rangers on Friday night. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Musgrove made his only mistake of the day, as he Joey Gallo. It was the only baserunner allowed, as the Padres’ pitcher struck out ten and walked zero.

4 - Game sweep the Astros laid on the Athletics last week. The A’s got off to a putrid 0-6 start, but have since won three-of-four.

1 - Earned run and 21 strikeouts over two starts for Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom. Of course, the Mets are 0-2 in his starts. deGrom currently has a 0.64 ERA and has an 0-1 record, which is not surprising since the Mets are 36-42 in his starts since 2018. Over that time, deGrom has a 2.06 ERA.

271 - Mike Trout’s current wRC+ entering into the third week of the season. Trout’s slash line is a ridiculous .414/.564/.826 and he’s already hit three homers.

3 - Sweeps that the Red Sox have been a part of to start the 2021 season. Baltimore swept Boston at Fenway to start the season, then the Sox swept the Rays and Orioles to go on a current six game winning streak. Boston has the best record in the AL Eats at 6-3, and are the only team in the division over .500.

Injury Report

Fernando Tatis Jr. injured his shoulder on a major whiff last week. He may be able to avoid surgery, but the longer term ramifications and how long he’ll be out is to be determined.

The Mariners’ James Paxton will miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John Surgery.

Cody Bellinger has a bruise calf and was placed on the injured list last week as well.

Pitching Matchups to Watch

Tuesday, April 13

Nathan Eovaldi (BOS) v. Kenta Maeda (MIN), 2:10 ET

Although the eastnern part of the US has been experiencing some warm temps, it’ll be in the 30s when these two first place teams play this week. The Red Sox are currently on a six-game winning stream.

Thursday, April 15

Zach Eflin (PHI) v. Jacob deGrom (NYM), 12:10 ET

A Thursday afternoon matinee features one of the best pitchers in baseball who simply cannot get a break. Jacob deGrom has been masterful so far this year, and the Mets seem to blow every game he pitches. He faces a potent Phillies lineup in his next start.

Saturday, April 17

Clayton Kershaw (LAD) v. Yu Darvish (SD), 8:40 ET

Old guard Dodgers against the new kids in town, with the newly competitive Padres. Darvish stumbled in the openers, but put up a strong performance his second time out.