In 1964 [url=http://www.denverbroncosteamonline.com/royce-freeman-jersey]Authentic Royce Freeman Jersey[/url] , Boston reliever Dick Radatz struck out 181 batters in 79 relief appearances, setting a mark that still stands.

According to Baseball-Reference.com, it’s the most strikeouts in one year for a pitcher with zero starts.

Relievers were used differently back then – Radatz threw 157 innings while setting his record – but even in today’s more specialized environment, Milwaukee’s Josh Hader has a chance to finish the season with a staggering strikeout total. He already has 80 in 39 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old left-hander also has six saves and a 1.13 ERA in 25 games, part of a bullpen that has led the Brewers to the National League’s best record.

The Brewers won 86 games last season and fell a game short of the second wild card. Now they have a two-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Milwaukee’s offense is just seventh in the league in OPS [url=http://www.greenbaypackersteamonline.com/j_mon-moore-jersey]Authentic J'Mon Moore Jersey[/url] , and its starters have an ordinary ERA of 3.98. It’s the relievers who have led this charge.

Closer Corey Knebel missed time with a hamstring injury, but the Brewers have shown plenty of depth in the bullpen. Three regular relievers have ERAs under 2.00 – Hader, Jeremy Jeffress (1.19) and Jacob Barnes (1.78). Milwaukee has had an NL-high 28 games decided by one run, and the Brewers have gone 18-10.

Hader was a starter as recently as last year in the minors, but with the Brewers he’s pitched exclusively in relief. He had 68 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings for Milwaukee last season [url=http://www.jacksonvillejaguarsteamonline.com/dj-chark-jersey]Authentic DJ Chark Jersey[/url] , and he’s already surpassed that strikeout total in 2018.

If he can’t make it to Radatz’s mark, perhaps Hader can threaten the record for most strikeouts in 100 innings or fewer. Brad Lidge set that one in 2004 with 157.

Other developments from around the majors:

PULLING AWAY

The Cleveland Indians have had their issues this season, but a forgiving AL Central gave them plenty of time to work out their problems. After a three-game sweep of second-place Detroit, Cleveland is now eight games ahead in the division. The Indians outscored the Tigers 26-3 in the weekend series, and Cleveland has won seven games in a row.

The Indians (43-33) actually have a better record now than they did after 76 games last season. They were 40-36 then [url=http://www.miamidolphinsteamonline.com/mike-gesicki-jersey]Authentic Mike Gesicki Jersey[/url] , but went on a tear in the second half to finish with 102 wins.

HIGHLIGHT

Tampa Bay shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was prepared for one of the quirks of his home ballpark Sunday. Clint Frazier of the Yankees hit a drive in the ninth inning that looked headed deep to left field, but the ball hit a speaker hanging from an overhead catwalk and caromed back down in shallow left. Hechavarria stayed with the play and made the catch for an out. The Rays went on to win 7-6 in 12 innings.

LINES OF THE WEEK

The Red Sox outslugged Seattle 14-10 on Friday night at Fenway Park. J.D. Martinez led the hosts, going 4 for 5 with a homer, five RBIs and three runs. Martinez now leads the majors with 60 RBIs and is tied for the lead with 23 homers.

Nelson Cruz also had a night to remember Friday in a losing effort. He went 4 for 5 with two home runs and seven RBIs.

—

The Chicago Cubs have placed Kris Bryant on the 10-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, marking the first time the fourth-year player has gone on the DL.

Chicago announced the move Tuesday. It’s retroactive to June 23 [url=http://www.miamidolphinsteamonline.com/jerome-baker-jersey]Authentic Jerome Baker Jersey[/url] , making Bryant eligible to return in a week.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon says the injury is not considered serious and he expects Bryant to be activated next Tuesday. Maddon says the team wants to ”make sure that he is well” and ”cool down and just have him be well afterward.”

The 2016 NL MVP is batting .280 this season with nine home runs, 36 RBIs and an .864 OPS. He had a home run among his six hits in a series last week against the Dodgers, but was just 1 for 8 in the Cubs’ previous series at Cincinnati.

The Cubs recalled infielder David Bote from Triple-A Iowa to take Bryant’s spot on the active roster.

Chicago right-hander Justin Hancock was also placed on the DL with shoulder inflammation, and right-hander Duane Underwood Jr. was optioned to Iowa a day after making his major league debut. The Cubs recalled right-handers Luke Farrell and Dillon Maples.

—

Wie geht es allen hier?