Jake Odorizzi named AL Player of the Week

Major League Baseball has named Twins hurler Jake Odorizzi their American League Player of the Week.

Odorizzi made two starts this week, allowing zero runs in 13 innings and striking out 15, with a WHIP of 0.846. While this is always an impressive stat line, he put up these numbers against... let me check the box scores....

...the Houston Astros and New York Yankees.

Also known as “two of the most potent lineups in the American League.”

...perhaps there was rationale behind starting Odorizzi on Opening Day last year.

Against Houston on April 29, Odorizzi one-upped Justin Verlander, who allowed only an Ehire Adrianza solo dinger, by keeping the Astros entirely off the scoreboard in a four-hit, seven-strikeout, seven-inning performance.

Five days later, he helped give the Twins their first win in Yankee Stadium since approximately when mankind began to walk upright. Over six innings he allowed just two hits and whiffed eight, preventing anyone wearing pinstripes from crossing home plate.

Additionally, Odorizzi has now won his last four starts, improving his 2019 record to 4-2.

This is a well-deserved honor for Jake. Congratulations, and may your arm continue to lead Minnesota to victories. (Whether or not he reads this.)