MLB Notebook: Trout is tearing it up

It’s time for another week of notes from around Major League Baseball. Since we’re nearly a full month into the season, it’s a good time to take stock and pay attention to some trends that are worth following.

Bumgarner’s No-No…Sort Of?

It’s hard to fathom that MLB didn’t consider a situation like we saw a few days ago when deciding to play seven-inning doubleheaders. Madison Bumgarner did not allow a hit in a 7-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves, but that feat will not be recognized as an official no-hitter. Instead, it will be recognized as a "notable achievement."

Here’s a thought: if accomplishments in seven-inning games don’t matter as much, why are we playing seven-inning games to begin with?

Trout is Tearing It Up

In what should come as no surprise to anyone who’s followed the game over the last decade, Mike Trout is really, really good. Like, historically good. The three-time MVP has had four multi-hit games over the past week, raising his slash line to .431/.538/.815.

Kansas City’s Strong Start Continues

Earlier this week, we profiled how the Kansas City Royals, who entered the season with +10,000 odds to win the World Series, somehow lead the AL Central. The Royals have improved to 6-1 over their last seven games with a 9-6 win at Pittsburgh on Wednesday, and are now 2.5 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox.

The Royals have been very lucky in one-run games to this point, but on the other hand, the AL Central might be the weakest division in baseball.

DeGrom Shines, but the Mets Still Lose

Look away Mets fans, because this one isn’t pretty. Star hurler Jacob deGrom fanned nine Boston Red Sox hitters over six innings to tie Nolan Ryan for the most strikeouts by a pitcher through five season-opening starts.

Unfortunately for New York, that wasn’t enough, as the Mets offense was held to just two hits in a 1-0 loss. The two-time Cy Young winner has allowed just two earned runs in his five outings, but the Mets have won just two of those games.