Bearcats in the Big Leagues: Harrison Raises Trade Stock

Josh Harrison

Did somebody say hitting streak? While hitting safely in four-straight games is not normally a big deal, for Harrison, it can be seen as an adjustment of course. By going 1-for-4 (with a run and RBI to boot) on Thursday, the Pirates infielder and occasional outfielder had at least one hit in all four games of a series against the first place Milwaukee Brewers. In total, he slashed .353/.389/.588 with a home run, three runs and three RBI across 18 plate appearances in the series, which the Pirates swept to reinsert themselves in the playoff race. Largely considered a seller for the upcoming trade deadline, with Harrison himself attached to a number of rumors, the Pirates may now be facing the tough decision of making a run at it or tearing things down. Thanks to Harrison’s WPA (win probability added) of .123 on Thursday, which was the second-best mark on the squad and helped by a nifty diving catch at third base, Pittsburgh is in this do or do not situation, standing at 48-48 overall.

Ian Happ

Speaking of teams that are surging, the Cubs have won six-straight games, but they didn’t have to put that streak on the line yesterday, getting an off-day before a series with the rival Cardinals. In five games against St. Louis, Happ has slashed .368/.429/.947 with three home runs in 21 plate appearances. That type of success against the Redbirds will certainly endear Happ to Cubs fans.

Connor Walsh

In game two of a five-game series against the Jackson Generals, the Birmingham Barons claimed a 4-0 win even though Walsh did not pitch.

Ryan Atkinson

Tonight is Atkinson’s turn in the rotation for the Kane County Cougars who are taking on the Lake County Captains in the finale of a three-game series. Atkinson has yet to pitch against the Captains this season or during his career for that matter.