Bases Covered: Mookie Betts furthers his claim to the AL MVP

Mookie Betts belts three home runs for the second time this season, driving in eight runs against the D-backs.

Bases Covered is a daily roundup of the most interesting stories in baseball.

AL MVP?

Mookie Betts hit three home runs on Sunday as the Red Sox defeated the Diamondbacks 16–2. Betts also contributed eight RBI, a career-best for the 23-year-old.

Boston currently sits third in the AL East, two games back of first.

Here’s why Betts is making his case for American League MVP—in a crowded field of contenders that includes the Orioles’ Manny Machado and the Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson.

Welcome to Miami

The Marlins got some bad news over the weekend: slugger Giancarlo Stanton will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a groin injury.

But a reinforcement bat could be on the way: Rumours have been swirling for a while that Alex Rodriguez could join the team, and former MLB GM Jim Bowden now says it will happen and A-Rod will play first base.

Rodriguez, who calls Miami home, is expected to clear waivers on Monday.

But with A-Rod having struggled mightily this season, it’s reasonable to ask: Why would the Marlins want him?

Back at it

Bryce Harper returned to action with the Nationals on Sunday. The 23-year-old had been suffering from a stiff neck and was struggling at the plate, which spawned many a thinkpiece about the root of his problems.

The outfielder went one-for-three with a double, a walk and a strikeout, scoring two runs and driving in one. Washington defeated the Braves 9–1.

Harper said afterward that he “felt pretty good.” The Nationals remain first in the NL East.

Cards’ comeback

The Cardinals fought their way back from an early deficit on Sunday to beat their archrivals, the Cubs, 6–4.

The Cardinals are second in the NL Central with a 62-56 record, a dozen games back of the Cubs.

Votto still killer

Joey Votto put up a home run and a double on Sunday, driving in three runs. A day earlier, Votto went four-for-five with two doubles.

The Toronto native’s average is now above .300—he’s batting .303, and he leads the majors in walks (with 84) and on-base percentage (.429). Not bad for a 32-year-old.

Here’s why Votto has been the best hitter in the National League this season.

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