During MLB‘s first month, it was evident that the balls weren’t traveling as much as they did last year, or the year before.
Everybody, from hitters to pitchers to the numbers, agreed on the fact that there was something wrong with the ball.
It caused a severe dip in slugging and run-scoring numbers from April 7 to May 2.
However, and according to an MLB insider, there has been a bit of an offensive surge in recent days.
“As noted in podcast, offense ticking up slightly since 14-pitcher limit took effect 5/2. Per team per game: 4/7 to 5/2: 4.08 R, 0.91 HR, .678 league-wide OPS. 5/2 to 5/15: 4.30 R, 1.04 HR, .691 OPS. 2021: 4.53 R, 1.22 HR, .728 OPS. Weather also warming…” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported.
As noted in podcast, offense ticking up slightly since 14-pitcher limit took effect 5/2.
Per team per game:
4/7 to 5/2: 4.08 R, 0.91 HR, .678 league-wide OPS
5/2 to 5/15: 4.30 R, 1.04 HR, .691 OPS
2021: 4.53 R, 1.22 HR, .728 OPS
Weather also warming…@Perform
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 16, 2022
A .678 league-wide OPS is not attractive for the average viewer or fan, but it’s nice to know that the number is, apparently, on the rise.
A .691 OPS is still very low, considering that last year’s mark was well over .700.
Offensive Numbers Are On The Rise
But a change is a change, and hitters will probably take it.
Still, the sample size is just 13 days, which means it isn’t enough to draw any conclusions.
Once we enter the summer months and leave behind the cold weather, additionally, the offensive numbers may start improving a bit.
But there is also a chance that the league came to its senses regarding the ball used in the first few weeks of the season.
We won’t know for sure unless there is some sort of announcement, though.
In any case, it’s nice to learn that recent offensive performances have gotten closer to what we expect as fans and observers.
Let’s see what the numbers look like one month from now.
NEXT: Shohei Ohtani Set To Shatter A Record For Japanese MLB Superstars