St. Louis Cardinals: NL Central team of the week, July 9- July 15

Check out which St. Louis Cardinals made the cut for the NL Central team of the week!

In the NL Central, this week has been one of the most eventful weeks of the season. With the 4th place Pirates completing a five-game sweep over the 1st place, at the time, Brewers. The Cubs finally gained first place in the NL Central. Then, the St. Louis Cardinals cleaned house as they fired manager Mike Matheny, hitting coach John Mabry, and assistant hitting coach Bill Mueller.

Even during such an eventful week, players still played their best baseball. For the guys who were hot this week, they have a chance to make the Redbird Rants team of the week squad, where the best NL Central player in that position gets a made-up award to show their accomplishments. Now, let’s see who earned their spot on the NL Central team of the week.

Starting Pitcher: Kyle Hendricks, Chicago Cubs

This one was obvious, as Kyle Hendricks looked lights out on the mound all week. Over two starts, he threw 13 innings, allowed only two runs, and struck out 11.

In his first start though, he was ridiculous, going 8.1 scoreless innings while striking out eight and allowing only five hits. Even though Hendricks was lights out, the Cubs offense could not get going, as they only managed to score one run in 11 innings, and then the bullpen allowed a walk-off in the 11th inning.

He looked decent on Saturday, allowing two runs in five innings, he did manage to pick up the win though, his 6th of the season.

He will make his next start on July 19th against division rival St. Louis Cardinals, as the Cardinals look to jump-start their season under “interim manager” Mike Shildt.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 14: Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 14, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Clay Holmes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Relief Pitcher: Felipe Vazquez, Pittsburgh Pirates

This one was a no-brainer as well, as Felipe Vazquez was stellar under pressure in all of his appearances. Over five appearances, Vazquez tossed 4.2 scoreless innings, while striking out five. Also, they were all save opportunities, which comes with a lot of pressure. He even managed to notch up two saves in one day, in a Saturday doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Vazquez has been dominant on the mound all season, with a 3.05 ERA and 23 saves, which is 5th in the NL. His performance so far this season has paid off, as he received his first ever All-Star game bid last week.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 09: Felipe Vazquez #73 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park on July 9, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs

Catcher: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

It was a rough week for all catchers in the NL Central, as Yadier Molina was the only catcher to even drive in a run. His 3 RBIs throughout the week was enough to land him a spot on the NL Central team of the week. He went 4-18 and is currently riding a 4 game hitting streak into the All-Star break.

Yadier Molina is having a big year, as he leads all National League catchers in Home Runs. He was called into the All-Star game to be an injury replacement for Buster Posey.

Honorable Mention: Eric Kratz, Milwaukee Brewers

ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 13: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals waits on deck before batting against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on July 13, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

First Baseman: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates

This one was obvious. Josh Bell had a huge week as he hit for .409 with four RBIs. He had 2 multi-hit games, in one of those he went 4-4. Bell even picked up 2 doubles. Then, on Sunday, Bell hit a walk-off double to complete a five-game sweep over the division rival Milwaukee Brewers.

Josh Bell and the Pittsburgh Pirates are finally starting to heat up, as they are on a six game winning streak, and are 8-2 in their last 10 games.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 15: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a walk off two RBI double in the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Matt Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals

Second Baseman, Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

For the second week in a row, Javier Baez will take home NL Central team of the week honors. He had a great week, as he went 7-28 with two home runs and seven RBIs. He also stole 2 bases, which now puts him in the top 10 out of the whole league in stolen bases.

Baez has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the whole league. He makes exciting plays and hits bombs, and could very well be in MVP consideration by the end of the season. He played a huge role in the Cubs sweep over the San Diego Padres as well.

As the Cubs look to run away with the NL Central in the second half, Baez will need to be a huge factor in the Cubs offense. He has been very hot these past few weeks, and has played a huge part in taking the division lead back from the Milwaukee Brewers.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 13: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated after scoring during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 13, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals

Shortstop: Jose Peraza, Cincinnati Reds

This one was not hard to decide, as Jose Peraza gets a spot on the NL Central team of the week. He was brilliant this week, as he hit for .520 and drove in 5 runs. Peraza had 2 three-hit games and even a five-hit game in the series win against the St. Louis Cardinals. His 13 hits on the week was also the most out of any player in the NL Central.

He has really stepped up for the Reds this month, and the stats show. Peraza is hitting .423 on the month with 12 RBIs. The Reds have plenty of young studs, and his future with the team looks bright.

CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 09: Jose Peraza #9 of the Cincinnati Reds forces out Tyler Naquin #30 of the Cleveland Indians at second base and throws out Greg Allen #1 at first base to complete the double play during the fifth inning at Progressive Field on July 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Indians 7-5. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Jordy Mercer, Pittsburgh Pirates

Third Baseman: Travis Shaw, Milwaukee Brewers

Even though the Milwaukee Brewers had a very rough week, Travis Shaw was a bright spot. He hit for .276 on the week and also went yard three times, while bringing in five runs for the Brewers. Shaw also had a hit in every game except one, and is currently riding a five-game hitting streak.

The Brewers have dropped six consecutive games heading into the All Star break, and also lose the division lead to the Chicago Cubs. They are going to need Travis Shaw to keep hit hot streak going into the second half to keep their postseason hopes alive.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 15: Travis Shaw #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds second after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Colin Moran, Pittsburgh Pirates

Left Fielder: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers

Center Fielder: Starling Marte, Pittsburgh Pirates

This one wasn’t a hard choice at all, as Starling Marte makes the second consecutive NL Central team of the week. Marte had another big week, as he hit for .281, went yard three times, and had 6 RBIs as well. Marte even showed off his wheels by stealing 3 bases on the week. He played a huge part in the Pirates completing a five-game sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers, and has been vital to the Pirates six-game winning streak.

Last season, Starling Marte was handed a 80-game suspension by the MLB for PED use. This season, Marte has put that behind him, as he is hitting .285 with 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases, which leads all of baseball.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 14: Starling Marte #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting a home run in the first inning during game one of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Lorenzo Cain, Milwaukee Brewers

Right Fielder: Dexter Fowler, St. Louis Cardinals

It’s been obvious that Dexter Fowler has been struggling mightily this season, hitting a putrid .176/.270/.297 line. This week though, it looks like he might just be starting to pick it up. He whit for .278 on the week, with two home runs and five RBIs. He hit a huge grand slam against the Chicago White Sox, and also a early home run against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cardinals are going to need Dexter Fowler to step up in the second half for them, and this hot week might just be the confidence booster he needs to turn his season around.

CHICAGO, IL – JULY 10: Dexter Fowler #25 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam home run in the 6th inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 10, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Honorable Mention: Gregory Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates

Next: Cards hit reset button

Check with us each week to see if your favorite St. Louis Cardinal made the Redbird Rants NL Central team of the week list. Thanks for reading!