Frogs in the Pros: July 7-9, 2017

Jake Arrieta (P/Chicago Cubs) – Arrieta and the Cubs played the Pirates in Chicago on July 8. In 5 ²⁄₃ innings, Arrieta allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (3 earned, including 1 home run). He struck out 3 and walked 2. The Cubs lost 4-2. Arrieta continues to make changes to his pitching. During the game, pitching coach Chris Bosio could be seen reminding Arrieta to loosen his grip on the ball, a change they’ve been working on for both his changeup and sinker.

Arrieta is not headed to the All-Star game this year, but it looks like he’ll be enjoying a week with his family and friends in Austin. This is surely a much-needed break in a season that’s been a bit unpredictable for him. Were hoping to see a rested and refreshed Jake back on the mound in a couple weeks.

Jake currently has a 4.35 ERA, with a 1.30 WHIP. To follow Jake Arrieta this season, click here.

Matt Carpenter (3B/St. Louis Cardinals) – The Cardinals were home to face off with the Reds July 7-9. July 7 was a bit of a rocky game for the Cards as a whole. Carpenter had a couple groundouts before bunting to get on base in the bottom of the 5th. But he was out at second when Stephen Piscotty grounded into a double play. Carpenter also had an error at second in the top of the 7th, which eventually allowed a run for the Mets. It wasn’t the Cards’ only error of the game, and the Mets pulled ahead. Carpenter singled in the bottom of the 8th and was driven in later by Jedd Gyorko’s sac fly to right field. That made it 6-5 Mets going into the 9th. The Cards couldn’t get ahead and lost 6-5.

On July 8, Carpenter doubled to center in the bottom of the 3rd but the inning ended when Tommy Pham was caught stealing second. He walked in the bottom of the 7th and 8ths but was left stranded both times. Fortunately, the Cardinals pulled off the 4-1 win.

On July 9, Carpenter hit a ground rule double to get on base in the first inning. He was driven in on a groundout by Gyorko, putting the Cardinals on the board first. He walked in the bottom of the 3rd and was driven in by Pham’s home run to make it 3-0. Then in the bottom of the 6th, Carpenter raced to first on a single and was originally called safe. After review, the call was reversed. The Cardinals won 6-0.

Carpenter will also be resting during the All-Star break. We’re wishing him a rested week with his family.

Carpenter currently has 68 hits, 51 runs, and 42 RBIs, including 14 home runs. He has a .237 AVG. For all the stats during Carpenter's 2017 season, click here.

Taylor Featherston (SS/Tampa Bay Rays) - Featherston was in the lineup at shortstop on July 9 at home against the Red Sox. He walked in the bottom of the 2nd but was out at second. He struck out looking in the bottom of the 4th. The Rays went on to win 5-3.

Featherston has 7 hits, 6 runs, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs. His AVG is .184. You can see all of his stats here.

Catch up will all of our Frogs in the Pros after the All-Star Break!