Frogs in the Pros: September 7-20, 2017

Jake Arrieta (P/Chicago Cubs) – After taking a couple weeks off to heal a strained hamstring, Arrieta will started last night against the Brewers in Milwaukee. The Cubs managed to get a few wins without him, but with a bullpen that’s struggled with injuries this season, they’re sure to be glad to see him return.

Arrieta pitched 5 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 2. He left the game with the Cubs ahead 2-1. The Cubs went on to win the game 5-3, after tying it 3-3 in the 9th and adding 2 more runs in the 10th.

Jake currently has a 3.43 ERA, with a 1.20 WHIP. To follow Jake Arrieta this season, click here.

Matt Carpenter (3B/St. Louis Cardinals) – Carpenter returned to full play on September 8, after taking time off for a nagging shoulder injury. If there was any question as to his health, Carpenter has laid those concerns to rest with 3 home runs in the past 12 days. He’s also walked 105 times (as of last night) which ties the most for a Cardinals’ left-handed batter since 1953 Cardinal Stan Musial, who had 105.

Carpenter has raised $30,000 for Houston hurricane recovery, which is matched by pitcher Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals organization, and former Cardinals player Adam Dunn, who also hails from Houston. That means each home run is actually worth $40,000, bringing the current grand total to $120,000.

Carpenter currently has 115 hits, 86 runs, and 67 RBIs, including 21 home runs. He has a .242 AVG. The Cardinals face the Pirates tonight. For all the stats during Carpenter's 2017 season, click here.

Andrew Cashner (P/Texas Rangers) – Cashner has been carrying the Rangers on his back this season, in an effort to see postseason play. On September 9, Cashner pitched at home against the Yankees. He allowed just 1 run on 4 hits in 7 innings pitched, while walking 1 and strikin gout 4. Unfortunately, the Rangers allowed 2 more runs after his departure, ending in a 3-1 loss.

On September 14, the Rangers were home against Seattle. Cashner struggled to control the Mariners, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits, including 1 home run. He walked 5 and struck out 2 in a battle that tore through the Rangers’ bullpen like my kid going through Band-aids. The Rangers ultimately lost 10-4.

On September 20, Cashner faced Seattle again, this time as the visiting pitcher. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, including 2 home runs. He walked 3 and struck out 2. While the Rangers battled it out in another close game, they pulled out the 8-6 win with the help of Rougned Odor’s grand slam in the top of the 4th inning. Relief pitcher Alex Claudio also got his 10th save of the season. The Rangers pulled into 3rd place in the AL West and are still in the running for a wild card spot.

Cashner celebrated a birthday on September 11, and he took time to visit a local Children’s Hospital on September 12, and everyone was all smiles.

Cashner currently has an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.31. He’ll pitch in Arlington Monday against Houston. For more of Cashner's stats, click here.

Brandon Finnegan (P/Cincinnati Reds) – Finnegan is still out on injury. While recovering, he’s making time for his biggest (little) fans.

Finnegan currently has a 4.15 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP in the MLB. We wish him a speedy recovery.

For more on Finnegan's 2017 season, you can go here.