Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
After sweeping the Atlanta Braves, the Milwaukee Brewers have now won 18 of their last 23 games dating back to August 20.
This makes Milwaukee one of the hottest teams in all of baseball over this span as they are now within three games of the St. Louis Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot with 19 to play. Every single member of the Brewers has contributed to this recent hot streak but some players have gone above and beyond the call.
The following are the top five players who have had a major role in the success of the Brewers over the last 23 games:
5. Rickie Weeks
Rickie Weeks has struggled throughout the season with many fans calling for him to be sent down to the minors to work out the kinks. It has been a rough year but Weeks has certainly made up for it in the second half of the season. He is batting .281 with six home runs and 12 RBIs in the last 23 games. Not to mention, he has brought his overall numbers up, including the .199 average before the All-Star break.
4. Corey Hart
Corey Hart is currently battling a left foot injury that could have serious repercussions on Milwaukee’s playoff hopes. Hart has been one of the best players since joining the team in 2005. In the last 23 games, he is batting .346 with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs. The Brewers desperately need him to get healthy soon and hopefully he will be ready to go this weekend or, at the very least, be ready for the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
3. Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun is batting .333 with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs during Milwaukee’s hot streak. He currently ranks first in the NL in home runs (38), second in RBIs (100), and seventh in batting average (.310). If the Brewers can continue winning and make a serious run at the postseason, there is a good chance Braun will win a second consecutive MVP Award.
2. Yovani Gallardo
Yovani Gallardo is one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball since the All-Star break. Since the start of the second half of the season, Gallardo is 8-2 with a 3.69 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 78 innings. In the five games he has started since August 20, he is 3-0 with a 4.04 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. His numbers would look a lot better if he did not surrender seven earned runs on 11 hits in a no-decision against the Pirates on September 2.
1. Aramis Ramirez
Aramis Ramirez takes the top spot on the team with his impressive performance over the last few weeks. He is batting .351 with six home runs and 19 RBIs while providing valuable protection for Braun. Ramirez ranks first in the league in doubles (44), seventh in RBIs (91), and 12th in batting average (.296). Even though Ramirez started the season off slow, he has been on a tear since the All-Star break. He is batting .332 with 13 home runs, 17 doubles, and 39 RBIs in the second half of the season.
Michael is a MLB and NBA Featured Writer for Rant Sports, but covers topics for various teams in baseball, basketball, and football. Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelTerrill and on Facebook.
