#ProHogs Update: Benintendi Shines And Keuchel Named All-Star

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s been a little of a redemption year for former Razorback pitcher Dallas Keuchel. As part of the Houston Astros’ rotation, Keuchel has been putting up some career numbers as the Astros claim the American League’s best record at the All-Star Break.

Earlier this week, Keuchel was the only former Razorback to be named to either league’s roster for the All-Star Game and it was his second All-Star selection of his career. He’s generated a perfect 9-0 record with a 1.67 ERA in 11 starts. His nine wins are tied for 11^th in MLB and already matches his total from a year ago.

Keuchel is one of five former Razorbacks to be named an MLB All-Star and he joins Cliff Lee and Randy Jackson as the only former players to be named an All-Star more than once.

KEUCHEL PARTICIPATES IN ALL-STAR GAME MEDIA DAY

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Unfortunately, Keuchel did not pitch in the American League’s 2-1 win Tuesday night in Miami and is not expected to start in this weekend’s series against Minnesota as he works his way back from neck discomfort that has sidelined him since June 2.

#PROHOG OF NOTE – ANDREW BENINTENDI
Of all the former Razorbacks that have made the jump to the Major Leagues in recent seasons, none have seemingly made a bigger impact than Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi.

Participating in his first full season with the Red Sox, Benintendi has become a favorite among fans and fellow players alike.

Just before the All-Star break, Benintendi had one of the best hitting performances of the year, going a perfect 5-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs against the Texas Rangers. He also made a leaping catch in left field to rob Mike Napoli of extra bases.

It was the second five-hit game by Benintendi this season and he was just the second player in MLB history with that kind of performance before turning 23 years old since Joe DiMaggio.

Benintendi currently has the seventh-best batting average (.279) on the Boston squad and he’s one of only two Red Sox players (Mookie Betts) with 50 or more RBIs along with 12 homers. Among American League rookies, Benintendi only trails New York’s Aaron Judge in home runs (12), RBIs (51), hits (85), and runs scored (44).

BLAKE PARKER STEPS UP CLUTCH
Keuchel and Benintendi aren’t the only #ProHogs lighting it up during the first half of the 2017 season. Journeyman pitcher Blake Parker of the Los Angeles Angels has seen his stock rise this season after injuries to the bullpen forced Parker to the front where he has responded well.

Entering his fifth season in MLB and first with the Angels, veteran Blake Parker was signed as a free agent by the Angels prior to spring training and has become one of their number one options out of the bullpen. In 42 appearances, Parker has garnered three wins and a 2.58 ERA in 38.1 innings. That ERA is on pace to be his lowest of his career and he is just eight innings away from tying his career high for innings pitched in a season.

Parker has also tallied 54 strikeouts, just one off his season high of 55 set back in 2013 with the Chicago Cubs and it’s the highest among all Angel relievers.

Blake Parker racking up strikeouts for Angels

Blake Parker is feeling comfortable with his pitches, and that’s bad news for the rest of the American League West. The sidelining of Huston Street and Cam Bedrosian has forced the rest of the Angels’ bullpen to step up, and Parker has responded in kind.

#PROHOGS STATS

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