Luke Maile Coming Into His Own?

Luke Maile

Game 87, July 5, Goodman Field
Syracuse Chiefs: 6
Durham Bulls: 4
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun
Stats:
Game Score: Marks 37; Season Avg 48 (12 starts, 53 innings)
Tm OPS: Game .816; Season .653; Diff +.163
Tm wOBA: Game .352; Season .294; Diff +.058

Game 88; July 6, Goodman Field, Durham, North Carolina
Syracuse Chiefs: 2
Durham Bulls: 11
Season: 38-50; Home Stand: 1-2
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun

Stats:
GSc: Faria 72; Season Avg 69 (3 starts, 15 innings)
Tm OPS: Game 1.072; Season .658; Diff +.414
Tm wOBA: Game .478; Season .296, Diff +.182

These are big hitting numbers to go along with a solid game, and first Triple-A win, by new guy Jacob Faria.

The guy I want to call attention to today is Luke Maile. Last night he had 2 doubles raising his total to 12 on the season and collected his 12th RBI. That doesn't sound all that special until we recognize he had a stretch of time early in the season on the disabled list and a not-very-successful early June. But in the last month, he's been hitting at a .309/.373/.471 pace, with 5 of his 12 doubles and 2 home runs (the only ones this year). He's started at catcher in 43 games this season, the rest of his games are as the designated hitter. Maile got a late call-up last year with the Rays and did OK behind the plate, not so good at bat. But lately, he's looking better, much better. He's on the 40-man and the Rays have catcher issues.

[Note: Former Bull  catcher Steven Vogt selected as All-Star. Surely one of the most egregious mistakes in Rays history to let him go off to Oakland.]

Meanwhile, recent returnees Jaff Decker and Taylor Motter picked up 4 RBIs between them and every Bull except Mayo Acosta got a hit (and Acosta got a sac fly RBI).

Outside the game —

• Manager Jared Sandberg recently gave a talk to a Durham sports club. Some insights into his managing philosophy presented.
• Dylan Floro got his first call-up to the major leagues. Likely to make his debut today. Good luck! Congrats!
• To make room, Dana Eveland, who has three appearances with the Bulls this year, was DFA'd.