As we get down to the final games of the regular season and inch closer to the Milwaukee Brewers clinching the NL Central Division title once again, we need to take time to talk about two players that have contributed tremendously to the Brewers’ offensive production since joining the team this summer.
Josh Donaldson crushing it since joining the Brewers.
It’s safe to say that since coming to Milwaukee, Josh Donaldson has provided a bat that was well needed for the crew.
The Brewers signed Josh Donaldson to a minor league deal on August 31. It was almost certain that his best days were behind him. The 2015 AL MVP was hitting .142 in 33 games with the New York Yankees prior to being signed in Milwaukee. General manager Matt Arnold said that just having his presence in the clubhouse would definitely be a huge help to the team.
“Certainly, you look at the pedigree of this guy and what he’s accomplished in the game, I think walking in the door he has instant credibility and a presence that could help us…He comes in with an MVP, he’s been a multiple-time all star, and we think he has a chance to help.”
Since joining the crew, Donaldson has hit two home-runs and four of his seven hits have been for extra bases. In Wednesday’s matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, Donaldson hit a three-run, two-out home run in the first inning of their 8-2 victory at Busch Stadium. This blast on Wednesday brought his total home runs on the season to 12.
Josh Donaldson everybody 👏#ThisIsMyCrew | @BringerOfRain20 pic.twitter.com/TegB7grjO1
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 20, 2023
“Ever since he’s been here, you could feel his presence,” said Tyrone Taylor, who also has been a hot-bat for the crew. “He was the MVP of the league, you know? He’s been mashing for us. I was doing cage work today, just listening to him talk about his approach and about life really. It’s cool to be around him.”
Donaldson is definitely not taking this opportunity for granted, either. Providing the well needed offensive boost, especially against left-handed pitchers, is something the Brewers always could use some extra help in.
“Obviously it’s really nice to be in a good environment where the team is having success. To be a part of what and to contribute to that aspect of doing whatever I can to help the team win, that’s the player I’ve wanted to be my entire career.”
Mark Canha making huge impact on the team.
His Twitter handle isn’t OuttaDaPakMark for nothing. Since coming to Milwaukee, Mark Canha has made a huge impact.
When traded to the Brewers, not many people were familiar with Canha, as he wasn’t one of the household names people know from the New York Mets. However, Canha has made sure to make his name known among the greats.
Prior to being traded to Milwaukee, Canha played in 89 games with the Mets. He had 6 homers, drove in 29, and seven stolen bags. He was slashing .245/.343/.381 with an OPS of .724.
In 42 games with the crew, Mark Canha has hit five home runs, and is slashing .309/.388/.463 with an OPS of .851, has driven in 30 runs, and even has four stolen bases under his belt in a Brewers uniform.
In his last seven games, Canha is slugging .500, and has one home run; That home-run being a go-ahead grand slam that helped the Brewers win against the Washington Nationals, 9-5.
There must be something about go-ahead grand slams in September for the Brewers as they’ve had three since 2019. The last two came from Daniel Vogelbach in 2021, and then Ryan Braun in 2019.
Mark Canha has been outplaying all expectations that Brewers fan had, if they had any of him. This arguably is Canha’s best season and we’re looking forward to what he’ll bring for the postseason push.
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