Salvador Perez carved his name into Kansas City Royals history on July 25, officially becoming the franchise’s all-time home run leader with a towering solo shot. Yeah, you read that right. History, already this season!
Perez Smashes History, Arenado Joins 2,000-Hit Club
Perez, hitting as the designated hitter that Saturday, absolutely crushed his 318th career homer in the seventh inning of the Royals’ road win over the Detroit Tigers. That put him past Hall of Famer George Brett, who held the record with 317 dingers over his incredible 21 seasons with the Royals from 1973 to 1993. Passing a legend like George Brett? That is massive! Perez, now 36 years old, has been a Royal his entire 15-year career, only missing the 2019 season due to an elbow injury. He is still getting it done, with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs so far, adding to his five Silver Sluggers and five Gold Gloves. Remember 2021 when he torched the American League with 48 homers and 121 RBIs? The dude can flat-out rake.
Across the league, another veteran slugger hit a massive milestone. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado snagged his 2,000th career MLB hit on July 20, ripping a double to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Athletics. That makes him just the 297th player to reach that incredible mark. Arenado, a five-time Silver Slugger and 10-time Gold Glover, is proving he is still elite, with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs this season, alongside a strong .244/.317/.423 slash line.
Sánchez’s Insane Streak And More League-Wide History
While bats are breaking records, one pitcher is absolutely silencing them. Philadelphia Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez is on an insane run, extending his scoreless streak to an unbelievable 41⅔ innings on Wednesday afternoon against the San Diego Padres. This guy shattered a 115-year-old franchise record, previously set by the legendary Grover Cleveland Alexander. Sánchez is absolutely building a Cy Young-caliber season, rocking a 5-2 record with a minuscule 1.62 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, plus 86 strikeouts across 72.1 innings. This dude is locked in and pitching lights out!
The Pittsburgh Pirates, meanwhile, were patient as anything against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, May 2. They walked seven times in one single inning. That is wild. It ties an MLB record for most walks by a team in an inning, something that has only happened two other times, way back in 1909 and 1983.
Switching gears to a complete player, Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez added another jewel to his crown on Saturday, May 2. He swiped his 300th career base, taking third in the fifth inning of their game against the Athletics. Ramírez is making his case as one of the most complete stars of his generation, and get this: he is only nine homers away from joining the exclusive 300 home run and 300 stolen base club. That is some serious, all-around company!
Finally, we saw Nick Kurtz join some exclusive walking company on Friday, May 1. He walked in 20 consecutive games, tying the great Barry Bonds for the second-most straight games with a walk. His streak sadly ended the next day on Saturday, May 2, falling two short of Roy Cullenbine’s record of 22 consecutive games with a walk.
What a season it is shaping up to be for these guys across the league. We have got to keep an eye on Sánchez’s legitimate Cy Young push, Ramírez chasing that incredibly rare 300-300 club, and what Salvador Perez does next as the undeniable Royals HR king. These are the moments that make baseball special, and they are happening right now. You love to see it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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