![Yordan Alvarez has been on fire since being called up to the big leagues. [Image Source: Flickr | Jayne]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/8/10/660x290/b_502x220x82/yordan-alvarez-has-been-on-fire-since-being-called-up-to-the-big-leagues-image-source-flickr-jayne_2308359.jpg "Yordan Alvarez has been on fire since being called up to the big leagues. [Image Source: Flickr | Jayne]")
What a day it was for Yordan Alvarez (and the Astros as a whole) in their 23-2 shellacking of the Orioles on Saturday.
Alvarez clobbered another three home runs to continue what has been an awe-inspiring two months at the major league level. According to CBS Sports, he became the first Houston player since Carlos Lee in 2007 to hit three homers in a regular season game.
Here are the current AL Rookie Year of the rankings through games played on August 10. Remember this is not a prediction of where I believe they will finish the season in voting, but rather how I would place them if voting were to take place today.
Yordan Alvarez, DH/LF - Astros
It has been a magical two-month run for Alvarez since making his MLB debut on June 9. His numbers for that brief a time are staggering: .353 average, 1.175 OPS, 17 homers, 51 RBIs. His numbers are so incredible that he’s the favorite despite just 192 plate appearances so far.
Brandon Lowe, 2B - Rays
MLB.com reported that Lowe has been making strides in his recovery and will hopefully take part in rehab games soon as a bruised right shin has shelved him since July 3. It unfortunately forced him to miss the All-Star Game. He has hit 16 home runs, 17 doubles, and posted an .862 OPS all while making just three errors at second base.
John Means, SP - Orioles
Named an All-Star as a rookie, Means has easily been the best starter on a floundering Orioles team. Guerrero Jr. is quickly gaining ground on him though as he has a 7.11 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break. Still, on the year, he has solid numbers of a 3.36 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B - Blue Jays
Guerrero Jr. has begun to hit much better after the All-Star break. A .330 average in the 26 games since has upped his batting average to .274 on the year with 34 extra-base hits in 328 at bats (20 doubles, 13 home runs, one triple).
Mike Tauchman, OF - Yankees
Tauchman was unthought of going into the season and has only seen playing time due to the multitude of injuries suffered by Yankees hitters. Boy, has he been a diamond in the rough for the team. A .305 average, .975 OPS, and 12 home runs in 212 plate appearances is not too shabby for a player who had zero expectations by fans entering the season.
Michael Chavis, 1B/2B - Red Sox
Chavis has filled in more than admirably playing nearly every day due to injuries over the season from Dustin Pedroia, Steve Pearce, and Mitch Moreland. While he strikes out rather frequently (126 times in 379 plate appearances), he is still productive as evidenced by his 18 homers and 58 RBIs.
Luis Arraez, 2B/3B - Twins
In this season of crazy home run and strikeout numbers, Arraez represents a throwback to earlier days when hitters were more concerned with making contact. He is hitting an outstanding .345 in 174 at bats and has 22 walks compared to only 14 strikeouts.
Oscar Mercado, OF - Indians
After being called up in mid-May, Mercado helped breathe life into an Indians outfield that desperately needed some at the time. For the year, he has nine homers, nine steals, and a .277 average.
Zach Plesac, SP - Indians
Called up in late May, Plesac has been part of a rotation that has helped Cleveland shoot up in the standings as they sit right behind the Twins in the AL Central. In 13 starts, he owns a 3.13 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.
Eloy Jimenez, LF - White Sox
This last spot came down to Jimenez or Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull. Jimenez, who has been a much-hyped prospect for a few years now, has exhibited much power with 19 home runs in 297 at bats, but he hopes to improve on his .236 average, .291 on-base percentage, and more than 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.
