MLB wrap: Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger for MVP? Don't forget Freddie Freeman, Anthony Rendon

Thomas Lott

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MLB wrap: Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger for MVP? Don't forget Freddie Freeman, Anthony Rendon image

This year's MVP race in the National League is one for the history books.

Christian Yelich of the Brewers and Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers have stolen all of the headlines and rightfully so. They're probably going to finish with more than 50 home runs apiece while playing good defense, as well.

As good as those two have been, though, don't forget about Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon. These two won't hit 50 home runs apiece — they may not even get to 40 — but that does not take away from just how good they have been.

Freeman, 29, has consistently been one of the best players in baseball and he is having a career year. He came into Tuesday's game batting .303 with 31 home runs and 98 RBIs and he led the Braves to a win again going 3 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs in a 5-1 win over the Marlins. He never gets the credit for being as good as he is and he just goes out there and helps his team win every night.

As for Rendon, he can put up fantastic numbers and has done just that again this year. He came into Tuesday hitting .317 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs and also led his team going 3 for 3 with a walk and an RBI against the Pirates, although Washington lost 4-1.

All these players do is produce. Now, will they win the MVP award this year? We don't think so. Freeman might even be behind teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. in the race. But they don't always get the attention they deserve and we wanted to give them some, even if it's just for one night.

Studs of the Night

Angels lefty Andrew Heaney struck out 14 batters while allowing just one run in eight innings of work in a 5-1 win over the Rangers.

Reds starter Sonny Gray struck out 10 in six innings while allowing one run in a 3-2 win over the Padres.

Nelson Cruz went 4 for 5 with three doubles, a home run and three RBIs in the Twins' 14-4 win over the White Sox.

Dud of the Night

After being part of a no-hitter in his first start in Houston, Aaron Sanchez has taken a step back. He gave up three runs in 2 1/3 innings while allowing four hits and two walks to the Tigers. Houston did overcome the poor performance, though, and won 6-3.

Highlight

Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader made a fantastic diving catch against the Brewers.

What's Next

Indians (74-52) at Mets (65-60), 7:10 p.m. ET — These two teams are heavily involved in both wild-card races. The Indians will put Adam Plutko (5-3, 4.67 ERA) on the hill while the Mets are set to counter with Marcus Stroman (1-0, 5.17 ERA).

Thomas Lott