Jonathan Schoop continues to be one of the best plays at second base in Major League Baseball (MLB). On Friday night, the Curaçao native hit a homer, No. 20 on the season, and drove in four runs overall to give him 67 RBI so far in 2017.
It wasn’t enough as Schoop’s team Baltimore Orioles lost 8-7 to Houston Astros. His three-run blast in the ninth brought the O’s within a run after entering the final frame down 8-2.
Schoop’s now third in the American League in RBI and his homer output is tops among second basemen. The Orioles’ second baseman went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer and four RBIs Friday against the Astros.
Schoop has mashed at the plate in July, posting a .343/.365/.600 batting line with five homers, 18 RBIs and 12 runs in 17 games this month.
The Baltimore slugger launched his 20th homer, giving him two straight seasons with at least that many. On pace to hit .300 with 30 long balls, 100 RBIs and 90 runs, the 25-year-old has easily been a top 10 player at his position in 2017.
Schoop went also 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three RBI during Thursday’s win over the Rangers.