BALTIMORE -- All-Star hangover? What All-Star hangover?
While this Orioles team has undoubtedly had its ups and downs, second baseman Jonathan Schoop shows no signs of slowing down. Schoop homered for the third consecutive game in Saturday's 8-4 loss to Houston, as the infielder continues to prove himself as the O's most consistent offensive threat.
Just how good has Schoop been? HIs 69 RBIs are tops on the team and 19 more than the next closest Oriole, Trey Mancini. In the American League, he trails only Nelson Cruz -- his mentor -- and Yankees phenom Aaron Judge.
"It's been fun to watch," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Schoop, who also has a team-leading 21 homers. "Jon's a guy that's very unassuming. I could tell you three or four stories a day about him that would make you smile. He's a humble young man. Knows where he came from and his family -- everything Jon does is about his family."
Named to his first All-Star team earlier this month, Schoop's two-run blast Saturday -- which also scored Manny Machado -- capped a four-run fifth inning that chased Astros starter Collin McHugh from the game. It also puts Schoop just four homers shy of matching last year's season total, a feat even more impressive when you look at Schoop's improved batting average and higher walk totals.
"I think everybody takes a little extra satisfaction when Jon is doing well because he deserves it. Well, you don't always deserve it, but he gives himself a chance," Showalter said. "So to see Jon continue to get better every year and learn from things that he knows he can get better at. He's very approachable. You never have to worry if he's in a mood or something like that. Jon is very approachable and coachable and alway looking for help and very respectful of anyone who is trying to help him."
Schoop, who leads all AL second baseman with 46 extra-base hits, is quietly batting .368 (14-for-38) with three homers, 15 RBIs and eight runs in nine second-half games.