Rupp leads Majors in highest exit velocity

MIAMI — Cameron Rupp is the hardest hitter in the Major Leagues. That’s according to Statcast™, which revealed that the Phillies’ catcher has the highest average exit velocity (97.5 mph) on batted balls in play among all big leaguers this season, entering Friday’s game against the Marlins.

For reference, Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton led the Majors with a 98.5 mph average in 2015. Stanton also launched one off his bat at 120.1 mph against Washington’s Joe Ross for a single in a game on April 10 this season.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said he isn’t a bit surprised: “He hits the ball hard.”

Despite Stanton’s prowess, velocity doesn’t always translate into long balls. Rupp hit just one homer in his first 64 at-bats this season. Mackanin explained why.

“Exit speed off the bat just …

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