Highlights of an Exciting Week in Major League Baseball
As the MLB season progresses towards its finale, several players have risen to the occasion, delivering remarkable performances that have had a significant impact on their teams’ standings. Among the standout players, Carlos Santana and Bobby Witt Jr. have been particularly impressive.
Carlos Santana's Power Surge
Carlos Santana made headlines last week by hitting three home runs, elevating his season total to 18. Santana's consistency as a power hitter is well-documented, having hit at least 19 home runs in ten straight seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. His contributions have been vital, especially as teams vie for playoff positioning.
Michael Taylor's Performance Against Jose Urena
Meanwhile, Michael Taylor has exhibited a knack for performing well against specific pitchers. In this case, he’s had notable success against Jose Urena, the Rangers' probable starter, having hit two home runs in just 14 career at-bats. Such individual matchups can often be the difference-makers in close games, and Taylor’s performance will be one to watch.
Jose Altuve's DFS Value
In the realm of daily fantasy sports (DFS), Jose Altuve proved to be a top pick on August 9. Altuve's performance that day included a stellar stat line of going 1-for-4, hitting two home runs, drawing a walk, and scoring two runs. His efforts earned a notable 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, making him a valuable asset for DFS players.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Remarkable Season
Bobby Witt Jr. has been a revelation this season, showcasing his all-around abilities. With a hitting streak that extended to seven games as of Sunday and a price of $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel, Witt is a hot commodity for DFS lineups. His impressive .350 batting average and his third-place ranking in OPS (1.018) underscore his value. Since June 30, Witt has been leading various categories, with a .445 batting average, .819 slugging percentage, and 1.308 OPS over 39 games.
Furthermore, Witt’s season has been nothing short of spectacular with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, not to mention leading in runs scored (107) and ranking fifth in RBI (91). His consistency is further highlighted by having at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
Michael Massey's Resurgence
Michael Massey has also been making waves, particularly since August 3. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey has shown excellent form, going 3-for-4 on Sunday and managing multiple hits in three of his last five games. His .343 batting average over eight games since early August ranks as the 16th-best in baseball, highlighting his upward trend.
Pitching Matchups and Team Performances
Looking ahead to the pitching duels, Carson Fulmer is slated to start for the Angels on Monday. However, Fulmer’s recent performance against the Blue Jays, where he allowed five runs over three innings, raises questions about his current form. This season, left-handed hitters have a .759 OPS against him, suggesting that opposing teams might have an edge.
On the other hand, the Royals have been on a roll, riding a four-game winning streak and averaging eight runs per game during this period. Their offensive surge and consistent performances from key players position them strongly as they aim to sustain their momentum.
In summary, the past week's MLB action has been a tapestry woven with exceptional individual performances and intriguing matchups. As the season heads into its critical stages, the contributions of players like Carlos Santana, Bobby Witt Jr., Jose Altuve, Michael Taylor, and Michael Massey will be pivotal in shaping the outcomes. Fans and DFS enthusiasts alike will keep a keen eye on these developments, making for an exciting stretch of baseball.