As the MLB season surges forward, teams are approaching a pivotal milestone: their 100th game. This benchmark is accompanied by significant player performances and intriguing statistics that merit attention from fans and analysts alike.
Cody Bellinger's Power Struggles
This season, Cody Bellinger has yet to return to his peak form. With just nine home runs in 79 games, Bellinger's power numbers have noticeably decreased from last year, when he hit 26 homers in 130 games. This decline raises questions about his current impact and future potential.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Season
Nolan Arenado faces a similar challenge. Despite his reputation as one of the league's most consistent performers, Arenado is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career at .702—a stark contrast to his usual robust offensive contributions. Fans and analysts are left pondering whether this is a temporary slump or an indicator of a longer-term issue.
Bright Spot: Bobby Witt Jr.
Conversely, Bobby Witt Jr. provided a spark in his team's Saturday matchup, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. This performance underscores Witt’s potential and importance to his team's lineup.
Alex Bregman's Recent Surge
Alex Bregman has been a standout player recently. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has proven his value. Since July 4, he has hit .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. Over 13 games, Bregman boasts an impressive .885 OPS, reflecting his consistent ability to contribute offensively.
Bregman’s career stats against left-handed pitching—specifically a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS—further highlight his effectiveness. Looking ahead, Bregman is set to face the Athletics' left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who carries a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup could favor Bregman given his proficiency against southpaws.
J.P. Crawford: A Valuable Asset
J.P. Crawford is another player worth monitoring. Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford’s recent performance against left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson (3-for-10 with two walks) makes him an intriguing option for DFS players. This season, Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against left-handed pitchers, with four home runs in 88 at-bats, demonstrating his capability to handle southpaws effectively. However, Crawford's numbers against right-handed pitchers are also commendable, including five homers in 206 at-bats.
Despite these positives, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career—a notable downturn that he will need to address moving forward.
Expert Endorsement
Fantasy sports expert McClure, mentioned in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This recommendation carries weight given McClure's recognition and expertise in the field.
As we move deeper into the season, the performances of these players—both struggling and thriving—will undoubtedly shape the narratives of their respective teams. MLB fans and analysts will continue to monitor these developments closely, eager to see how these storylines unfold as the race for postseason positions intensifies.