As Monday approaches, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are preparing to hit a crucial milestone—their 100th game of the season. This point in the season often serves as a moment for organizations to reassess their strategies, player performances, and playoff prospects.
Player Spotlights: Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado
Cody Bellinger's performance this season has been under the microscope. The outfielder has managed to hit nine home runs in 79 games so far, compared to the 26 home runs he hit over 130 games last season. Bellinger's power at the plate is a crucial component for his team's offensive success, and fans will be keen to see if he can regain his form in the remaining games.
Nolan Arenado, another player in the spotlight, is experiencing a career-low .702 OPS this season. Known for his consistent offensive production, Arenado's slump has been a point of concern for his team. For a player of his caliber, these struggles are unexpected and could significantly impact his team's playoff hopes if not corrected soon.
Standout Performances: Bobby Witt Jr. and Alex Bregman
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an impressive performance in the latest Saturday matchup, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. This kind of outing highlights Witt Jr.'s potential to be a key player in his team's lineup, offering both offensive power and consistency.
Alex Bregman, currently priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, has been on an upward trajectory since July 4. In this period, Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, culminating in an .885 OPS over 13 games. His performance against left-handed pitching, which includes a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, adds another layer of optimism as the Athletics are scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday. Considering Harris's career 5.53 ERA, Bregman poses a significant threat to disrupt their plans on the mound.
J.P. Crawford: A Mixed Bag
J.P. Crawford's pricing stands at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. A closer look at Crawford's performance this season reveals an interesting dichotomy. While his batting average against left-handed pitchers (LHP) is an impressive .284 with an .805 OPS, his overall season numbers tell a different story. Crawford has four home runs in 88 at-bats against LHP and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers (RHP). However, he's currently dealing with the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career.
Despite these struggles, McClure, a recognized figure in fantasy sports, endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This endorsement is intriguing, especially when you consider Crawford's career numbers against Tyler Anderson, which include going 3-for-10 with two walks. Crawford's .284 batting average against southpaws this season further bolsters McClure's recommendation.
Fantasy sports enthusiasts might need to weigh Crawford's potential for breaking out against his current season struggles. His mixed performance underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball, where a player's recent slump can be offset by favorable matchups and situational advantages.
As MLB teams advance into the latter part of the season, the performances of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford will be pivotal. Their ability to rise to the occasion or continue their current trends will not only impact their teams' fortunes but will also be a focal point for fantasy sports participants and baseball fans alike. Understanding the nuances of these players' seasons provides a deeper appreciation for the game and its ever-changing dynamics.