The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, and with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become critical for teams vying for postseason berths. The intensity of the season is palpable, as every at-bat carries the weight of the postseason and the ability to adapt will shape the final standings.
Trade Deadline Moves
The July 30 trade deadline saw teams making significant moves to bolster their rosters for the stretch run. One player who has found himself in a more prominent role is Enrique Hernández, thrust into action at third base following Max Muncy’s oblique injury. Hernández, who has astigmatism in his right eye, had been struggling with a .191/.258/.299 batting line approaching the All-Star break. Seeking advice from his peers, Hernández learned that other players had experienced similar vision issues. “(Maldonado) told me that him and a couple of his teammates needed glasses, and they didn't really know through the spring training test. They went through a more thorough test [to learn they needed glasses]. So I was like, 'All right, I'm gonna try it out,’” Hernández shared.
Since being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández has shown noticeable improvement in his contact and chase rates. With Muncy beginning a minor-league rehab assignment and expected to return soon, Hernández will likely slide back into his utility role.
Melendez Steps Up in High-Leverage Situations
Another player drawing attention is MJ Melendez of the Kansas City Royals. With a .205/.267/.403 slash line, Melendez’s overall performance might be 28% below league average when adjusted for ballpark conditions, but he has excelled in high-leverage situations. Melendez ranks sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among 234 hitters with at least 25 high-leverage appearances. His recent exploits include a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit, marking the third-biggest hit in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year. Notably, Melendez has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season.
Melendez thrives in pressure-packed moments. As he put it, "I like to be in those situations. It is do or die and that's a lot of fun. I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game."
Margot: A Season of Struggles in a Pinch
Meanwhile, Manuel Margot's season has been filled with challenges. Over the last nine months, Margot has been on three different teams and has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday. Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot’s performance in these scenarios has been dismal, posting a .000/.129/.000 line. He is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, with four walks and five strikeouts. It’s worth noting that Margot had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances before 2024, indicating his struggles may be due to the unfamiliarity of the role.
The Final Push
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continue to be scrutinized for their contributions. Each narrative adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama of Major League Baseball. With every game critical and every at-bat carrying postseason implications, the pressures to perform are immense. The ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations will be crucial as teams aim to secure their place in the postseason and write new chapters in the annals of the sport.