The Baltimore Orioles have been on a remarkable scoring run, showcasing their offensive prowess by tallying at least seven runs in three of their last four games. This surge has been spearheaded by the standout performances of key players such as outfielder Anthony Santander and second baseman Jackson Holliday.
Santander’s Standout Season
Anthony Santander has emerged as a pivotal player for the Orioles this season. In a recent victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, Santander's bat was on fire as he blasted two home runs. He now boasts an impressive 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, making him an essential component of Baltimore's offensive strategy. His performance is not only powering the Orioles to victories but also cementing his status as a significant presence in the league.
Holliday’s Homecoming Boost
After returning from a stint with Triple-A Norfolk, Jackson Holliday has made an immediate impact. Since his return, Holliday has hit four home runs, with three of those coming in a standout performance against the Blue Jays. His resurgence adds depth to an already potent Orioles lineup, providing a much-needed boost as they push towards the postseason.
Pitching Struggles for Opponents
The Orioles' recent success has, in part, been due to the struggles of opposing pitchers. Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman currently holds a record of 9-8 with an ERA of 4.56. Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery, now pitching for the Diamondbacks, has a 7-5 record with a hefty ERA of 6.37. Montgomery has consistently struggled, failing to make it past five innings in his last four starts, which has certainly played into the Orioles’ hands during their offensive streak.
DFS Insight from McClure
For those following daily fantasy sports, expert McClure’s proprietary projection model provides valuable insights. The model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, highlighted Jesse Winker as a top MLB DFS pick on Wednesday. Winker did not disappoint, going 3-for-5 with an RBI, earning 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings. As of Thursday, McClure has spotlighted Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel. Bohm leads Philadelphia’s lineup with 128 hits this season, riding a nine-game hitting streak, and holds a team-high 78 RBIs in 2024.
Aaron Judge: A Consistent Force
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge continues to assert his dominance in the league. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel for Thursday, Judge's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the Yankees’ 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times, maintaining a .431 batting average over his past 20 games. His consistency is highlighted by reaching base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, and he leads MLB with a staggering 41 home runs this season. Judge's discipline at the plate is also noteworthy, as he has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday, reflecting the respect he commands from pitchers across the league.
Angels’ Pitching Woes
The Angels have not been able to match the same level of consistency on the mound. Starter Tyler Anderson, with a 0-2 record and a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts since July 6, has struggled to contain the opposition. This recent dip in form compounds the difficulties for a team striving to stay competitive against high-caliber opponents.
As the season progresses, the standout performances and strategic contributions of these players will undoubtedly shape the outcomes of their respective teams. With the Orioles on a hot streak and players like Santander and Holliday stepping up, they have set the stage for an intriguing close to the season. Simultaneously, the struggles of opposition pitchers like Gausman and Montgomery underscore the challenges teams face in containing such a potent offense. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge's consistency remains a beacon of excellence in the league, making every game a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.