Key Milestones Approaching in the MLB Season
As Monday approaches, several MLB teams are nearing a noteworthy milestone—playing their 100th game of the season. This point in the season often brings clarity about which teams are legitimate postseason contenders and which are more likely to spend October at home.
Cody Bellinger: A Tale of Two Seasons
Cody Bellinger’s performance this year has drawn attention. With nine home runs in 79 games, he hasn't quite matched the power he showcased last season when he hit 26 home runs over 130 games. Bellinger’s fans are hopeful that he can regain his form and contribute even more in the latter half of the season.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado is having a challenging year, posting a .702 on-base plus slugging (OPS), the lowest of his career. Known for his consistency and power at the plate, Arenado's dip in production has been a surprise. The All-Star third baseman will be looking to turn things around as his team battles for a playoff spot.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Stellar Saturday
In recent games, Bobby Witt Jr. has provided a spark for his team. In a Saturday matchup, he went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored, highlighting his potential to be a key player in the team's lineup. Witt Jr.'s performance is particularly promising as the team heads into the key stretch of the season.
Alex Bregman's Form Since July 4th
Meanwhile, Alex Bregman has been on a tear. Since July 4, Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman offers considerable value for fantasy sports enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Bregman has been a reliable performer against left-handed pitching, boasting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. These statistics make him a favorable pick for many fantasy lineups, especially with left-hander Hogan Harris, who carries a career 5.53 ERA, starting for the Athletics on Monday.
J.P. Crawford: A Versatile Performer Against Southpaws
J.P. Crawford is another player worth watching. Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has shown prowess against left-handed pitching. This season, he's batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, including four home runs in 88 at-bats. His career performance against Tyler Anderson also supports his value, going 3-for-10 with two walks.
Despite these positive splits, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. These statistics make it clear that while he has his moments, consistency has eluded him this year.
The McClure Endorsement
McClure, a recognized figure in the fantasy sports world and author of "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," has endorsed rostering J.P. Crawford. McClure’s endorsement carries weight, given his expertise and track record in the fantasy sports industry.
As teams and players continue to navigate the ongoing season, fans and fantasy sports managers alike will be keeping a close eye on these developments. Whether it's Bellinger finding his power swing, Arenado overcoming his struggles, or Crawford leveraging his strengths against left-handers, the next few weeks promise to be pivotal.