As the MLB season progresses and teams approach their 100th game milestone, certain players and matchups are drawing significant attention. Cody Bellinger, who has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year, appears to be on a slower pace compared to his performance last season, where he hit 26 home runs over 130 games. This notable change might be a concern for his supporters and the team.
Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado is having a season that's unexpectedly below par. Currently, he has a .702 OPS, which is the lowest OPS of his career. This downtrend is something fans and analysts are keeping a close eye on, given Arenado's typically solid performance at the plate.
Another player to watch is Bobby Witt Jr., who recently showcased his talent by going 3-for-4, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored in a Saturday matchup. His performance is a beacon of hope for his team, signaling potential for even better outcomes as the season continues.
Spotlight on Bregman
Alex Bregman's recent surge in performance is gaining attention in the fantasy sports arena. Since July 4, Bregman has been hitting an impressive .314, accompanied by three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this period signifies a player in great form. Given his career stats against left-handed pitching—a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS—Bregman seems well-positioned for success in upcoming games.
Fantasy sports enthusiasts might find Bregman an appealing pick, especially with his price set at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel. As the Athletics are slated to start LHP Hogan Harris, whose career 5.53 ERA signals vulnerability, Bregman could be a solid investment for fantasy rosters.
J.P. Crawford: A Calculated Risk?
J.P. Crawford is another player under the spotlight. Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford's stats are a mixed bag this season. Notably, his career performance against Tyler Anderson includes three hits in ten at-bats and two walks. Batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws this season, Crawford has demonstrated some proficiency. He also has four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers.
However, Crawford's overall performance this season is underwhelming, marked by the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite these struggles, McClure—a well-regarded analyst in the world of fantasy sports—endorses rostering Crawford. This recommendation might be driven by the situational potential Crawford holds against certain pitchers or contexts, making him a calculated risk.
Monday's Matchups: Potential Game Changers
As we look toward Monday, the planned start of LHP Hogan Harris for the Athletics is significant. With a career ERA of 5.53, Harris presents a promising target for batters like Bregman and others. Analysts and fantasy sports enthusiasts will closely monitor this match-up, anticipating key performances that could have substantial impacts both on the field and in fantasy leagues.
In conclusion, as MLB teams inch closer to their 100th game, the performances of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford will be under the microscope. Each player has their unique storylines of struggle and opportunity, making for an intriguing period in the season. Whether you're a fan, an analyst, or a fantasy sports participant, the unfolding narratives promise a compelling week of baseball.