The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, signaling the final push towards the postseason. With less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become critical for teams aspiring to secure a playoff berth. The trade deadline on July 30 saw teams making significant moves to bolster their rosters for this crucial stretch.
Hernández Steps Up Amid Adversity
Enrique Hernández has found himself thrust into a more prominent role at third base due to Max Muncy's oblique injury. Despite challenges, including dealing with astigmatism in his right eye, Hernández has managed to make notable improvements. Approaching the All-Star break, Hernández had a dismal .191/.258/.299 batting line. Seeking advice from his peers, he learned the importance of thorough eye examinations. Reflecting on his conversation with a fellow player, he said, "(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.'"
After being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández showed significant improvement in his contact and chase rates, a testament to the importance of vision in a sport where milliseconds matter. With Muncy beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is expected to return to his utility role upon Muncy's return. Still, his ability to adapt and step up has been crucial during this period.
Melendez's High-Leverage Heroics
MJ Melendez has had an up-and-down season, evidenced by his .205/.267/.403 slash line. When adjusted for ballpark conditions, his performance is 28% below the league average for left fielders, a position where the league average stands at .243/.314/.398. Despite these struggles, Melendez has emerged as a clutch performer in high-leverage situations, ranking sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among 234 hitters with at least 25 such appearances.
Melendez's heroics were on full display when he delivered a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit. The hit ranks as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year. "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," Melendez stated, showcasing his readiness and resilience.
His clutch moments continue to be highlights in Kansas City, with Melendez responsible for three of the Royals' nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season.
Margot's Pinch-Hitting Struggles
In contrast, Margot has faced struggles of a different kind. Having been on three teams in the last nine months, his role has been less settled. Starting in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday, Margot leads the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances. However, his performance as a pinch-hitter has been abysmal, posting a .000/.129/.000 line. Margot is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, with four walks and five strikeouts, a stark contrast to his prior career numbers.
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, the performances of players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continue to be scrutinized. Each narrative adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama of Major League Baseball where every at-bat carries the weight of the postseason. The ability to adapt and shine in critical moments will shape the final standings and write new chapters in the sport’s storied history.