As the MLB season progresses past the halfway mark, several key storylines and player performances have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. This week, many teams are set to reach the notable milestone of their 100th game, a point where postseason aspirations can begin to crystallize or fade away. Let's dive into some of the standout player performances and upcoming matchups.
Cody Bellinger's Season in Focus
Cody Bellinger's 2023 campaign has been one of cautious optimism. In 79 games this season, the outfielder has managed to hit nine home runs. This comes on the heels of a more prolific 2022 performance where he notched 26 homers in 130 games. While his power at the plate has been respectable, fans are eager to see if Bellinger can find the consistency and vigor that once made him one of the league’s most feared hitters.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
For Nolan Arenado, this season has been a challenging one. The veteran third baseman is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career at .702. This drop in productivity has been a significant talking point among analysts who have long considered Arenado one of the most reliable and robust hitters in the game. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for him to rediscover his form to aid his team's postseason ambitions.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines on Saturday
One player who has recently stood out is Bobby Witt Jr. The young infielder had an impressive performance in their Saturday matchup, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt Jr.’s contributions are a bright spot for his team, showing glimpses of the star he could become in the coming years.
Spotlight on Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman has been making headlines for his performance in recent weeks. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman offers intriguing value for fantasy baseball managers. Since July 4, he has hit .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, culminating in an impressive .885 OPS. His career numbers against left-handed pitching – a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS – only bolster his appeal as a reliable fantasy option.
The Athletics are set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris has a career ERA of 5.53, which presents a favorable matchup for Bregman. Fantasy managers would be wise to consider Bregman for their lineups given his track record against southpaws and recent hot streak.
J.P. Crawford's Dual Performance
Similarly, J.P. Crawford has caught the eye of fantasy enthusiasts. Crawford, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, has shown prowess against left-handed pitching this season. With a batting average of .284 and an OPS of .805 against southpaws, along with four home runs in 88 at-bats, Crawford has demonstrated his capability to contribute significantly. His career performance against Tyler Anderson is another point of interest, going 3-for-10 with two walks, adding to his case as a valuable fantasy asset.
However, it's worth noting that Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite this dip, his recent performances suggest he might be able to turn things around. McClure, a well-known figure in the fantasy sports community and recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This endorsement adds weight to the belief that Crawford could provide significant upside for fantasy players.
Conclusion
As we delve deeper into the second half of the MLB season, these players and their performances will be essential in shaping not just the outcomes of individual matches, but also the broader playoff picture. With milestones being reached and standout performances being recorded, the excitement and anticipation amongst fans continue to build. Whether it's Cody Bellinger's quest for consistency, Nolan Arenado's bid to regain his form, or the strategic choices in fantasy baseball involving players like Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford, the ensuing weeks promise a wealth of thrilling baseball action.