As the 100th game of the MLB season looms on the horizon, teams and players are hitting crucial points in their respective journeys, showing a fascinating mix of struggles and standout performances.
Cody Bellinger: Powering Through
Cody Bellinger continues to be a significant power threat in the lineup, with nine home runs in 79 games this year. Though his pace this season hasn't caught up to the 26 homers he powered through in 130 games last season, Bellinger remains a critical piece of his team's offensive puzzle.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Season
Nolan Arenado, usually a bastion of offensive consistency, finds himself in an unusual slump with a .702 OPS this season — the lowest of his career. Fans of Arenado will undoubtedly look forward to him regaining his form as the season progresses.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Stellar Performance
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an impressive 3-for-4 showing with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Saturday's matchup, demonstrating his significant potential and readiness to contribute at key moments for his team.
Alex Bregman: Heating Up in July
Alex Bregman has been on fire since July 4, batting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, showcasing an impressive .885 OPS. Known for his solid performance against left-handed pitchers, including a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, Bregman is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel.
A Favorable Matchup
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Bregman appears to be a justifiable pick, particularly with the Athletics scheduled to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris's career 5.53 ERA indicates potential opportunities for hitters like Bregman to exploit.
J.P. Crawford: A Recommended Fantasy Option
J.P. Crawford, another key player on the radar for DraftKings and FanDuel users, is priced at $4,200 and $3,000, respectively. Crawford has a respectable .284 average with an .805 OPS against southpaws this season, underscored by his performance against Tyler Anderson, where he holds a 3-for-10 record with two walks.
Crawford's power display includes four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers this season and five home runs out of 206 at-bats against right-handers. However, Crawford is contending with the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite this, fantasy sports expert McClure includes him among recommended rosters, perhaps betting on his ability to bounce back and deliver key contributions.
Baseball's Unpredictability
The current MLB season, much like any other, embodies the unpredictable nature of the sport. As teams close in on their 100th games, the ebbs and flows of players' performances continue to captivate fans and analysts alike. From the resurgence of players like Alex Bregman to the struggles of seasoned veterans like Nolan Arenado, the season progresses with narratives that are both thrilling and unforeseen.
Fantasy baseball players and enthusiasts will continue to monitor these developments closely, adjusting their rosters and strategies to match the evolving landscape of the league. As always, each game offers new surprises and opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills and impact their team's success.