Santana and Witt Continue to Shine Amidst Royals' Winning Streak
The Kansas City Royals are riding high with a four-game winning streak, and their performance on the field has matched their newfound momentum. The Royals are averaging an impressive eight runs per game during this streak, thanks to outstanding contributions from key players.
Carlos Santana's Power Surge
Carlos Santana has been a significant force for the Royals, recently hitting three home runs in the past week. This powerful display has brought Santana's season total to 18 home runs following Sunday's game. Santana's consistency over the years is nothing short of remarkable; he has hit at least 19 home runs in ten straight seasons, with the lone exception being the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Michael Taylor vs. Jose Urena
Another key player, Michael Taylor, has a notable history against the Rangers' probable starter, Jose Urena. In 14 career at-bats against Urena, Taylor has hit two home runs, providing the Royals with an edge when facing the Rangers in the upcoming match.
Jose Altuve's DFS Highlight
Texas Rangers star Jose Altuve was a standout MLB DFS pick on August 9. Altuve showcased his hitting prowess by going 1-for-4, which included hitting two home runs, earning a walk, and scoring two runs. This performance translated into 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, highlighting his immense fantasy value.
Bobby Witt Jr. on Fire
Bobby Witt Jr. has been instrumental in the Royals' recent success. As of Sunday, Witt extended his hitting streak to seven games, showcasing his consistency and skill. Witt, priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel for MLB DFS lineups, leads baseball in multiple key categories. He boasts a stellar .350 batting average and ranks third in OPS with a figure of 1.018. Since June 30, over a span of 39 games, Witt leads in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308).
This season, Witt's versatility has been on full display as he has hit at least 25 home runs and stolen 25 bases. His all-around performance is further evidenced by leading in runs scored (107) and ranking fifth in RBIs (91). Witt's consistency is highlighted by recording at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
Michael Massey's Contributions
Michael Massey, another emerging talent for the Royals, has been making valuable contributions as well. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey went 3-for-4 on Sunday. Impressively, he has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. Since August 3, Massey's batting average of .343 ranks him 16th best in baseball over an eight-game span.
Pitching Challenges and Future Outlook
On the pitching side, Carson Fulmer is set to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer's recent performance has been shaky; in his last outing against the Blue Jays, he allowed five runs over three innings. This season, Fulmer has struggled particularly against left-handed hitters, who have a .759 OPS against him.
As the Royals continue their winning streak, the contributions from Santana, Witt, and Massey have been crucial. With these key players in top form, the Royals are poised to build on their momentum and make a significant impact in the remaining season.