MLB Teams Approach 100-Game Milestone as Season Heats Up
As Monday approaches, many MLB teams are on the verge of hitting a significant milestone: their 100th game of the season. This mark often serves as a crucial juncture in the campaign, where teams assess their strengths and weaknesses in the push towards the postseason.
Bellinger's Performance Analysis
Cody Bellinger, who has showcased moments of brilliance throughout his career, has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year. This follows a noteworthy 2022 season where he managed 26 home runs across 130 games. While his home run count might not be as impressive as last year, Bellinger continues to be a pivotal player for his team.
Arenado's Struggles at the Plate
Nolan Arenado is facing a challenging season with a .702 OPS, the lowest of his career. As a player known for his consistent offensive performance, this dip is significant. It's a tough period for Arenado, and how he adjusts his approach at the plate could be crucial for his team's success.
Witt Jr. Shines Despite Team Struggles
In contrast, Bobby Witt Jr. continues to impress. In the Saturday matchup, he went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored, showing that individual brilliance can still shine through even in the broader context of team challenges.
Fantasy Baseball Picks: Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Alex Bregman remains a valuable asset. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has been a consistent performer since July 4, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS in this period further underscores his value. Historically, Bregman has been reliable against left-handed pitching with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
On Monday, the Athletics are scheduled to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup could provide Bregman with a favorable opportunity to continue his strong performance.
Another noteworthy mention for fantasy baseball managers is J.P. Crawford. Also priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has shown solid numbers against southpaws this season, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. Crawford has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
Interestingly, Crawford's historical performance against Tyler Anderson stands at 3-for-10 with two walks. However, it's important to note that Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite these struggles, McClure, a recognized expert in fantasy sports, endorses rostering J.P. Crawford, suggesting that he has faith in Crawford's ability to turn things around.
Conclusion
As the MLB season approaches its 100th game milestone, every player’s performance is under the microscope. Cody Bellinger's power at the plate, Nolan Arenado's efforts to overcome a tough season, Bobby Witt Jr.'s individual brilliance, and the strategic moves in fantasy baseball involving Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford all paint a vivid picture of a sport constantly in motion and filled with nuance. The remaining stretch of the season promises to be thrilling, with every game carrying immense weight for players and teams alike.