Impressive Week for Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana showcased his power last week, launching three home runs that elevated his season total to 18 homers as of Sunday’s game. Known for his consistent power-hitting, Santana continues to solidify his reputation by hitting at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, a streak that excludes the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Michael Taylor's Key Matchup
Looking at individual player matchups, Michael Taylor provides an intriguing case. Taylor has faced off against Rangers' probable starter Jose Urena 14 times in his career, managing to hit two home runs. This specific head-to-head battle could be significant in their upcoming game.
Jose Altuve's DFS Performance
Jose Altuve stood out as a top MLB Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) pick on August 9. On that day, he went 1-for-4, impressively hitting two home runs, walking once, and scoring two runs. His performance translated to 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, proving his worth as a top fantasy pick.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Hot Streak
Bobby Witt Jr. is another player capturing attention with his exceptional performance. As of Sunday, Witt extended his hitting streak to seven games. His remarkable stats this season include a .350 batting average and ranking third in OPS (1.018). Over the 39 games since June 30, Witt has led major league baseball in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308). He’s also achieved at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, and his leadership extends to scoring the most runs (107) while ranking fifth in RBIs (91). Witt's consistency is further demonstrated by recording at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
For MLB DFS lineups, Witt’s pricing stands at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel, reflecting his high value.
Michael Massey's Noteworthy Performances
Michael Massey is another player worth noting, especially for DFS enthusiasts. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey's recent performance has been strong. On Sunday, he went 3-for-4, continuing a trend of multiple hits in three of his last five games. Since August 3, Massey has maintained a batting average of .343 over eight games, ranking 16th in baseball for this period.
Pitching Challenges for Carson Fulmer
On the pitching side, Carson Fulmer has faced some difficulties. Slated to start for the Angels on Monday, Fulmer's last outing against the Blue Jays saw him allowing five runs over three innings. This season, Fulmer has struggled particularly against left-handed hitters, who boast a .759 OPS against him.
Royals on a Winning Streak
The Kansas City Royals are riding high on a four-game winning streak. During this period, the Royals have been averaging an impressive eight runs per game, showcasing their offensive capabilities and making a statement in their recent performances.
Utilizing Advanced Metrics
An interesting aspect of evaluating player and team performances is the use of advanced projection models. For instance, analyst McClure utilizes a proprietary projection model that simulates each game 10,000 times. Such tools provide deeper insights and can significantly impact betting and fantasy sports strategies.
The convergence of hit streaks, home run records, head-to-head matchups, and advanced statistics crafts a rich tapestry of this baseball season's narrative. With players like Santana, Altuve, Witt, and Massey delivering standout performances, and teams like the Royals finding their stride, the season continues to offer excitement and unpredictable turns.