The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, bringing with them a heightened sense of urgency. With less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become crucial for teams with postseason aspirations. The July 30 trade deadline acted as a catalyst for many, prompting significant moves across the league.
Enrique Hernández: Rising to the Occasion
One notable shift occurred for the versatile Enrique Hernández, who found himself in a more prominent role at third base following Max Muncy's oblique injury. Hernández, who has astigmatism in his right eye, had been struggling at the plate. His pre-All-Star break numbers—a .191/.258/.299 batting line—spoke volumes about his difficulties. Seeking improvement, Hernández sought advice from peers about his vision issues.
"(Maldonado) told me that him and a couple of his teammates needed glasses, and they didn't really know through the spring training test. They went through a more thorough test [to learn they needed glasses]. So I was like, 'All right, I'm gonna try it out,'" he revealed.
Following this advice, Hernández was fitted for eyeglasses, resulting in a noticeable improvement in his contact and chase rates. This adjustment couldn't have come at a better time for the player and his team. Yet, with Max Muncy now beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is expected to return to his utility role once Muncy is back in the lineup.
MJ Melendez: Clutch Performer
Meanwhile, MJ Melendez has garnered attention for his knack for high-leverage situations. Despite a .205/.267/.403 slash line that places his performance 28% below league average when adjusted for ballpark conditions, Melendez shines brightest when the stakes are highest. His .267 on-base percentage doesn't tell the whole story. Remarkably, Melendez ranks sixth in weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among 234 hitters with at least 25 high-leverage appearances.
Melendez delivered a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit. This hit is the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. He has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season.
Melendez himself embraces these moments. "I like to be in those situations. It is do or die, and that's a lot of fun. I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game," he stated.
Margot: Struggling in a New Role
Contrasting the success of Hernández and Melendez is Margot, who has faced a challenging transition this season. Having been on three teams in the last nine months, Margot has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday. However, his most significant struggle has come as a pinch-hitter, leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances yet maintaining a dismal .000/.129/.000 line in those situations.
With zero hits in 27 pinch-hit at-bats, along with four walks and five strikeouts, Margot's difficulties are evident. Prior to 2024, he had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, indicating that this role is an unfamiliar and uncomfortable adjustment for him.
Countdown to the Postseason
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, the performances of players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continue to be closely watched. Their contributions, be it Hernández's adaptability at third base, Melendez's clutch heroics, or Margot's struggle to find his footing, add intricate layers to the unfolding drama of Major League Baseball.
Every at-bat now carries the weight of the postseason. Teams must adapt and evolve, as the ability to perform under pressure will shape the final standings and write new chapters in the sport's annals.