As the Major League Baseball season heads into the critical stretch, Monday will mark a milestone for many teams as they approach their 100th game of the season. With the playoff race heating up, several players are standing out with noteworthy performances and intriguing statistics.
Cody Bellinger's Power Display
Cody Bellinger has demonstrated his power at the plate this year, smashing nine home runs in 79 games. This follows an impressive 2022 season where he hit 26 home runs in 130 games. Bellinger's ability to consistently go deep has been instrumental in his team's offensive strategy.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Season
Nolan Arenado, typically known for his robust offensive numbers, is experiencing a surprising dip in performance. His current OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) sits at .702, the lowest of his career. Such a slump is unusual for the perennial All-Star, who has consistently been among the league's top hitters in previous seasons.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Stellar Performance
Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his offensive prowess during Saturday's game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt's contributions have been a bright spot, demonstrating his potential as a key player in the lineup.
Alex Bregman's Consistent Production
Alex Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, has been on fire since July 4. Over 13 games, Bregman has maintained a .314 batting average with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. His career numbers against left-handed pitchers are also notable, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
Bregman's recent form makes him a strong candidate for daily fantasy lineups, especially with the Athletics set to start left-hander Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, bearing a career ERA of 5.53, could provide Bregman with favorable matchups throughout the game.
J.P. Crawford's Dual Potential
J.P. Crawford presents an interesting case for fantasy players. Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has shown a knack for hitting both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. This season, he's batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws and has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers. Against right-handers, he's recorded five home runs in 206 at-bats.
However, Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite this, McClure, well-regarded and recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford. Crawford's career performance against Tyler Anderson is another point in his favor, as he has a 3-for-10 record with two walks against the lefty.
Conclusion
As we approach a significant juncture in the MLB season, players like Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford will be critical to their teams' success and provide substantial intrigue for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Monitoring their performances and strategic matchups remains essential for those looking to capitalize on daily fantasy baseball platforms.