As the MLB season progresses and teams approach their 100th game, several key players are making headlines with their performance on the field. Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford are among those grabbing attention for various reasons.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Track
Cody Bellinger has shown a steady presence in the power-hitting department with nine home runs in 79 games this season. This performance follows a solid showing last year, during which he knocked out 26 home runs over 130 games. As Bellinger continues to find his rhythm, the question remains whether he can surpass last season's totals in the remaining games.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado is known for his consistency and power at the plate, but this season has proven to be a challenging one for the third baseman. With a .702 OPS, Arenado is currently experiencing the lowest OPS of his career. This dip in performance is unexpected for a player of his caliber, and fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if he can turn things around in the latter part of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Rising Star
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to make a name for himself with notable performances. In a recent Saturday matchup, he went 3-for-4, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Such performances are generating excitement about Witt Jr.'s potential and his evolving impact on the team.
Alex Bregman's On a Hot Streak
Alex Bregman has been a standout player since July 4, hitting an impressive .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His recent performance has earned him an .885 OPS, reflecting his critical role in the lineup.
When it comes to facing left-handed pitchers, Bregman shines even brighter. His career batting average against lefties stands at .278, with an outstanding .862 OPS. With the Athletics set to start left-hander Hogan Harris on Monday, Bregman could be poised for another big game. Harris, with a career ERA of 5.53, might just be the matchup Bregman can exploit to continue his hot streak.
For daily fantasy players, Bregman's performance has made him a valuable pick. He is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, making him a robust option for those looking to build a competitive lineup.
J.P. Crawford: A Mixed Season
J.P. Crawford is facing a season of highs and lows. While he is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, his performance against specific pitchers tells a more complex story. Against Tyler Anderson, for instance, Crawford has logged a 3-for-10 record with two walks.
Against left-handed pitchers this season, Crawford has been more successful, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. He has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against LHP, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers. This suggests that Crawford is more comfortable and effective when facing southpaws.
For fantasy sports enthusiasts, McClure, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. His pricing on DraftKings is $4,200 and $3,000 on FanDuel, making him an attractive option for those looking to leverage his specific strengths.
Outlook
As MLB teams gear up for the pivotal 100th game of the season, players like Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford will play crucial roles in their respective teams' fortunes. With daily fantasy sports adding another layer of engagement for fans, these players' performances are being closely monitored not just for their team's success but also for their potential to help fans win big in fantasy leagues.
The season is far from over, and there's plenty of baseball left to be played. As these players continue to develop and adapt, their impact on the game will undoubtedly provide plenty of exciting moments for fans and analysts alike.