Key Baseball Players and Matchups to Watch

Power Surge from Santana Boosts Season Totals

Carlos Santana has been on fire lately, smashing three home runs last week. His impressive performance has driven his season total to 18 home runs after Sunday’s game. Santana’s consistency is evident as he has managed to hit at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. This kind of reliability makes Santana a valuable asset to his team.

Taylor’s Success Against Urena

Michael Taylor has shown a knack for facing Rangers' probable starter Jose Urena. In 14 career at-bats against Urena, Taylor has managed to hit two home runs, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on matchups. This could be a pivotal factor for the team as they look to strategize and exploit Urena’s vulnerabilities.

Altuve Shines in MLB DFS

Jose Altuve was a top pick for MLB DFS on August 9, delivering an admirable 1-for-4 performance that included a two-home run, a walk, and two runs scored. His exceptional showing earned 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, underscoring why he’s often a go-to choice for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts.

Witt Jr. on a Hitting Streak

Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a standout performer, extending his hitting streak to seven games as of Sunday. Priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel for MLB DFS lineups, Witt’s metrics are hard to ignore. He boasts a .350 batting average and ranks third in OPS with a 1.018. His prowess is further underscored by his lead in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308) over 39 games since June 30.

This season, Witt has chalked up at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, illustrating his versatility and athleticism. He leads in runs scored with 107 and holds a strong fifth place in RBI with 91. With hits in 11 of his last 12 games, Witt’s form shows no sign of slowing.

Rising Star Massey

Michael Massey is another name turning heads. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey went 3-for-4 on Sunday and has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. His batting average since August 3 stands at an impressive .343, securing him the 16th-best position in baseball over eight games.

Royals Riding a Streak

The Kansas City Royals are currently enjoying a wave of success, riding a four-game winning streak. They’ve been averaging a notable eight runs per game during this run, a testament to their offensive prowess and consistent team performance.

Challenges for Fulmer

On the mound, Carson Fulmer is slated to start for the Angels on Monday. His recent form has been shaky, allowing five runs over three innings in his last outing against the Blue Jays. This season, left-handed hitters have a .759 OPS against Fulmer, indicating potential areas for opponents to target. The Royals’ current momentum and offensive strength will be a factor to watch as they face off against Fulmer.

Conclusion

The recent performances and statistics highlight key players and matchups to watch in the coming games. Santana, Taylor, Altuve, Witt Jr., and Massey each bring unique strengths to their teams, setting the stage for some exciting baseball action. Whether it's through steady power hitting, strategic matchups, or consistent streaks, these players are sure to keep fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.