The 100th Game Approaches for MLB Teams
As Monday approaches, many Major League Baseball teams are poised to hit a significant milestone with their 100th game of the season. This mark often signifies the moment teams reassess their strategies and players' performances to push towards postseason contention. Let's take a closer look at notable player metrics and matchups that could impact the final stretch.
Cody Bellinger's Battle
Cody Bellinger has seen a slight dip in his power numbers this season, hitting nine home runs in 79 games. To put this in context, Bellinger launched 26 home runs in 130 games last season. The talented outfielder will need to significantly up his game if he hopes to match or surpass his previous season's tally.
Nolan Arenado's Challenging Season
Nolan Arenado, typically one of the game's most reliable hitters, is experiencing a down year by his standards. Holding a .702 OPS, this season marks the lowest OPS of Arenado's career. Comparing his prior consistency, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Arenado can find his stride as the season progresses.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Strong Performance
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a bright spot for his team. In their Saturday matchup, Witt went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt's performance boosts his season stats and highlights his potential to be a pivotal player in the lineup.
Alex Bregman's Resurgence
Alex Bregman has seen a surge in his performance since July 4. Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, contributing to an .885 OPS. His daily fantasy baseball prices reflect his recent hot streak, listed at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel.
Long-term, Bregman has been particularly effective against left-handed pitching, with a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. This makes his upcoming matchup against Athletics' starter Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, one to watch closely.
J.P. Crawford: A Strategic Pick
J.P. Crawford, valued at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, also displays promising numbers against lefties this season. Batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, Crawford has shown he can produce when it counts. His past performance against Tyler Anderson, going 3-for-10 with two walks, adds to his allure as a strategic roster choice. However, Crawford is facing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, indicating his recent struggles at the plate.
Despite the downturn in his stats, fantasy baseball expert McClure endorses rostering Crawford. McClure's expertise, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," adds weight to this recommendation. The reasoning behind this endorsement likely considers Crawford's historical performance against specific pitchers and situational matchups.
Key Takeaways
As teams close in on their 100th game, the numbers imply a season teeming with potential and challenges. Players like Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado seek to reestablish their form, while rising stars like Bobby Witt Jr. continue to impress. The metrics also suggest Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford are making compelling cases for fantasy league considerations in upcoming games.
With each game, the stakes get higher, and managers must deftly balance player performances, matchups, and strategic plays. Whether for the thrill of the chase or the meticulous crafting of a fantasy roster, the MLB season's homestretch promises drama and excitement.