Santana Shines with Home Run Barrage
Last week, Carlos Santana showcased his power at the plate, drilling three home runs to bring his season total to 18. This latest burst of power came just in time to keep his impressive streak alive; Santana has now hit at least 19 home runs in 10 consecutive seasons, barring the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Adding context to Santana's consistency, Michael Taylor has also proven reliable against formidable opponents. In 14 career at-bats against the Rangers' probable starter Jose Urena, Taylor has managed to hit two home runs. This kind of specific matchup data can sometimes offer insight into a player’s potential performance on any given day.
Altuve’s August 9 Performance
Jose Altuve was highly recommended for MLB DFS on August 9, and he did not disappoint. On that day, Altuve went 1-for-4 but made the most of his opportunities, hitting two home runs, drawing a walk, and scoring two runs. His performance earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, solidifying his status as a valuable pick in fantasy lineups.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Rising Star
Another player drawing attention is Bobby Witt Jr., whose hitting streak extended to seven games as of Sunday. Witt, priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel for MLB DFS lineups, has been a consistent performer. He leads baseball in multiple categories, boasting a stellar .350 batting average and ranking third in OPS with 1.018. Since June 30, Witt's statistics have been nothing short of extraordinary, leading in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308) over 39 games.
This season, Witt has also showcased his versatility with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He is at the forefront in runs scored (107) and ranks fifth in RBIs (91), evidencing his crucial role in offensive production. Witt’s recent form is highlighted by his consistency, recording at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
Michael Massey’s Recent Surge
Michael Massey has been another standout performer, priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel. He went 3-for-4 on Sunday and has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. Since August 3, Massey has maintained the 16th-best batting average in baseball, hitting .343 over eight games. These numbers hint at a player who is steadily making his mark and providing value for both his team and fantasy players.
Analyzing Pitching Matchups
Looking at the pitching scenarios, Carson Fulmer is slated to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer’s previous outing was a struggle, allowing five runs over three innings against the Blue Jays. This season, left-handed hitters have an OPS of .759 against him, a statistic that opposing teams are likely to exploit. Given these trends, his performance will be closely watched.
Royals on a Winning Streak
The Kansas City Royals are riding a wave of success with a four-game winning streak, averaging an impressive eight runs per game during this period. This offensive explosion has rejuvenated the team's season, and they will be looking to continue their winning ways. The contributions of hitters like Witt and Massey have been invaluable, but the entire lineup seems to be clicking at the right moment.
The combination of emerging stars, consistent veterans, and strategic matchups continues to make this MLB season one of intrigue and excitement. Whether it's a veteran like Santana extending a remarkable streak or a rising talent like Witt breaking new ground, the nuances and variables of baseball keep fans and analysts alike eagerly engaged.