Santana's Power Surge and Altuve's DFS Impact Highlight Week's MLB Action
The past week in Major League Baseball saw several notable performances and pivotal moments, headlined by Carlos Santana’s impressive display of power. Santana launched three home runs last week, bringing his season total to 18 homers after Sunday’s game. Known for his consistency, Santana has now achieved at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, a streak that only excludes the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Michael Taylor continues to shine against specific matchups, having hit two home runs in just 14 career at-bats against the Rangers' probable starter, Jose Urena. This historical success could play a critical role in the upcoming series.
On August 9, Jose Altuve was a key MLB DFS pick. Altuve’s performance that day didn’t disappoint DFS enthusiasts, as he went 1-for-4 with a two-home run, a walk, and two runs scored. This stellar game earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, cementing his status as a valuable asset in daily fantasy sports.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Consistency and Value
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a prominent figure in the league with a hitting streak extending to seven games as of Sunday. Widely regarded for his prowess at the plate, Witt Jr.'s consistency is further highlighted by his pricing in DFS lineups, where he stands at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel.
Witt leads the MLB in several critical categories, boasting a .350 batting average and ranking third in OPS (1.018). His performance since June 30 has been nothing short of spectacular; over 39 games, he leads in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308). Beyond power stats, Witt has shown all-around brilliance with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season.
Further emphasizing his value, Witt leads in runs scored (107) and ranks fifth in RBI (91). Consistency has been key, as Witt Jr. has recorded at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
Michael Massey's Meteoric Rise
Michael Massey is another player who has caught the eyes of both fans and analysts. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Not just a flash in the pan, Massey has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games.
Since August 3, Massey’s batting average (.343 over eight games) ranks him 16th-best in baseball, illustrating his rise as a reliable contributor to his team's offensive lineup.
Angels' Pitching Woes and Royals' Winning Streak
On the pitching side, the Angels face challenges with Carson Fulmer set to start on Monday. Fulmer struggled in his last outing against the Blue Jays, allowing five runs over three innings. This season, left-handed hitters have had a considerable advantage over Fulmer, managing a .759 OPS against him.
On a brighter note, the Kansas City Royals are riding a four-game winning streak, largely buoyed by an offensive surge that has seen them average eight runs per game during this stretch. This offensive explosion highlights the depth and capability of the Royals' lineup as they look to maintain their momentum.
McClure's Projection Model
For those tracking performance closely, McClure’s proprietary projection model, simulating each game 10,000 times, remains a significant tool for predicting outcomes and player performance. This model continues to be a valuable resource for both fans and DFS players alike, providing data-driven insights that help forecast player impacts and game results.
As the season progresses, these individual contributions and statistical insights paint a clear picture of the competitive landscape in Major League Baseball, illustrating both the unpredictability and excitement of America's pastime.