The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season. Every game has become critical for teams vying for postseason berths, and the July 30 trade deadline saw teams making significant moves to bolster their chances.
Hernández's New Vision
Enrique Hernández's season took an unexpected turn after Max Muncy's oblique injury thrust him into a more prominent role at third base. The utility man approached the All-Star break with an underwhelming .191/.258/.299 batting line, raising concerns about his vision among his peers. After seeking advice and being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández experienced noticeable improvement in both his contact and chase rates.
"(Maldonado) told me that him and a couple of his teammates needed glasses, and they didn't really know through the spring training test. They went through a more thorough test [to learn they needed glasses]. So I was like, 'All right, I'm gonna try it out,'" Hernández explained.
With Muncy now on a minor-league rehab assignment and expected to return soon, Hernández will likely slide back into his versatile utility role, ready to contribute wherever needed on the diamond.
Melendez's Clutch Performance
MJ Melendez has been another player under scrutiny, holding a .205/.267/.403 slash line. When adjusted for ballpark conditions, Melendez's performance is 28% below league average. For left fielders, the league average stands at .243/.314/.398, making Melendez's .267 on-base percentage a point of concern.
Despite his overall stats, Melendez has shown an ability to perform in high-leverage situations. He ranks sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among hitters with at least 25 high-leverage appearances. One memorable moment came when Melendez delivered a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit, lifting the Royals from a 2-0 deficit.
"I like to be in those situations. It is do or die and that's a lot of fun. I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game," Melendez said.
This hit ranks as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year, underscoring Melendez's clutch gene. He has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season.
Margot's Struggles Off the Bench
Meanwhile, Margot has had a tumultuous season, having been on three different teams in the last nine months. He has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games so far, making him a frequent pinch-hitter. Leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot has struggled mightily in this role, with a .000/.129/.000 line. He is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, drawing four walks and striking out five times.
Before 2024, Margot had just 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, and his expanded role in this capacity has highlighted the challenges of coming off the bench cold to face major league pitching.
The Final Stretch
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continue to be scrutinized for their contributions. Each narrative adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama of Major League Baseball, where every at-bat carries the weight of the postseason. The ability to adapt will shape the final standings and write new chapters in the annals of the sport.