Santana's Power Surge and Witt Jr.'s Consistency Highlight Latest MLB Action
The past week in Major League Baseball saw some remarkable performances, particularly from Carlos Santana and Bobby Witt Jr., whose consistency and power at the plate continue to impress fans and analysts alike.
Carlos Santana's Impressive Homers
Carlos Santana had the kind of week that sluggers dream about. The veteran first baseman hit three home runs last week, bringing his season total to 18 as of Sunday’s game. Santana’s consistent power is noteworthy, as he has now hit at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, discounting the shortened 2020 pandemic season. This achievement underscores his enduring prowess, even as younger stars continue to emerge across the league.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Exceptional Run
Bobby Witt Jr. has been another standout. The talented infielder extended his hitting streak to seven games as of Sunday, positioning himself as a key player for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Witt is currently priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel for MLB daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups, reflecting his high value in the fantasy market.
Witt is not just a solid DFS pick; his statistics demonstrate his elite status among MLB hitters. He leads baseball with a .350 batting average and ranks third in OPS with a stellar 1.018. Since June 30, Witt has been virtually unstoppable, leading all players in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308) over 39 games. These numbers highlight Witt's extraordinary ability to dominate at the plate.
The infielder has also achieved a remarkable milestone this season, boasting at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His comprehensive skill set makes him a dual threat on the field, contributing to his leading run total (107) and ranking fifth in RBIs (91). Witt’s recent performance has seen him collect at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games, further emphasizing his reliability.
Other Notable Performances
Michael Massey has also been making waves. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey's recent form is attracting attention. He went 3-for-4 on Sunday and has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. His .343 batting average since August 3 ranks 16th in baseball over that span, making him another player to watch in the fantasy realm.
Meanwhile, Jose Altuve had a notable performance on August 9. The second baseman was a top MLB DFS pick and delivered by going 1-for-4 with a two-home run, a walk, and two runs scored. Altuve’s efforts translated to 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, showcasing his ability to deliver significant returns for DFS players.
Pitching Challenges and Team Performances
On the pitching side, Carson Fulmer of the Angels had a challenging outing, allowing five runs over three innings in his last start against the Blue Jays. This season, left-handed hitters have particularly fared well against Fulmer, compiling a .759 OPS. The Angels will be hoping for a better performance from Fulmer in his upcoming start.
The Royals, in contrast, are riding a wave of collective success, currently enjoying a four-game winning streak. They are averaging an impressive eight runs per game during this stretch, indicating a balanced and potent offensive lineup that can support their pitchers effectively.
In individual matchups, Michael Taylor’s head-to-head stats against Rangers' probable starter Jose Urena are noteworthy. Taylor has hit two home runs in just 14 career at-bats against Urena, a stat that could influence his selection for DFS lineups when these teams face off.
As the season progresses, Santana's power, Witt Jr.'s consistency, and the collective efforts of other key players will continue to shape the MLB narrative. Fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike have much to look forward to as these athletes strive to maintain their impressive performances on the field.