Carlos Santana Continues Power Surge
Carlos Santana is cementing his reputation as one of baseball's most reliable power hitters. The veteran slugger hit three home runs last week, bringing his season total to 18. This achievement continues an impressive streak for Santana, who has hit at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, not counting the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Santana's performance is drawing eyes but he is not the only one making headlines. Michael Taylor has made a name for himself as a formidable opponent for the Texas Rangers' probable starter, Jose Urena. Taylor has hit two home runs in just 14 career at-bats against Urena, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion against specific pitchers.
Player Highlights and Performances
Jose Altuve, a staple in MLB DFS lineups, lived up to the hype on August 9. Altuve went 1-for-4, including a two-home run, a walk, and two runs scored. His stellar performance earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, making him one of the top choices for daily fantasy sports that day.
Meanwhile, Bobby Witt Jr. is emerging as one of the best hitters in the game. Witt extended his hitting streak to seven games as of Sunday and currently boasts a .350 batting average, ranking third in OPS (1.018). Over 39 games since June 30, Witt has maintained a batting average of .445, a slugging percentage of .819, and an OPS of 1.308. For daily fantasy sports enthusiasts, Witt is priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel, making him a valuable addition to any lineup.
Witt's contributions have been crucial to his team's success; he leads in multiple categories, including runs scored (107) and ranks fifth in RBI (91). With at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games, Witt's consistency is perhaps his greatest asset.
Michael Massey is also turning heads with his recent performances. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey went 3-for-4 on Sunday and has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. Since August 3, Massey has the 16th-best batting average in baseball, hitting .343 over eight games. His contributions are proving invaluable as his team battles through the season.
Pitching Matchups to Watch
Looking ahead, Carson Fulmer is slated to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer has struggled recently, allowing five runs over three innings in his last outing against the Blue Jays. Left-handed hitters have a .759 OPS against Fulmer this season, suggesting he may continue to face challenges on the mound.
Riding the Royals' Wave
The Kansas City Royals are currently enjoying a four-game winning streak, bolstered by an impressive offensive surge that sees them averaging eight runs per game during this stretch. Key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Massey are crucial to this success, setting a high standard for their teammates and opponents alike.
As the season progresses, players like Carlos Santana, Michael Taylor, Jose Altuve, Bobby Witt Jr., and Michael Massey will undoubtedly continue to draw attention. Their performances not only captivate fans but also significantly impact their teams' standings and strategies.
With proprietary projection models and daily fantasy sports metrics, it's easier than ever to analyze and predict player performances. Yet, the thrill of watching these athletes excel on the field remains unparalleled. As the season heads towards its climax, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on these standout stars.