The dog days of summer have hit Major League Baseball, with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season. Every game on the schedule has become critical for teams aspiring for a postseason berth. The recent July 30 trade deadline saw several teams making significant moves, reshaping rosters for the final stretch.
Hernández Steps Up in Critical Role
Enrique Hernández found himself thrust into the spotlight at third base after Max Muncy suffered an oblique injury. Initially struggling with his vision, Hernández approached the All-Star break with a disappointing .191/.258/.299 batting line. Seeking improvement, Hernández took advice from peers, including Martin Maldonado, who shared how a thorough vision test revealed his need for glasses.
"(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,'" said Hernández.
The decision has paid off. Since being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández has shown a noticeable improvement in his contact and chase rates. However, with Muncy starting a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is expected to return to his utility role upon Muncy's return. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will look to keep their postseason hopes alive by leaning on their depth and adaptability.
Melendez Thrives in High-Leverage Situations
MJ Melendez has had a roller-coaster season with a .205/.267/.403 slash line, performing 28% below league average when adjusted for ballpark conditions. For context, the league average for left fielders stands at .243/.314/.398. Despite his general struggles, Melendez has been a standout in high-leverage situations, ranking sixth with 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among hitters with at least 25 such appearances.
The young slugger recently made headlines by hitting a dramatic, go-ahead, pinch-hit three-run home run in the ninth inning against Detroit, with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs. This critical hit ranks as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year.
"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 stated.
Melendez’s clutch performance extends beyond that single moment. He is responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season, proving his value in the most critical of moments.
Margot's Struggles as a Pinch-Hitter
Manuel Margot's recent journey across three teams in nine months has led to a reduced presence in starting lineups. As of Tuesday, Margot has started in just 52 of his team’s 118 games. Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot has struggled mightily in this role, posting a .000/.129/.000 line. He is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, with four walks and five strikeouts, highlighting the challenges of adapting to sporadic at-bats.
Margot previously had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances before 2024, underscoring his relatively limited experience in this precarious role. As the postseason race heats up, Margot and players in similar roles will face scrutiny over their ability to deliver in key moments.
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot exemplify the diverse challenges and compelling narratives that define Major League Baseball. Their individual stories, whether of resurgence, clutch heroics, or ongoing struggle, add layers of intrigue to an already drama-filled season. With every at-bat carrying the weight of postseason possibilities, their ability to adapt will indeed shape the final standings and write new chapters in the annals of the sport.