In recent games, the Baltimore Orioles have showcased offensive prowess by consistently scoring high. Over the last four games, they’ve put up at least seven runs in three of these contests, demonstrating a potent lineup. At the forefront of this offensive surge is outfielder Anthony Santander, whose performance has been pivotal.
Santander recently made headlines by hitting two home runs in a commanding victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. This feat isn't an isolated occurrence for the burgeoning star; he currently boasts an impressive tally of 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, underscoring his key role in the Orioles' success.
Santander's Power Surge
Santander’s influence on the field has energised the Orioles' lineup. His two-home-run performance against Toronto exemplifies his ability to change the game single-handedly. As the season progresses, his stats continue to paint a picture of reliability and power, elements crucial for Baltimore’s postseason aspirations.
But Santander isn't the only Oriole swinging a hot bat. Since his return from Triple-A Norfolk, second baseman Jackson Holliday has also made significant contributions. Holliday has hit four home runs upon his return, three of which came against the Blue Jays, signifying his readiness to make an impact at the Major League level.
Holliday's Impact
Holliday’s return injects an additional layer of depth into an already formidable lineup. His ability to go deep multiple times in critical matchups not only boosts his confidence but also adds to the team's offensive versatility. As the Orioles look to sustain their scoring spree, players like Holliday will be essential in maintaining their momentum.
Challenges on the Mound
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are facing their set of challenges, particularly with their pitching. Starter Kevin Gausman has registered a 9-8 record with an ERA of 4.56, statistics that reflect a season marked by inconsistency. Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery, now pitching for the Diamondbacks, holds a 7-5 record with a concerning 6.37 ERA. Montgomery's struggles are further highlighted by his inability to pitch beyond five innings in his last four starts.
Such performances put additional pressure on the respective teams’ bullpens and highlight the essential nature of quality starts as the season shifts to its later stages.
DFS Spotlight: Jesse Winker and Alec Bohm
For daily fantasy sports (DFS) enthusiasts, several players have caught the eye recently. On Wednesday, DFS model expert McClure identified Milwaukee's Jesse Winker as a top pick. Winker came through by going 3-for-5 with an RBI, securing 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
As of Thursday, McClure spotlighted Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel, Bohm’s recent hot streak makes him a valuable consideration. Bohm leads Philadelphia's lineup with 128 hits and has posted a nine-game hitting streak. Adding to his fantasy value, he also boasts a team-high 78 RBIs this season.
Aaron Judge: A Force to Reckon With
In the American League, Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge continues to reaffirm his status as one of the league’s premier sluggers. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel, Judge’s recent performances have more than justified his high valuation.
During the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times, extending a spell of remarkable consistency. Over his past 20 games, Judge is batting an extraordinary .431 and has reached base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 outings. Even more impressively, he leads the MLB with 41 home runs this season. Judge’s excellence at the plate has forced teams to pitch around him; he has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday alone.
Angels' Pitching Woes
For the Angels, starter Tyler Anderson has posted a winless 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA over his last four starts since July 6. The recent string of underwhelming outings from Anderson places additional strain on the team's rotations as they navigate through the season.
As the season progresses, these individual performances and team dynamics will shape the playoff races. With key players like Santander, Holliday, and Judge setting the tone, fans can expect thrilling games and headline-worthy performances in the weeks to come.