The Baltimore Orioles have picked up the pace recently, showcasing their offensive prowess with a series of high-scoring games. Over the last quartet of their matchups, the Orioles have managed to score at least seven runs in three games, underlining their hitting depth and consistency.
Anthony Santander Shines
Outfielder Anthony Santander has been instrumental in driving Baltimore's success. Emerging as a key player, Santander's performance has been nothing short of stellar. In a triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays, Santander hammered two home runs, adding to his impressive season total. He now boasts 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, figures that certainly bolster his standing as a formidable offensive force in the lineup.
Jackson Holliday's Return
Second baseman Jackson Holliday's return from Triple-A Norfolk has further enriched the Orioles' offensive capabilities. Since rejoining the majors, Holliday has hit four home runs, with three of these blasts coming against the Blue Jays. His presence provides a crucial reinforcement for the Orioles as they make a push towards the postseason.
Blue Jays' Struggles
On the pitching front, the Blue Jays have faced challenges, notably with starter Kevin Gausman. Holding a 9-8 record and an ERA of 4.56, Gausman has experienced an up-and-down season that has mirrored his team's inconsistencies. The need for steadier performances from the mound is evident as Toronto seeks to solidify its position in the standings.
Meanwhile, former Yankee Jordan Montgomery, now with the Diamondbacks, has also struggled. Montgomery, sporting a 7-5 record and a 6.37 ERA, has been unable to make it past five innings in his last four starts. This inconsistency has become a concern for the Diamondbacks as they look for reliable arms heading into the season's final stretch.
DFS Picks and Performances
Attention has also turned to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) enthusiasts, where players like Jesse Winker and Alec Bohm have been spotlighted. McClure’s proprietary projection model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, has identified these players as top picks. On Wednesday, Winker rewarded those who selected him by going 3-for-5 with an RBI, amassing 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
As of Thursday, Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies has been highlighted as a significant DFS pick. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel, Bohm leads Philadelphia's lineup with 128 hits this season and is riding a nine-game hitting streak. His team-high 78 RBIs in 2024 make him an attractive choice for DFS players looking to maximize their lineup's potential.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge continues to be a phenomenal presence in the league. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel for DFS games on Thursday, Judge’s recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times, further showcasing his all-around game. Over his past 20 games, Judge is batting an impressive .431 and has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday, a testament to the respect he commands at the plate.
Judge has managed to reach base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, an astonishing level of consistency that cements his value to the Yankees' lineup. With a league-leading 41 home runs this season, Judge continues to be a critical piece for New York as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Angels' Pitching Troubles
On the west coast, the Los Angeles Angels have faced their share of pitching woes. Starter Tyler Anderson has posted a 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts since July 6. The Angels will need to find solutions quickly if they hope to turn their fortunes around and make a run at the playoffs.
With the regular season winding down, these narratives underscore the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball. From standout individual performances to team-wide momentum shifts, baseball continues to captivate with its blend of strategy, skill, and sheer unpredictability.