The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, marking a critical juncture in the season. With less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become paramount for teams chasing postseason dreams. This sense of urgency was palpable at the July 30 trade deadline, where significant moves were made to bolster lineups and rotations. Among the noteworthy narratives is the evolving role of Enrique Hernández and the challenges faced by players like MJ Melendez and Margot.
Enrique Hernández: A New Vision
The injury to Max Muncy's oblique has thrown Enrique Hernández into the spotlight at third base. Hernández, who previously struggled with a .191/.258/.299 batting line as the All-Star break approached, has recently undergone a transformation of sorts. Plagued by astigmatism in his right eye, Hernández sought advice from peers about his vision issues.
"(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,'" Hernández revealed.
The decision paid off. After being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández has shown noticeable improvement in both his contact and chase rates. This upward trajectory in his performance couldn't come at a better time for the team as every game now carries the weight of their postseason ambitions. However, upon Muncy's return from his minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is expected to slide back into his utility role.
MJ Melendez: Rising to the Occasion
MJ Melendez, despite carrying a .205/.267/.403 slash line that is 28% below league average when adjusted for ballpark conditions, continues to deliver in high-leverage situations. For left fielders, the league average stands at .243/.314/.398, highlighting the areas where Melendez has room to improve. Yet, it's precisely in these critical moments where Melendez shines.
Ranking sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) in high-leverage situations among 234 hitters with at least 25 such appearances, Melendez thrives under pressure. His recent go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit stands as the third-biggest hit in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year. Such moments are testament to his belief and preparation.
"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.
Notably, Melendez has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season, cementing his role as a pivotal player in crucial scenarios.
Margot: A Season of Struggles
For Margot, the season has been one of transition and challenge. Having been on three teams in the last nine months, his role has been fluctuating. As of Tuesday, Margot has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games. Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, his performance in this role has been underwhelming, with a .000/.129/.000 line as a pinch-hitter.
To date, Margot is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, with four walks and five strikeouts. Before 2024, he had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, indicating that this newfound role has yet to yield the expected results. Nonetheless, as the regular season nears its final stretch, Margot, along with Hernández and Melendez, will continue to be scrutinized for their contributions.
With every at-bat carrying significant implications for postseason positioning, the ability of these players to adapt and excel will be crucial. The unfolding drama and resultant performances will undoubtedly shape the final standings, adding new chapters to the storied annals of Major League Baseball.