Orioles Surge as Key Players Heat Up
The Baltimore Orioles are riding a wave of offensive prowess, showcasing their scoring potential with remarkable consistency. Fueling this hot streak, the team has scored at least seven runs in three of their last four games, emphasizing their formidable lineup.
One of the standout contributors to the Orioles' recent run of form is outfielder Anthony Santander. An emerging force, Santander delivered a powerful statement with two home runs in a commanding victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. His season stats are impressive, boasting 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, illustrating his vital role in the Orioles' offense.
Equally pivotal has been the performance of second baseman Jackson Holliday. Since his return from Triple-A Norfolk, Holliday has made a significant impact by smashing four home runs, three of which came in a series against the Blue Jays. His immediate influence underscores the depth and dynamism of the Orioles' lineup.
The Blue Jays, struggling to contain the Orioles' onslaught, have encountered their own challenges. Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman recorded a 9-8 record with a 4.56 ERA, reflecting both promise and inconsistency. Similarly, Jordan Montgomery, now with the Diamondbacks, holds a record of 7-5 and an ERA of 6.37. Montgomery's recent struggles have been evident, as he has failed to pitch beyond five innings in his last four starts, a concern for the Diamondbacks moving forward.
Beyond the Orioles and the Blue Jays, the daily fantasy sports (DFS) landscape has been notably active. On Wednesday, McClure’s proprietary projection model identified Jesse Winker as one of his top MLB DFS picks. Winker did not disappoint, going 3-for-5 with an RBI, earning 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 is leading Philadelphia's lineup with 128 hits this season and carries a nine-game hitting streak, maintaining a team-high 78 RBIs in 2024.
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge remains a dominant force in the MLB. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel, Judge continues to be a valuable DFS asset. He played a pivotal role in the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, reaching base four times. With five intentional walks drawn since Saturday and a robust .431 batting average over his past 20 games, Judge's consistency is unquestionable. He leads the MLB with 41 home runs this season and has reached base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, reflecting his discipline at the plate.
Meanwhile, the Angels have seen uneven performances from their starters. Tyler Anderson, for instance, has posted a 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts since July 6. This inconsistency poses a challenge for Los Angeles as they navigate the latter part of the season.
As the MLB season progresses, these individual performances and team dynamics will continue to shape the playoff landscape. With players like Santander and Judge setting the pace, the excitement and unpredictability of baseball remain ever-present. The Orioles, Blue Jays, Phillies, Yankees, and Angels all have crucial periods ahead, wherein their stars must consistently shine to realize their postseason aspirations.