Santana Shines With Long Balls, Witt Jr. Continues to Impress
The power of Carlos Santana was on full display last week as he launched three home runs, bringing his season total to 18 following Sunday’s game. This achievement marks the latest milestone in what has been a consistently stellar career for the slugger. Notably, Santana has hit at least 19 home runs in each of the past ten seasons, with the exception of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, underscoring his enduring presence at the plate.
Meanwhile, Michael Taylor’s battle against the Rangers' probable starter, Jose Urena, offers an intriguing subplot. Taylor has formidable numbers against Urena, tallying two home runs in just 14 career at-bats against the pitcher. This setup presents a tantalizing scenario for fans and analysts alike as the two prepare to face off again.
Jose Altuve also made headlines earlier this month. On August 9, he was a top pick for MLB DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and did not disappoint. Altuve's stat line was impressive: he went 1-for-4 with a two-home run, a walk, and two runs scored. This performance earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, a testament to his capability to deliver high-value plays for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
Over in Kansas City, Bobby Witt Jr. is making an indelible mark on the game. Witt has extended his hitting streak to seven games, bolstering his season credentials. With a price tag of $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel, Witt stands as a premier option for MLB DFS lineups. His statistics back up his billing: a .350 batting average and a third-place ranking in OPS (1.018). Since June 30, Witt leads multiple categories, including batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308). Additionally, he has at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season, continues to lead in runs scored (107), and ranks fifth in RBI (91).
The Royals’ momentum does not rest solely on Witt's shoulders. The team is riding high on a four-game winning streak, during which they averaged an impressive eight runs per game. Another player contributing to this winning stretch is Michael Massey. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey went 3-for-4 on Sunday and has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games. Since August 3, he has been one of the league's best hitters, boasting a .343 batting average over an eight-game span, which places him 16th in baseball for that period.
On the pitching front, Carson Fulmer is set to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer's recent outing against the Blue Jays was less than stellar, allowing five runs over three innings. This season, left-handed hitters have particularly fared well against him, maintaining a .759 OPS.
The Royals’ offensive firepower will look to capitalize on Fulmer's vulnerabilities as they aim to extend their winning streak. With such potent form and contributions across the lineup, the Royals are shaping up to be a formidable force as they continue their surge in the league.