Orioles on a Scoring Spree
The Baltimore Orioles have been lighting up scoreboards recently, tallying at least seven runs in three of their last four games. This offensive explosion has been a key factor in their recent successes, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Central to this charge has been outfielder Anthony Santander. Emerging as one of the star players for the Orioles, Santander showcased his power with a remarkable two-home-run performance in a victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Adding to his impressive tally, Santander now boasts 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offense.
Complementing Santander's efforts, second baseman Jackson Holliday has made a significant impact since his return from Triple-A Norfolk. Holliday has hit four home runs in a short span, with three of those dingers coming against the Blue Jays. His return has provided a timely boost to the Orioles' lineup.
Troubles on the Mound
While the Orioles' bats have been red hot, the Toronto Blue Jays have faced challenges on the mound. Starter Kevin Gausman holds a modest record of 9-8 with an ERA of 4.56, stats that reflect his rollercoaster season. Across the league, the Arizona Diamondbacks' new acquisition, Jordan Montgomery, has also struggled, posting a 7-5 record and an ERA of 6.37. Montgomery's difficulty extending beyond five innings in his last four starts has been a cause for concern.
These pitching issues have highlighted the importance of robust scouting and analytical models in modern baseball. McClure’s proprietary projection model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, represents the evolving landscape in Major League Baseball, where data and analytics play a crucial role.
DFS Picks Pay Off
For Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) enthusiasts, this data-driven approach has proven beneficial. On Wednesday, McClure identified Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker as a top DFS pick. Winker delivered a stellar performance, going 3-for-5 with an RBI, returning 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
Continuing his trend, McClure spotlighted Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm for DFS on Thursday. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel, Bohm has been a consistent performer this season. Leading Philadelphia’s lineup with 128 hits and maintaining a nine-game hitting streak as of Thursday, Bohm has also racked up a team-high 78 RBIs in 2024.
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is another DFS consideration. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel for Thursday, Judge has been phenomenal at the plate. In the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times and has been batting .431 over his past 20 games. With five intentional walks since Saturday and reaching base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, Judge leads the MLB with 41 home runs this season.
Struggles and Triumphs
For the Angels, pitching has been a sticking point. Starter Tyler Anderson has faced difficulties, posting a 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts since July 6. The struggles on the mound have underscored the importance of a balanced team effort to succeed in the highly competitive MLB landscape.
The MLB season, as ever, remains a dynamic and ever-shifting tapestry of triumphs and trials. With players like Santander, Holliday, Bohm, and Judge delivering standout performances, and pitchers like Gausman, Montgomery, and Anderson working to find their footing, every game unraveling is a story of resilience and strategy.
The next few weeks will be pivotal as teams jostle for playoff positions, and individual performances will undoubtedly continue to play crucial roles in the outcomes. Whether it's via the latest analytical models or through sheer athletic prowess, the essence of America's pastime is on full display as the season progresses.