The Baltimore Orioles have been on a tear offensively, showcasing a remarkable ability to score runs. In an impressive display of batting prowess, they have managed to score at least seven runs in three of their last four outings. This surge in scoring has been significantly bolstered by standout performances from some key players.
Anthony Santander's Ascendancy
Outfielder Anthony Santander has emerged as an indispensable asset for the Orioles. His recent performance against the Toronto Blue Jays was nothing short of spectacular, as he blasted two home runs, contributing significantly to the team's triumph. With 32 home runs and 75 RBIs to his name this season, Santander's power and consistency at the plate have been crucial for Baltimore's offensive efforts.
Jackson Holliday Makes His Mark
Another player making waves for the Orioles is second baseman Jackson Holliday. Since his return from Triple-A Norfolk, Holliday has made an immediate impact, hitting four home runs. Notably, three of those home runs came in a series against the Blue Jays, further underscoring his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Holliday's resurgence has provided the Orioles with an additional offensive weapon as they push for postseason success.
Pitching Challenges for Opponents
On the pitching front, the Blue Jays have encountered their share of challenges, particularly with starter Kevin Gausman. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Gausman has struggled to maintain consistency, reflected in his 9-8 record and a 4.56 ERA. Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery, who now plies his trade with the Diamondbacks, has been unable to get past five innings in each of his last four starts, contributing to his 7-5 record and a 6.37 ERA. This ongoing pitching difficulty has added pressure on their respective team's offenses to compensate.
DFS Picks and Performances
In the world of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), McClure's proprietary projection model continues to provide valuable insights for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. On Wednesday, McClure identified Jesse Winker as a top MLB DFS pick. Winker delivered a stellar performance, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and returning 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
As attention turned to Thursday, McClure spotlighted Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel, Bohm has been a consistent force in Philadelphia's lineup. Leading the team with 128 hits this season and riding a nine-game hitting streak as of Thursday, Bohm has also tallied a team-high 78 RBIs in 2024, underscoring his pivotal role in the Phillies' offensive machinery.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge continues to exhibit his prodigious talent, solidifying his status as one of the premier sluggers in MLB. Priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel for Thursday, Judge's recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times, further extending his impressive streak.
Judge has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday, a testament to the respect he commands from opposing pitchers. Batting .431 over his past 20 games, he has reached base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, showcasing an exceptional blend of power, discipline, and consistency. Leading MLB with 41 home runs this season, Judge remains an imposing figure at the plate.
Tyler Anderson's Struggles
On the other side of the diamond, Angels starter Tyler Anderson has encountered a series of setbacks. Since July 6, Anderson has posted a 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts. His recent struggles have added to the Angels' woes, requiring a reboot to regain his early-season form.
With standout performances from players like Santander, Holliday, Bohm, and Judge, the current MLB season offers no shortage of excitement and intrigue. Fans and fantasy players alike will be keenly following these developments as teams jockey for position in the playoff race.