Kershaw's Return to the Mound Highlights MLB Action
After a long hiatus, Clayton Kershaw is poised to make his much-anticipated return to Major League Baseball. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is set to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, marking his season debut. This moment comes after nearly four months of recovery following offseason shoulder surgery. Kershaw's last appearance on the mound was in a postseason game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed six runs and recorded only one out, a performance he surely looks to put behind him.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets will be facing their own challenges as they gear up to play the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The Mets are coming off a notable success, having completed both a two-game sweep and a four-game season sweep over their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. As they prepare to maintain this momentum, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if they can continue their winning ways against a strong Braves lineup.
Fantasy Sports Insights
For those invested in daily Fantasy sports, Mike McClure's strategies and insights remain invaluable. The renowned Fantasy sports pro has amassed more than $2 million in his career, using a proprietary projection model that simulates each game 10,000 times. McClure's model provides critical insights that help Fantasy players make informed decisions, maximizing their chances of success in competitive leagues.
One player who has recently caught the attention of Fantasy sports enthusiasts is Jurickson Profar. On Wednesday, Profar went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored, earning an impressive 28.4 points on FanDuel and 21 points on DraftKings. Profar's performance positions him as a valuable asset for Fantasy lineups looking for consistent production.
Orioles' Gunnar Henderson Shines
The Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson is another player who has been attracting attention this season. Priced at $6,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel, Henderson is leading all shortstops in home runs with a remarkable 28 this season. His performance doesn't stop there; he ranks in the top three at his position in runs scored, RBIs, hits, slugging percentage, and OPS. His slash line of .287/.373/.574 and a .946 OPS reflects his all-around dominance at the plate.
As the Orioles continue their three-game series against the Miami Marlins concluding on Thursday, Henderson's contributions will be crucial. The Orioles are currently ranked second in the AL in runs scored and win percentage, showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the season.
Xander Bogaerts' Impact Post-Injury
Another player making headlines is Xander Bogaerts. Priced at $4,000 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Bogaerts has been on a tear since his return from a six-week absence due to a shoulder injury. Since rejoining the lineup on July 12, Bogaerts is hitting an astonishing .483 with a .983 OPS over seven games. His consistency is highlighted by six multi-hit performances in that span, accentuating his importance to his team's offensive output.
Bogaerts' ability to perform against left-handed pitchers has also been impressive, holding a career .306 average with an .853 OPS. His strong showing against Patrick Corbin further cements his status as a reliable hitter, going 3-for-5 with a home run against the southpaw.
Challenges for Corbin and Munoz
On the pitching front, Patrick Corbin and Roddery Munoz have had their struggles this season. Corbin, with a 5.35 ERA over 20 starts, has found it tough to contain right-handed hitters, who are batting .301 with an .855 OPS against him. His inconsistent performances present opportunities for opposing teams to capitalize.
Similarly, Roddery Munoz has faced challenges, with a 5.14 ERA this season. Left-handed hitters, in particular, have found success against Munoz, batting .302 with an impressive 1.072 OPS. Opposing managers will likely strategize to exploit these weaknesses as they prepare their lineups.
As the MLB season progresses, the performances of Kershaw, Bogaerts, Henderson, and others will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the league. Fans and Fantasy players alike will be keeping a close eye on these key players as they make their mark in pivotal matchups.