Baltimore Orioles' Recent Surge
The Baltimore Orioles have been on an offensive tear, showcasing their prowess at the plate. In their last four games, the Orioles have managed to score at least seven runs in three of them. This scoring spree highlights an impressive performance from the team's lineup, with notable contributions from several players.
Outfielder Anthony Santander has been a standout during this offensive explosion. Santander recently demonstrated his power by hitting two home runs in a decisive victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. With 32 home runs and 75 RBIs to his name this season, Santander is emerging as a key player for the Orioles and a major threat to opposing pitchers.
Another critical contributor to the Orioles' success has been second baseman Jackson Holliday. Since his return from Triple-A Norfolk, Holliday has hit four home runs, including three in a single series against the Blue Jays. His resurgence at the plate has provided Baltimore with additional firepower as they push towards the playoffs.
Struggles on the Mound for Gausman and Montgomery
While the Orioles' bats have been hot, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Arizona Diamondbacks have faced challenges on the mound. Blue Jays' starter Kevin Gausman has had a mixed season, with a 9-8 record and a 4.56 ERA. His inconsistency has been a factor in Toronto's struggles to gain steady ground in the standings.
Similarly, Jordan Montgomery, who now pitches for the Diamondbacks, has experienced difficulties in recent outings. With a record of 7-5 and an ERA of 6.37, Montgomery has failed to make it past five innings in his last four starts. This lack of durability from a starting pitcher has put additional pressure on Arizona's bullpen and impacted their ability to win games consistently.
McClure's Projections and DFS Picks
Turning to the world of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), McClure's proprietary projection model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, continues to provide valuable insights for fantasy players. On a recent Wednesday, McClure identified Jesse Winker as one of his top MLB DFS picks. Winker delivered on that prediction, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and returning 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
For Thursday, McClure spotlighted Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel, Bohm has been leading Philadelphia's lineup with 128 hits this season. As of Thursday, he is riding a nine-game hitting streak and boasts a team-high 78 RBIs in 2024, making him an attractive option for DFS players.
Aaron Judge's Consistent Excellence
Meanwhile, New York Yankees' outfielder Aaron Judge has been nothing short of sensational. In the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, Judge reached base four times. Over his past 20 games, Judge is batting an impressive .431 and has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday, underlining his disciplined approach at the plate.
Judge has reached base multiple times in 10 of his last 11 games, cementing his status as one of the league's premier hitters. This season, he leads the MLB with 41 home runs, a testament to his prodigious power and consistency. For Thursday's DFS slate, Judge is priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel, reflecting his elite status and recent performance.
Angels' Anderson Struggling
On the other side, Los Angeles Angels' starter Tyler Anderson has been struggling in recent outings. Since July 6, Anderson has posted an 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA over his last four starts. His inability to secure wins and keep a low ERA has been a challenge for the Angels as they attempt to stay competitive in a tough division.
Overall, the recent performances of these players and teams paint a vivid picture of the current MLB landscape. The Orioles' offensive surge, led by Santander and Holliday, coupled with Judge's consistent excellence and the pitching struggles of Gausman, Montgomery, and Anderson, all contribute to the unfolding drama of the 2024 season. These narratives will undoubtedly shape the playoff race as the season progresses.