Santana's Power Surge Boosts Royals
Carlos Santana continues to showcase his power, hitting three home runs last week to bring his season total to 18. As of Sunday, Santana has maintained a consistent power presence, having hit at least 19 home runs in 10 straight seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. His reliable performance has been a significant asset to the Royals, who are currently riding a four-game winning streak.
The Royals' offense has been potent during this streak, averaging eight runs per game. Contributing to this offensive explosion is Michael Massey, who had a standout performance on Sunday, going 3-for-4. Massey has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games, boasting a .343 batting average since August 3, ranking 16th in baseball over this period. His current pricing of $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel makes him an intriguing option for MLB DFS players.
Witt Jr. Shines Amid Royals' Winning Streak
Bobby Witt Jr. has been another bright spot for the Royals. Witt extended his hitting streak to seven games as of Sunday, maintaining a batting average of .350. He ranks third in OPS at 1.018 and has been on a tear since June 30, leading baseball in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308) over 39 games. Witt’s all-around contribution includes at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season. He also leads in runs scored with 107 and ranks fifth in RBI with 91, having had at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games.
DFS Outlook: The Altuve Effect
In the realm of daily fantasy sports (DFS), Jose Altuve was a hot pick on August 9, going 1-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, and two runs scored. That performance earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, showcasing his value in fantasy lineups. Altuve's ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him a consistent choice for DFS enthusiasts.
Matchup Watch: Taylor vs. Urena
Another player to watch in upcoming matchups is Michael Taylor. Taylor has hit two home runs in 14 career at-bats against the Rangers' probable starter, Jose Urena. This favorable history at the plate could make Taylor a key factor in their next face-off.
Pitching Challenges: Fulmer on the Mound
Turning to the mound, Carson Fulmer is slated to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer's previous outing against the Blue Jays was less than ideal, as he allowed five runs over three innings. This season, left-handed hitters have had considerable success against Fulmer, tallying a .759 OPS. Monitoring Fulmer's performance will be crucial as the Angels look to stabilize their pitching staff.
Conclusion
The combination of Santana's power, Witt Jr.'s exceptional all-around play, and contributions from emerging talents like Massey have the Royals in a strong position. As they continue their winning streak, these players will be pivotal in maintaining momentum and achieving their season goals. Fantasy players should keep an eye on these dynamic performers as they can make significant impacts both on the field and in DFS lineups.