Carlos Santana Shines as Royals Continue Winning Streak
Last week was notably productive for Carlos Santana, who significantly bolstered his home run tally by hitting three in a single week. As of Sunday, Santana's season total reached 18 home runs, a figure that continues his streak of hitting at least 19 home runs in ten straight seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Meanwhile, Michael Taylor has been a formidable opponent for the Rangers' probable starter Jose Urena. Taylor has hit two home runs in just 14 career at-bats against Urena, suggesting he could be a key player in the upcoming series.
Another player making headlines is Jose Altuve, who was selected as a top MLB DFS pick on August 9. Altuve went 1-for-4 on that day, including a two-home run performance, a walk, and two runs scored. His remarkable play earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings, reflecting his significant contribution to fantasy baseball lineups.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Stellar Performance
The Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. has been on fire, extending his hitting streak to seven games as of Sunday. Witt's impact this season is undeniable, as he leads baseball with a .350 batting average and ranks third in OPS with an impressive 1.018. Over the 39 games since June 30, Witt leads in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308). Notably, Witt has secured at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season, underscoring his versatility and performance on the field.
Witt's ability to get on base has translated into runs for the Royals; he leads MLB in runs scored with 107 and ranks fifth in RBI with 91. Moreover, he has managed to get at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a hitter.
For those looking to include Witt in their MLB DFS lineups, he's priced at $6,600 on DraftKings and $4,700 on FanDuel, making him a valuable yet potentially high-cost pick.
Michael Massey Steps Up
Michael Massey has also been delivering strong performances recently. Priced at $3,900 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Massey went 3-for-4 in Sunday’s game. He has managed multiple hits in three of his last five games, underscoring his ability to contribute offensively. Since August 3, Massey boasts the 16th-best batting average in baseball, hitting .343 over eight games.
Royals' Winning Momentum
This surge in individual performances has been mirrored by the Royals’ overall success. The team is on a four-game winning streak, averaging eight runs per game during this period. Such offensive firepower and consistent hitting have provided a solid foundation for their recent victories.
Looking ahead, Carson Fulmer is set to start for the Angels on Monday. Fulmer's last outing against the Blue Jays was rocky; he allowed five runs over just three innings. This season, left-handed hitters have a .759 OPS against Fulmer, which could provide an opportunity for the Royals to exploit.
The Royals' current momentum, combined with standout performances from players like Santana, Witt Jr., and Massey, bodes well for their upcoming games. Their ability to maintain this level of play will be crucial as the season progresses.