Carlos Santana's Power Surge and Bobby Witt Jr.'s Consistency Propel Royals
Carlos Santana delivered a powerful statement last week, hitting an impressive three home runs. With these crucial contributions, Santana's season total has climbed to 18 home runs, adding a vital boost to his team's offense. Known for his consistency, Santana has now achieved at least 19 home runs in ten consecutive seasons, with the exception of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. This milestone highlights his enduring performance and importance to the lineup.
Meanwhile, Bobby Witt Jr. continues to make headlines with his extraordinary hitting streak, extending to seven games as of Sunday. Witt, one of baseball's brightest stars, leads the league in multiple categories. He boasts a remarkable .350 batting average and ranks third in OPS (1.018). Over the last 39 games since June 30, Witt has been on a tear, leading in batting average (.445), slugging percentage (.819), and OPS (1.308). His excellence at the plate has also translated to power and speed, as he's recorded at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season. Witt's offensive prowess is also reflected in his runs scored (107) and RBI (91), ranking him among the top performers in both categories.
Michael Taylor has been a notable performer as well, especially against Jose Urena, the Rangers' probable starter. In 14 career at-bats against Urena, Taylor has hit two home runs, hinting at his potential impact in future matchups. On the other side of the spectrum, Jose Altuve, another top MLB talent, demonstrated his worth as a top DFS pick on August 9. Altuve went 1-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, and two runs scored that day, netting him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 20 points on DraftKings.
Michael Massey has emerged as a key contributor for the Royals as well. On Sunday, Massey went 3-for-4, showcasing his hitting skills. Over his last five games, he has managed multiple hits in three of them, and since August 3, Massey has been on a hot streak, ranking 16th-best in batting average in baseball, hitting .343 over eight games. His consistent performance adds depth to the Royals' lineup, making them a formidable opponent.
Carson Fulmer, who is slated to start for the Angels on Monday, faces a challenging task ahead. In his last outing against the Blue Jays, Fulmer allowed five runs over three innings, leaving room for improvement. This season, left-handed hitters have had success against Fulmer, posting a .759 OPS. The Royals, riding a four-game winning streak and averaging eight runs per game during this stretch, will look to capitalize on Fulmer's vulnerabilities.
As the season continues, the Royals' recent surge and individual standout performances provide hope and excitement for their fanbase. The combination of power from Santana, consistency from Witt, and supporting performances from players like Massey contributes to an optimistic outlook for the team's success. With a balanced attack and key players stepping up, the Royals aim to maintain their winning momentum.