Clayton Kershaw is poised to make a significant return for the Los Angeles Dodgers this Thursday, marking his season debut after being sidelined for nearly four months due to offseason shoulder surgery. The three-time Cy Young Award winner last pitched in a postseason start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he struggled, allowing six runs and recording just one out. Dodgers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike will be keen to see how Kershaw performs in his eagerly awaited return to the mound.
As Kershaw prepares for his comeback, the New York Mets are gearing up to face the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The Mets are coming off an impressive run, having completed both a two-game sweep and a four-game season sweep of their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. This series against the Braves will be pivotal, as the Mets look to carry their momentum forward.
In the world of daily Fantasy sports, Mike McClure continues to make waves. The renowned Fantasy sports pro, who has amassed over $2 million in his career, employs a proprietary projection model that simulates each game 10,000 times. This method has proven highly effective, helping players make informed decisions to maximize their Fantasy points.
Meanwhile, Jurickson Profar had an outstanding performance on Wednesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. His efforts earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 21 points on DraftKings, making him a valuable asset for Fantasy managers. Another player catching attention is Gunnar Henderson, priced at $6,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel. Henderson leads all shortstops in home runs this season with 28 and ranks in the top three at his position in runs scored, RBIs, hits, slugging percentage, and OPS. His impressive slash line of .287/.373/.574 and a .946 OPS further solidifies his status as an elite Fantasy option. Notably, Henderson is hitting .304 with a .982 OPS against right-handed pitchers, making him a formidable presence at the plate.
The Baltimore Orioles, currently second in the AL in runs scored and win percentage, are facing the Miami Marlins in a three-game series concluding on Thursday. The Orioles' performance in this series will be closely watched as they continue their strong season. The Orioles have shown depth in their lineup, with Henderson playing a key role in their offensive success.
Roddery Munoz of the Marlins has struggled this season, posting a 5.14 ERA. Left-handed hitters have enjoyed considerable success against Munoz, batting .302 with a 1.072 OPS. This vulnerability will be something the Orioles aim to exploit in their matchups.
On the topic of notable performances, Xander Bogaerts has been making a triumphant return after missing roughly six weeks with a shoulder injury. Returning on July 12, Bogaerts has hit an astounding .483 with a .983 OPS over seven games. His consistency is evident, with six multi-hit performances in those seven games. Priced at $4,000 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, Bogaerts offers excellent value for Fantasy managers. He boasts a career .306 average with an .853 OPS against left-handed pitchers and has a favorable 3-for-5 record, including a home run, against Patrick Corbin, who has a 5.35 ERA over 20 starts this season. Right-handed hitters have fared well against Corbin, batting .301 with an .855 OPS.
Bogaerts' remarkable return and Henderson's standout season are just a few examples of the dynamic storylines unfolding in baseball this year. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will continue to monitor these players and their impacts on their respective teams' successes.