The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, and with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become critical for teams vying for postseason berths. The July 30 trade deadline saw teams making significant moves, aiming to solidify their rosters for the playoff push.
Enrique Hernández's Role Shifts Amid Vision Issues
Enrique Hernández has found himself in a more prominent role at third base following Max Muncy's oblique injury. With astigmatism in his right eye, Hernández's vision was a liability, particularly as he approached the All-Star break with a .191/.258/.299 batting line. Seeking advice from his peers, Hernández learned the value of a more thorough eye examination.
"(Maldonado) told me that him and a couple of his teammates needed glasses, and they didn't really know through the spring training test. They went through a more thorough test [to learn they needed glasses]. So I was like, 'All right, I'm gonna try it out.'
After being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández showed noticeable improvement in his contact and chase rates. This development is timely, as Max Muncy has just begun a minor-league rehab assignment. Upon Muncy's return, Hernández is expected to slide back into his utility role, but his time at third base has proven critical for his team's current needs.
Mookie Betts' Return
In another roster boost, Mookie Betts recently made his comeback. Betts' return adds firepower, but the pressure mounts on other players to perform in these final weeks.
MJ Melendez: High-Leverage Star
On the other side of the spectrum, MJ Melendez has had a rollercoaster season. The young player's .205/.267/.403 slash line puts his performance 28% below league average when adjusted for ballpark conditions. For left fielders, the league average stands at .243/.314/.398, making Melendez's .267 on-base percentage even more glaring.
Yet, Melendez has shown flashes of brilliance. He ranks sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) in high-leverage situations among 234 hitters with at least 25 such appearances. One of his most notable moments came when he hit a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with the Royals down 2-0 and two outs in the ninth inning against Detroit. This hit ranks as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year.
"I like to be in those situations. It is do or die and that's a lot of fun. I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game," Melendez reflected.
Melendez has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season. His knack for delivering in high-pressure moments will be crucial as the Royals navigate the remainder of their schedule.
Margot's Struggles as a Pinch-Hitter
Meanwhile, Margot has experienced a tumultuous season, playing for three different teams in the last nine months. He has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday, but he leads the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances. Unfortunately, Margot has struggled mightily in this role, posting a dismal .000/.129/.000 line as a pinch-hitter. He is 0 for 27, with four walks and five strikeouts. Before 2024, Margot had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, making this season's struggles even more pronounced.
As the regular season approaches its final stretch, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continue to be scrutinized for their contributions. Each narrative adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama of Major League Baseball. Every at-bat carries the weight of the postseason, and the ability to adapt will shape the final standings, writing new chapters in the annals of the sport.