The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, and every game now holds significant weight for teams aiming for postseason berths. With less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, the battle for playoff positions is fiercer than ever. The July 30 trade deadline saw teams making decisive moves, reflecting their aspirations and strategies for the final stretch.
Hernández Steps Up Amid Injuries
One of the more intriguing narratives this season has been the rise of Enrique Hernández. Thrust into a more prominent role at third base following Max Muncy's oblique injury, Hernández has had to adapt quickly. His challenges have been compounded by his vision issues; Hernández has astigmatism in his right eye, which led to a disappointing .191/.258/.299 batting line as he approached the All-Star break.
Seeking to improve, Hernández sought advice from his peers, including teammates like Martín Maldonado. "(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,'" said Hernández. After being fitted for eyeglasses, he showed noticeable improvement in his contact and chase rates.
Max Muncy has started a minor-league rehab assignment and is expected to return to the lineup soon. Upon Muncy's return, Hernández is likely to revert to his utility role, but his recent performance has instilled confidence in both the coaching staff and fans alike. Additionally, the recent comeback of Mookie Betts adds further support to the team's dynamics as the regular season inches closer to its climax.
Melendez's High-Stakes Moments
Another player drawing attention is MJ Melendez, who, despite a .205/.267/.403 slash line, has been a clutch performer in high-leverage situations. When adjusted for ballpark conditions, Melendez's performance is 28% below the league average, with the league average for left fielders standing at .243/.314/.398. His .267 on-base percentage might not be impressive on the surface, but his impact in crucial moments has been undeniable.
Melendez 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 standout 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 remarked.
Indeed, Melendez has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season, underscoring his importance to the Royals' lineup during crucial moments.
Margot's Struggle as a Pinch-Hitter
In contrast, Manuel Margot's season has been a challenging one. Now on his third team in nine months, Margot has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday. Although he leads the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, his performance as a pinch-hitter has been abysmal, with a .000/.129/.000 line. Margot is 0 for 27 as a pinch-hitter, drawing just four walks and striking out five times.
Before 2024, Margot had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, and his struggle in adjusting to this role has been evident. 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 now carries the weight of the postseason, and the ability of players to adapt will shape the final standings and write new chapters in the annals of the sport.