The dog days of summer have firmly set in, and as Major League Baseball moves into its final stretch, less than seven weeks remain for teams to secure their place in the postseason. The pressure is palpable, and every game has become critical. This year's July 30 trade deadline saw teams make bold moves, reshaping rosters for the crucial run-in. Now, more than ever, players need to rise to the occasion, adapting to new roles and overcoming personal challenges.
Enrique Hernández's New Focus
One player who has found himself in a pivotal position is Enrique Hernández. Following Max Muncy's oblique injury, Hernández has been thrust into a more prominent role at third base. For Hernández, who has astigmatism in his right eye, the season has been one of adjustments and perseverance.
Before the All-Star break, Hernández's batting line was a modest .191/.258/.299. Struggling with his vision, he sought advice from his peers. "(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,'" Hernández shared.
After being fitted for eyeglasses, Hernández's numbers began to improve. Both his contact rate and chase rate showed noticeable gains. With Max Muncy beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández's time at third base might be temporary. However, his impact during this period will be crucial, and upon Muncy's return, Hernández is expected to slide back into his versatile utility role.
Mookie Betts and MJ Melendez: Stepping Up in the Clutch
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts recently made his comeback, adding strength to the roster. Yet, another player demanding attention is MJ Melendez. Despite a season batting line of .205/.267/.403, Melendez's performance in high-leverage situations has been exceptional. In such scenarios, adjusted for ballpark conditions, Melendez ranks sixth with 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among hitters with at least 25 high-leverage appearances.
Melendez's clutch ability was on full display 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. The hit is ranked as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year. Melendez has been responsible for three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season.
"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 said, encapsulating the mindset necessary for late-season heroics.
Margot's Struggles and Adaptation
While some players are shining under pressure, others are wrestling with their roles. Margot, who has been on three teams in the last nine months, has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday. Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot boasts a disappointing .000/.129/.000 line as a pinch-hitter. He is 0 for 27 in these appearances, with four walks and five strikeouts.
Margot's limited experience in pinch-hitting—only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances before 2024—might be a factor in his struggles. Nonetheless, as the regular season nears its climax, Margot, along with others like Hernández and Melendez, remains under scrutiny for his contributions.
The concluding weeks of Major League Baseball's regular season promise to be a thrilling spectacle. Every at-bat carries the significance of the postseason, and the ability to adapt will be crucial in shaping the final standings. Amidst this climactic scenario, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will either rise to the occasion or falter under the weight of expectations. Their stories will add layers of complexity to the unfolding drama, writing new chapters in the annals of the sport.