Clayton Kershaw's Anticipated Return
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for a crucial stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Clayton Kershaw, who is set to make his season debut on Thursday. This follows an extensive recovery period of nearly four months due to offseason shoulder surgery. The three-time Cy Young Award winner last appeared on the mound in a postseason start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a game in which he allowed six runs and managed to record only one out.
Kershaw’s return could not come at a more pivotal time for the Dodgers, who rely heavily on his veteran presence and exceptional skill set. With Kershaw back in the rotation, the Dodgers aim to bolster their pitching staff and make a strong push towards the postseason.
New York Mets on Fire
The New York Mets are riding high after a remarkable run, having completed a two-game sweep and a four-game season sweep over their city rivals, the New York Yankees. They are set to face the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, a matchup that promises to be thrilling given the Mets' current form and the Braves' robust lineup.
Fantasy Sports Pro Mike McClure's Techniques
In the world of daily Fantasy sports, Mike McClure continues to be a dominant figure. McClure, who has amassed more than $2 million in his career, employs a proprietary projection model that simulates each game 10,000 times. His expertise and analytical approach make him a revered name in Fantasy sports, as he consistently provides invaluable insights and predictions for enthusiasts.
Standout Performances and Fantasy Picks
Jurickson Profar showcased his elite skills on Wednesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. His stellar performance earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 21 points on DraftKings. Gunnar Henderson also stands out as a valuable Fantasy pick, priced at $6,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel, leading all shortstops with 28 home runs this season. His impressive .287/.373/.574 slash line and .946 OPS underscore his offensive prowess.
The Baltimore Orioles, with Henderson in their lineup, are facing the Miami Marlins in a three-game series concluding on Thursday. The Orioles rank second in the AL in runs scored and win percentage, positioning them as a formidable team this season.
Roddery Munoz's Struggles
On the pitching front, Roddery Munoz has had a challenging season with a 5.14 ERA. Particularly concerning is his performance against left-handed hitters, who are batting .302 with a 1.072 OPS against him. This statistic highlights Munoz’s struggles in containing left-handers, a vulnerability opposing teams are likely to exploit.
Xander Bogaerts' Remarkable Comeback
Xander Bogaerts has made a triumphant return after missing roughly six weeks due to a shoulder injury. Returning on July 12, Bogaerts has been on a tear, hitting .483 with a .983 OPS over seven games. His consistent performance, including six multi-hit games during this stretch, has been a big boost for his team. In Wednesday's game, Bogaerts went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, demonstrating his elite hitting ability and proving he is back to his best.
Historically, Bogaerts has been a standout performer against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .306 average with an .853 OPS. Against Patrick Corbin, Bogaerts has found particular success, going 3-for-5 with a home run. Corbin, meanwhile, has struggled this season with a 5.35 ERA over 20 starts. Right-handed hitters have also found success against him, batting .301 with an .855 OPS.
Overall, the return of key players and the consistent performance of standout athletes are shaping up this MLB season to be one filled with thrilling games and remarkable individual performances.