Eyeglasses Propel Hernández's Rebound, Royals' Melendez Shines in Clutch, Margot Struggles Hit Historic Low
August 14, 2024
Dodgers utility player Enrique Hernández had a rough start to the season with a .191 batting average, but after getting fitted for eyeglasses to address his astigmatism, he has rebounded to a .276 average in the second half.
Hernández's eye exam and the subsequent use of glasses have not only improved his vision but also enhanced his contact and chase rates, contributing to his performance turnaround.
With Mookie Betts returning from injury and Max Muncy nearing his comeback, Hernández is expected to revert to a more suitable utility role, further stabilizing the Dodgers' lineup.
As the MLB trade deadline on July 30 has passed, the intensity of the postseason and awards races has increased, with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season.
Kansas City Royals player MJ Melendez has made a significant impact with a clutch three-run home run on August 4, which is vital for the team's playoff aspirations despite his overall batting average of .205.
Despite his struggles, Melendez has excelled in high-leverage situations, showcasing one of the highest wRC+ in critical plate appearances.
In contrast, Manuel Margot of the Minnesota Twins has faced a challenging season, being traded three times and struggling with a .000 batting average in 31 pinch-hit appearances.
Margot is approaching the record for the most pinch-hit plate appearances without a hit, underscoring his difficulties in adapting to this role.
Summary based on 1 source
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CBSSports.com • Aug 14, 2024
MLB trends: Enrique Hernández's magic fix, the clutch MJ Melendez and Manuel Margot's big problem