Outlook Max Muncy
Max Muncy's hot streak and favorable matchups make him an elite starting option.
Muncy has been tearing the cover off the ball, slashing .333 with a 1.023 OPS over his last 13 games for the first-place Dodgers, who lead the NL West with a 48-27 record on a three-game win streak. Having fully moved past a brief concussion scare earlier this month, he is locked in as the everyday third baseman in one of the league's most potent lineups.
His current hot streak is backed up by improved contact rates, putting him well ahead of his career averages and our projected rest-of-season mark of .228. Muncy's power remains elite, having already smashed 16 home runs this year, proving his high-ceiling production is completely sustainable.
Looking at the week ahead, the Dodgers host Baltimore for three games starting Friday where Muncy will face highly vulnerable starters Trey Gibson and Trevor Rogers, who both possess ERAs near 6.00. Given the elite matchups and his pristine current form, he is an obvious choice to start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Samuel Basallo
Basallo shakes off injury scares to cement his everyday role in Baltimore's lineup.
After battling minor shoulder and abdominal issues earlier this month, Basallo is healthy and serving as the primary designated hitter for the fourth-place Orioles (35-40). While he endured a cold stretch recently, batting just .194 over the last 14 days, he has rebounded over the last week with a .261 average and his 10th home run of the season.
His current .262 batting average is a significant leap from his brief .165 mark last year, showing real growth at age 21. While our models expect him to settle around a .237 average and 13 home runs, his elite exit velocities and highly coveted everyday role in a productive lineup suggest he can outpace those conservative projections.
With four games remaining this week, the Orioles face Seattle's Bryan Woo before heading to Los Angeles for a tough series against the Dodgers. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2.52 ERA) poses a difficult challenge, matchups against Roki Sasaki (4.76 ERA) and Emmet Sheehan (4.94 ERA) offer excellent rebound potential, making Basallo a solid weekly Start.
Updated 1 day ago
