The dog days of summer have descended upon Major League Baseball, and as we edge closer to the end of the regular season, every game is vital for teams chasing postseason dreams. With less than seven weeks remaining, the pressure is palpable, as roster moves and player performances are under intense scrutiny.
The July 30 trade deadline saw teams across the league making significant moves to bolster their lineups. One player who has notably stepped into a more prominent role is Enrique Hernández. Thrust into the spotlight at third base following Max Muncy's oblique injury, Hernández's rise has been a storyline to follow.
Hernández's Vision Improvements
Hernández entered the All-Star break with a disappointing .191/.258/.299 batting line, struggling under the weight of his vision issues. Recently, he has made strides after addressing these concerns. Seeking advice from his peers, Hernández discovered he needed eyeglasses, leading to a significant improvement in his contact and chase rates.
"(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, highlighting the turning point in his season.
With Max Muncy beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is expected to revert to his utility role upon Muncy's return. Nevertheless, Hernández's contributions have been instrumental in keeping the team's postseason hopes alive.
Melendez Rising to the Occasion
Another player making headlines is MJ Melendez, who despite sporting a less-than-stellar .205/.267/.403 slash line, has proven invaluable in high-leverage situations. His on-base percentage of .267 may seem below the league average for left fielders, but his performance shines when the stakes are high.
Melendez ranks sixth in 232 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) in high-leverage scenarios, among 234 hitters with at least 25 such appearances. This special skill was on 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. This dramatic hit stands 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 expressed, embracing the pressure that comes with clutch moments.
Margot's Struggles
Meanwhile, Margot has faced his own set of challenges. Having been on three teams within the last nine months, his role has often been uncertain. This uncertainty is mirrored in his starting record, having been part of the starting lineup in only 52 of his team's 118 games as of Tuesday.
Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot has struggled significantly in this role, holding a .000/.129/.000 line as a pinch-hitter. Remarkably, he is 0 for 27 with four walks and five strikeouts in pinch-hit scenarios. Before the 2024 season, Margot had only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances, highlighting the unusual nature of his current situation.
As the regular season reaches its crucial final stretch, the performances of players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will be under the microscope. Each at-bat and defensive play could be the difference between a postseason berth and an early end to the season. It is the ability to adapt and perform under pressure that will shape the final standings, adding new chapters to the storied history of Major League Baseball.