Clayton Kershaw, a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to make his season debut on Thursday. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has been sidelined for nearly four months following offseason shoulder surgery. His return is highly anticipated, especially after an abysmal last outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks where he allowed six runs and recorded only one out.
Kershaw's first game back could be a turning point for the Dodgers as they navigate a competitive MLB season. His performance will be under scrutiny, considering he is coming off a significant injury. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Kershaw can return to his elite form after such a long hiatus.
The New York Mets Face the Atlanta Braves
Simultaneously, the New York Mets are gearing up to face the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The Mets are riding high, having completed both a two-game and a four-game season sweep over the New York Yankees. This feat has intensified the rivalry between the two New York teams and given the Mets a much-needed confidence boost.
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Standout Performances: Profar and Henderson
Jurickson Profar's performance on Wednesday was nothing short of spectacular. He went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. This earned him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 21 points on DraftKings, making him a standout pick for Fantasy sports players that day.
Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson continues to dazzle this season. Priced at $6,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel, Henderson leads all shortstops in home runs with 28. His impressive stats do not stop there; he ranks in the top three at his position in runs scored, RBIs, hits, slugging percentage, and OPS. With a .287/.373/.574 slash line and a .946 OPS, Henderson is a consistent powerhouse.
The Orioles, who rank second in the American League in runs scored and win percentage, will face the Miami Marlins in a three-game series concluding on Thursday. This series is crucial as the Orioles continue their quest for postseason glory.
Pitching Woes: Roddery Munoz and Patrick Corbin
On the pitching front, Roddery Munoz is having a challenging season with a 5.14 ERA. Particularly vulnerable against left-handed hitters, who are batting .302 with a 1.072 OPS against him, Munoz will need to find a way to turn his season around.
Similarly, Patrick Corbin has struggled with a 5.35 ERA over 20 starts this season. Right-handed hitters are batting .301 with an .855 OPS against him, highlighting his ongoing difficulties on the mound. Xander Bogaerts, who has a 3-for-5 record with a home run against Corbin, will look to capitalize on this matchup. Bogaerts, priced at $4,000 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, has been impressive since returning from a shoulder injury, hitting .483 with a .983 OPS over seven games.
Xander Bogaerts' Return
Xander Bogaerts' return on July 12 after roughly six weeks sidelined with a shoulder injury has been nothing short of spectacular. In just seven games since his return, he's batting .483 with a .983 OPS, including six multi-hit performances. His career average against left-handed pitchers stands at .306 with an .853 OPS, making him a formidable presence at the plate.
As the MLB season progresses, these players and their performances will continue to shape the competition. Clayton Kershaw's return, the Mets' rivalry sweep, and the standout efforts from players like Profar, Henderson, and Bogaerts are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.