The dog days of summer have arrived in Major League Baseball, and with less than seven weeks remaining in the regular season, every game has become a high-stakes affair for teams in the hunt for postseason berths. This pressure intensifies especially for players thrust into critical roles due to injuries and trades.
The Urgency in Los Angeles
For Enrique Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the season took an unexpected twist when Max Muncy suffered an oblique injury, catapulting Hernández into a more prominent role at third base. The added responsibility came with its own set of challenges, not least of which was his ongoing battle with vision issues. Hernández, who has astigmatism in his right eye, headed into the All-Star break with a dismal .191/.258/.299 batting line.
Seeking a solution, Hernández consulted his peers and found inspiration in the experiences of others. "(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,'" he revealed. After being fitted for eyeglasses, he showed marked improvement in his contact and chase rates, offering a glimmer of hope as he adapts to his new role.
However, with Muncy now beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Hernández is anticipated to return to his utility position upon Muncy's comeback. Mookie Betts has also recently made his return, adding depth to the Dodgers' lineup and increasing the importance of every player's performance during this crucial stretch.
Power and Poise in Kansas City
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, MJ Melendez has been riding a wave of both struggles and significant contributions. Despite a .205/.267/.403 slash line, Melendez's performance when adjusted for ballpark conditions is 28% below league average, still showcasing pockets of brilliance. Among 234 hitters with at least 25 high-leverage appearances, Melendez ranks sixth in weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+).
One of Melendez’s standout moments of the season came in a high-stakes situation against Detroit, where he delivered a go-ahead, pinch-hit, three-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning. This hit ranks as the third-biggest in baseball this season and the largest non-walk-off hit of the year. Melendez has delivered three of Kansas City's nine biggest hits by Clutch-Performed Action (CPA) this season, underscoring his knack for performing under pressure.
"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, displaying his readiness for any moment that comes his way.
The Struggles in San Diego
In stark contrast, Margot has faced a grueling season marked by constant transitions and limited playing opportunities. Having been on three different teams in the last nine months, Margot has started in only 52 of his team's 118 games this season as of Tuesday. Despite leading the league with 31 pinch-hit plate appearances, Margot has yet to see success in this role, posting a .000/.129/.000 line as a pinch-hitter. He has gone 0 for 27 with four walks and five strikeouts in those appearances.
With only 66 career pinch-hit plate appearances before 2024, Margot struggles to find his rhythm in these critical moments. The team's faith in him, however, remains as they continue to offer him chances to make a significant impact. These trials of endurance and adaptation are essential in determining which players can be relied upon as the pressure mounts.
As Major League Baseball approaches the final stretch of the regular season, players like Hernández, Melendez, and Margot will continuously be scrutinized for their contributions. Each narrative adds layers of complexity to the unfolding drama, as every at-bat carries the weight of potential postseason outcomes.
The ability to adapt, perform under pressure, and rise to the occasion will not only shape the final standings but also write new chapters in the annals of the sport. The stories of these players, marked by their struggles, innovations, and moments of brilliance, add to the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball's storied history.