Last night the Phillies wore out the Wrigley Field scoreboard with a barrage of offense led by Jean Segura, who went 4-6 with a double, four runs, and two RBI from the leadoff spot. His impressive evening marked the first time Segura collected four hits in a single game this season. Still, the night could have been even more magical as he left two base runners on the basepaths.
Segura gave opposing pitchers nightmares before going down due to injury as he slashed .332/.379/.465 with a 135 wRC+ from Opening Day until June 15th. However, until last night, Segura could not find his groove and barely hit the Mendoza Line. Let’s all hope this was the “get-right” game Segura needed to find his way back. While he hasn’t had enough ABs to qualify for the batting title, he should be mentioned with the conversation since Segura is only six points behind Michael Brantley, whose .338 BA leads the way.
Last night’s performance is hopefully a sign of good things to come for the Phillies. Their offense was somewhat meandering over the last 15 days, as shown by their 98 wRC+ and .315 wOBA. A healthy Segura could give the ballclub the extra push needed to compete in the NL East since the Phillies sit in second-place by four games. Only the New York Mets stand in the way of them taking down the division.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Tuesday:
David Fletcher (LAA): 4-4, 2 2B, R, RBI. Also, notching a four-hit game, Fletcher increased his total hits to 93 on the season. While we shouldn’t expect Fletcher to put many, if any, over the fences, the Angels’ second basemen is a tremendous source of batting average. With everyday plate appearances and the ability to chip in a few stolen bases, Fletcher is a viable option at a position full of scarcity.
Hunter Renfroe (BOS): 1-4, HR, R, RBI. Renfroe sent another ball into the bleachers, making that his 13th HR of the year. The journeyman outfielder is well-regarded for his power and has done a wonderful job cutting down the strikeout rate. An improved plate discipline is helping solidify a career-high .263 batting average and making Renfroe a pleasant surprise.
Andrew Benintendi (KC): 1-5, HR, R, 2 RBI. After missing nearly a month, Benintendi shook off the rust by sending a blast into the sky. The HR marked the ninth of his season, and this could be a terrific sign of things to come. Benintendi’s power plus speed combination could make him a once again 20/20 threat if he can stay healthy.
Luke Voit (NYY): 5-6, 2B, R, 3 RBI. The Yankees offense received another shot in the arm with Voit returning from a late-season start due to injury. Until last night, Voit really hadn’t the massive offensive output we are accustomed to seeing from him. After last year’s 22 HRs in a short season, it is not too late for Voit to start mashing HRs at an alarming rate.
Orlando Arcia (ATL): 2-3, HR, R, RBI, SB. After fizzling out in Milwaukee, Arcia might be finding more playing time after his combo special last night. The Atlanta offense is already loaded, but Arcia is starting and making the most of it due to injuries. While we can’t expect him to stick around all season long, riding this hot hand when he starts is very useful to fantasy managers.
Starling Marte (MIA): 1-4, 2 R, 2 SB. The always-under-appreciated Marte put up another darling of a fantasy night by using his elite sprint speed. Last night marked his third game in a row stealing a base, driving the season total to a whopping 16 on the year. His special blend of high batting average, power, and stolen base upside make him a potential top-10 outfielder in fantasy.
Max Stassi (LAA): 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI. Catchers are not supposed to put up these kinds of nights, right? Well, Stassi has been doing it for quite some time now. Since June, he is slashing .316/.402/..526 with a 157 wRC+. The recent surge in plate skills and outstanding defense couple possibly make Stassi a top-15 catcher if the success continues.
Javier Baez (CHC): 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI. Two more moonshots for Baez brings the HR total to 21 on the year. Although, what could be the more astonishing feat was only one strikeout. Baez’s strikeout rate is at an all-time high and reaching nearly a 40% mark. However, his power can’t go unnoticed, and the ten SBs make him a worthy asset on a fantasy squad. Just be wary of the loss in batting average since that won’t be going anywhere till the strikeouts decrease.
Nolan Arenado (STL): 3-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB. Arenado feasted last night by putting up a combo meal of his own. The stolen base was the first of his season and only the 17th of his career. Even with the batting average a touch under Arenado’s typical line, he is hitting enough HRs and racking up plenty of counting stats to make him the viable fantasy option managers might have expected.
Bryce Harper (PHI): 5-6, 2B, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI. Overlooking the game Harper put up would be a crime. Even after multiple trips to the IL, Harper quietly is putting up another spectacular season. His 15 HRs, seven SBs, and .282 batting average make him a terrific outfielder in roto formats. However, his hefty draft-day price tag might be souring some fantasy manager’s opinions.
Yordan Alvarez (HOU): 3-3, 2 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI, BB. How many people avoided Yordan because of his bad knees? Well, I am sorry to hear that. The 24-year-old Astros quieted more doubters by hitting two more HRs and increasing his season total to 16. With yet again another season having a barrel rate over 15%, the HR power is legit. Also, the five RBI push his season total to 56 and tie him for 12th overall.