MJ Melendez Doubles In Sunday's Game
MJ Melendez doubled, singled, and walked in four plate appearances during Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Since being called up at the beginning of May, the rookie has strong numbers, slashing .254/.348/.455 with six long balls, 14 runs, and 17 RBI across 40 games. Although Salvador Perez is locked in at catcher, Melendez is still finding playing time at designated hitter and in the outfield. A top prospect coming into the season, fantasy managers looking for some help at the backstop position should be looking to add the 23-year-old.
Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals catcher Source: MLB.com
MJ Melendez Revamps Swing
MJ Melendez revamped his swing during the offseason. Anne Rogers of MLB.com noted that the 26-year-old lowered his leg kick and adjusted his hands, making his stance more "balanced." Melendez decided to revamp his swing in hopes of tapping into his power more consistently. Throughout his three-year MLB career, Melendez has flashed upside power at times but has yet to show it across a full season. Last season, Melendez held a .206/.273/.400 line with 17 home runs and four stolen bases. He held a strong .440 SLG against right-handed pitching but struggled when facing southpaws, as he posted a .219 SLG. The previous season, he hit 16 home runs and held a similar .235/.316/.398 line. Given his lack of consistency and drastic splits, fantasy managers should expect him to continue to be deployed primarily on the strong side of a platoon in left field. However, a strong spring could open the door for a full-time role.
Source: Anne Rogers
Kansas City outfielder Source: Anne Rogers
MJ Melendez, Paul DeJong Both Not In Lineup Saturday
MJ Melendez and shortstop Paul DeJong are starting Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers on the bench. Both players have been swinging hot bats recently, with Melendez slashing .278/.316/.500 and DeJong slashing .375/.423/.750 in their last seven games. This speaks to the strength and depth of the Royals lineup, as Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez are starting in their places. Still, both or either player could find their way into the game as pinch hitters late.
Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals catcher/outfielder Source: MLB.com
MJ Melendez Returns From Injured List On Sunday
MJ Melendez (ankle) was activated off the 10-day IL on Sunday and will bat in the six-hole as the Royals play the rubber match of a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned outfielder Drew Waters to Triple-A Omaha. The 25-year-old hit the IL on July 16 due to a sprained ankle and did not need too much time to recover. Melendez sits with a .195/.260/.392 line with 11 home runs and two stolen bases through 85 games this season. He could be worth a look in DFS this afternoon as he will face Chicago right-hander Javier Assad, who has posted a hefty 6.40 ERA and 2.40 WHIP in his past three starts.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: Kansas City Royals
MJ Melendez To Begin A Rehab Assignment On Thursday
MJ Melendez (ankle) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday night with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Melendez is getting closer to a return to the Royals lineup after spraining his ankle on July 14. If the 25-year-old can avoid a setback with his ankle at Northwest Arkansas, there's a chance he could be back for the weekend series against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Before getting hurt just before the All-Star break, Melendez was serving as Kansas City's starting left fielder. The former second-round selection in 2017 is hitting just .196 (52-for-265) on the year with 11 home runs, 29 RBI and 26 runs scored in 85 games, making him useful as outfield depth in AL-only leagues for his power.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals outfielder Source: Kansas City Royals
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