In the MLB season at the quarter mark, Julio Rodríguez and Ronald Acuña Jr. are not performing at their usual levels. The Padres and Rangers are struggling both offensively and in the win column despite having strong lineups. The Orioles, on the other hand, seem to be excelling as a team, although they have a recurring issue with their closer. These topics will be highlighted in upcoming FOX Saturday Baseball games this weekend. Experts Rowan Kavner and Deesha Thosar discuss these issues in a roundtable.
Concerns are raised about Julio Rodríguez’s slow start to the season, as he continues to struggle at the plate. Despite his slow starts in the past, Rodríguez has shown signs of potential superstardom, which makes it worth being patient with him. The lack of power in his hitting is a cause for concern, but his history suggests that he may have a strong second half of the season. The slow starts may be perplexing, but his overall potential is still significant.
The Orioles are dealing with a closer conundrum, as Craig Kimbrel has struggled in save situations. While the bullpen has performed well as a whole, Kimbrel’s issues are standing out. The experts suggest using a bullpen committee for now and possibly acquiring a high-leverage reliever at the deadline. The offense and rotation of the Orioles are strong, making the closer situation their lone weakness.
The Padres are currently not performing up to expectations and are far behind the top National League teams. While they have the talent to turn things around, they will need to show consistency to challenge the top contenders. Making the playoffs as a wild-card team is seen as a possibility for the Padres, who still have time to improve their performance. The team’s chances may rely on their ability to go on an extended run as the season progresses.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is a significant concern for the Braves, as he is not performing up to his MVP standards from the previous season. Acuña’s hitting has been lackluster, with low power numbers and minimal extra bases. His potential and past performances make his current struggles even more concerning, as the Braves are fighting for a playoff spot. The Braves will need Acuña to step up his performance to make a deep playoff run.
The Rangers’ struggling offense and the Mariners’ surging rotation are compared in terms of their potential impact on the AL West race. The proven track record of the Rangers’ offense gives them the edge, despite their current struggles. The Mariners have a strong rotation but need their offense to support them. The decision between the two units may ultimately decide the AL West, with both teams having strengths that could propel them to the top of the division.
Mike Trout’s decision to undergo surgery rather than continuing as a designated hitter is viewed as the right call. Trout was likely dealing with more pain than he let on and needed to address the underlying issue. Playing through the pain as a DH for the entire season would not have been sustainable for Trout. His commitment to playing hard and contributing on both sides of the ball suggests that he will bounce back from his injury and continue to excel in the future.
