The baseball season is heating up, and several of MLB's premier power hitters are showing why they're among the most feared batters in the league. Three sluggers in particular stand out as potential home run producers for today's games.
San Diego's Fernando Tatis Jr. has been on an absolute tear, sporting an impressive .358 average with eight home runs and 16 RBI this season. Currently ranking third in the majors for home runs, Tatis just completed a dominant series against the Houston Astros where he connected for two homers on consecutive days. As the first-place Padres prepare to face the Detroit Tigers tonight with Keider Montero on the mound, Tatis looks to continue his power surge despite limited history against this opponent.
In Atlanta, while the Braves have struggled collectively, Marcell Ozuna has emerged as their offensive catalyst. The veteran is batting .305 through 18 games with four home runs and a .542 slugging percentage. After connecting for a homer on Sunday, Ozuna now faces a favorable matchup against St. Louis Cardinals starter Erick Fedde. The Braves' designated hitter has historically dominated this pitcher, boasting a .583 average with two home runs in just 12 at-bats against him. Notably, all four of Ozuna's homers this season have come against right-handed pitching.
Meanwhile, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is due for a power resurgence. Despite having seven home runs in 22 appearances this season, the reigning AL MVP has gone four games without clearing the fences. However, Judge has exceptional history against today's opponent, the Cleveland Guardians. According to Statbet analysis of matchup histories, Judge hit .375 against Cleveland last season with five home runs in just six games. With Gavin Williams starting for the Guardians – a pitcher Judge has already homered against once in three at-bats – conditions seem perfect for the Yankees slugger to end his brief power drought.
All three of these elite hitters have demonstrated the ability to change games with a single swing, making today's slate of MLB action particularly exciting for fans of power hitting.
