What happened: Greg Amsinger projected that Yordan Alvarez will reach base at a .500 clip in September. The forecast arrives with a three-team division fight set for its final month.
Why it matters: Reaching base once every two plate appearances would give the lineup an elite engine for the stretch run. That production could also strengthen Alvarez's standing atop the latest AL MVP poll.
By the numbers: Alvarez owns a .322/.437/.614 season line and a 1.051 OPS. He is batting .305/.380/.476 in August with three home runs, five doubles and nine RBIs.
What to watch: Track Alvarez's September OBP and whether his club can convert that production into an AL West title.