What happened: Joel Sherman singled out Munetaka Murakami, Tristan Peters and Braden Montgomery as leading examples of the rookie class’s position-player production. Montgomery reached the majors June 9 and hit a two-run walk-off homer in the 10th inning of his debut.
Why it matters: First place in late August puts the rookies at the center of a postseason race. Sustained production would help preserve that position through the final six weeks.
By the numbers: By late July, Peters was batting .300 with 20 doubles and an .825 OPS, while Murakami had 22 home runs.
What to watch: A three-game home series begins Friday. The trio’s production will remain a gauge of the club’s staying power.