The spread for games scheduled next week is tightly clustered-only one team’s scheduled for a week-low five games. Seven teams have a week-high seven games on the docket, though one of those clubs reaches that mark because of a doubleheader. Finally, the other 22 teams are scheduled for six games.
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Notable Matchups
Milwaukee Brewers at DET (2), vs. CHC (3)
Being at the low-end of the game’s scheduled spectrum hurts Milwaukee’s hitter’s outlook next week. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. A three-game set against the Cubs could help offset the sting of a short week. According to FanGraphs, Chicago’s 6.09 ERA since the trade deadline is the second-highest mark.
Boston Red Sox at SEA (3), vs. BAL (3)
Ranking one spot worse than the Cubs for team ERA since the trade deadline is the Orioles, sporting a 6.47 ERA. The Boston’s the lucky opponent for a three-game series against them to culminate next week. Further, their offensive upside is bolstered by those games taking place at Fenway Park. As you can see on our MLB Park Factors page, it’s one of the game’s most hitter-friendly environments.
Cincinnati Reds at PIT (3), vs. LAD (3)
One of Cincinnati’s two series next week is at home. That’s certainly a plus since the Reds rank fourth in wOBA (.345) and ISO (.202) at home this year. A trip to Pittsburgh isn’t too shabby either, despite the pitcher-friendly park factors at PNC Park. The Pirates have the fourth-highest team ERA (5.31) since the trade deadline.
Cleveland at MIN (3), at NYY (3)
Cleveland’s six-game week deserves an asterisk. Yes, they’ll play six games next week. However, two of them will be as part of a seven-inning doubleheader, so it’s not a normal six-game week.
Colorado Rockies at ATL (3), at WSH (3)
Here’s your weekly look-in at the Rockies. They’re on the road. And, as a reminder, they’re MLB’s worst road offense. Not good, Bob. Downgrade Colorado’s hitters next week accordingly, and pivot to alternatives if you have them.
Los Angeles Angels at CWS (3), vs. OAK (3)
Following the weekly look-in at the Rockies is our weekly check-in with the Angels. This might as well be dubbed Shohei Ohtani watch, as he’s the motivation for their inclusion in this section every week. After a trip to a National League Park this week, gamers rostering him can breathe a sigh of relief with all six games scheduled next week taking place in American League ballparks. Even if he gets the ball to pitch next week, gamers in leagues with weekly lineup changes are better served using him as a hitter unless they’re desperately in need of pitching contributions.
Houston Astros at TEX (4), vs. ARI (3)
Everything comes up roses for Houston’s hitters next week. First, they’re scheduled for a full complement of seven games. Second, the Rangers have ranked in the middle of the pack in ERA since the trade deadline, and the Diamondbacks have a bottom-10 ERA since then.
San Francisco Giants vs. SD (4), vs. ATL (3)
The Giants’ hitters will benefit from a seven-game week. The pitching matchups are a mixed bag. However, they’re decidedly right-handed, with at least five righties lined up and likely six. The handedness of the opposing pitches is especially noteworthy for the Giants since they platoon across multiple positions. Brandon Belt, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Brandon Crawford immediately come to mind as beneficiaries of the pitching layout next week.
Hitter Notes
The sand in the hourglass is running out on Trout returning this year. He remains without a timetable for a return, casting serious doubt on him coming back. If you have an injured list spot or deep benches, you can continue to hold him in hopes of a possible return. Still, it looks unlikely, and gamers shouldn’t feel guilty if they need to cut him.
The Brewers hoped rest would be enough for Adames to overcome his nagging quadriceps strain. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, prompting them to place him on the injured list on Sunday. However, manager Craig Counsell voiced optimism the minimum of 10 days is all he’d need, so there’s a chance he could be back next week.
The news on the injury front isn’t as promising for Winker. Mark Sheldon tweeted about a minor setback in his recovery from the intercostal injury.
Bell said that Winker felt a little something with his intercostal injury recently. Nothing too serious but it might delay his rehab assignment target date by a day or two. The Reds hoped it would start this weekend.
– Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) September 7, 2021
Bogaerts’ return from a bout with COVID is on the horizon, possibly Friday night. In addition, manager Alex Cora notes, “he feels great.” Therefore, gamers should immediately use him in fantasy rosters when he’s reinstated to the active roster.
Springer has missed three straight games tending to his bothersome knee. Yet, he hasn’t been placed on the injured list, supporting his day-to-day status.
Pitcher Notes
deGrom is ramping his pitching activity back up, but team president Sandy Alderson says regarding deGrom’s potential return this year, “I think that is still very much up in the air.” My advice for gamers rostering deGrom mirrors that offered above for Trout. To reiterate, don’t feel compelled to continue to hold him if your injured list spot is filled and you need bench help.
Cole exited Tuesday night’s start early with hamstring tightness. He might not make his next scheduled start on Sunday if his hamstring requires a few extra days of rest.
White Sox reporter James Fegan offered the following concise update on Giolito, Lynn, and Rodon.
Giolito said he threw today at max effort and felt no issues with his hamstring. Sounds like he has two bullpens to throw before he’s back
Lance Lynn is throwing a bullpen on Friday.
No starters set for Red Sox series but hope is legitimate that Rodón can pitch this weekend
– James Fegan (@JRFegan) September 8, 2021
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
