We have our first five-game week of the season on tap. But then, there are 18 teams with six games on the docket, and 11 teams are tied for a week-high seven games. In addition, there are series at Coors Field, Great American Ball Park, and Citizens Bank Park that will boost the value of hitters playing in those venues.
Notable Matchups
Oakland Athletics at SF (2), vs. CLE (3)
The A’s draw the short straw for next week. Oakland’s offense is littered with unproven players receiving an audition while the A’s rebuild. So, there aren’t any significant blows dealt to fantasy squads with this short week. Nevertheless, if you’re churning through their hitters as streamers or have any in deeper weekly formats, you should bench them for an alternative next week.
Cincinnati Reds vs. SD (3), at COL (3)
Next week, the Reds have Joe Musgrove, MacKenzie Gore, and German Marquez on their schedule. Still, the positives outweigh the pitching matchups, playing three games at homer-friendly Great American “Small” Park before a three-game series at Coors Field.
We have our first five-game week of the season on tap. But then, there are 18 teams with six games on the docket, and 11 teams are tied for a week-high seven games. In addition, there are series at Coors Field, Great American Ball Park, and Citizens Bank Park that will boost the value of hitters playing in those venues.
Notable Matchups
Oakland Athletics at SF (2), vs. CLE (3)
The A’s draw the short straw for next week. Oakland’s offense is littered with unproven players receiving an audition while the A’s rebuild. So, there aren’t any significant blows dealt to fantasy squads with this short week. Nevertheless, if you’re churning through their hitters as streamers or have any in deeper weekly formats, you should bench them for an alternative next week.
Cincinnati Reds vs. SD (3), at COL (3)
Next week, the Reds have Joe Musgrove, MacKenzie Gore, and German Marquez on their schedule. Still, the positives outweigh the pitching matchups, playing three games at homer-friendly Great American “Small” Park before a three-game series at Coors Field.
Los Angeles Dodgers at ARI (3), vs. DET (3)
Listen, I know you can’t race to the waiver wire to scoop up Dodgers. Their star-studded lineup doesn’t have a single regular on fewer than 80% of Yahoo! rosters. Regardless, they’re featured here for two reasons. First, any of their fringe fantasy starters should be locked into your weekly lineups with soft pitching matchups next week. The starters they’re lined up with are unimposing, and, according to FanGraphs, Arizona’s relievers have the highest xFIP (4.76), and Detroit’s relievers have the third-highest xFIP (4.39). Thus, the Dodgers should eat. Second, if you’re in a league with daily lineup changes, keep tabs on backups Edwin Rios and Austin Barnes as potential streamers if they receive starts.
Minnesota Twins vs. DET (3), at TB (3)
The Twins have a uniquely lefty-leaning pitching layout next week. They’re projected to face five southpaws in six games. As a result, gamers banking on left-handed-hitting Luis Arraez should sit him in weekly leagues. However, Gio Urshela and Miguel Sano are intriguing options with the platoon advantage against the southpaws.
Boston Red Sox at TOR (4), at BAL (3)
Yes, Boston’s hitters get a lift from the volume of a seven-game week. But, unfortunately, there’s a mystery as to which unvaccinated players won’t be traveling to Canada for four games against the Blue Jays. Gamers need to keep tabs on reports possibly revealing which players will miss the series in Toronto, as a three-game week makes even Boston’s studs unstartable in weekly formats.
Colorado Rockies at PHI (4), vs. CIN (3)
The Rockies have a mouthwatering week ahead. First, it’s a seven-game week. Second, they cap the week with three games in their luscious hitting environment. Third, their first four games of the week are at homer-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Finally, the starting pitching matchups are a mixed bag, but Cincinnati’s relievers have had the second-highest xFIP (4.60), and Philadelphia’s relievers have had the fifth-highest xFIP (4.12).
Houston Astros at TEX (4), at TOR (3)
The Astros play seven games next week, and the pitching matchups are primarily favorable for their hitters. The Rangers and Blue Jays are both in the bottom half of the league in bullpen xFIP as well. Finally, the Astros also travel north of the border to Canada. However, I’m less concerned about vaccination requirements sidelining their players. I can’t locate any news about the team expecting to be without players, and the club required non-playing personnel to be vaccinated. Obviously, it would be best if you still keep your eyes peeled for news about Houston players.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. COL (4), at NYM (3)
The Phillies begin their week hosting the Rockies for four games. They’ll see Colorado’s ace Marquez, but the rest of their rotation is mediocre, and their relievers have had the sixth-highest xFIP. In their three-game set at Citi Field, they dodge Max Scherzer. So, the pitching layout is great.
Hitter Notes
A.J. Pollock (CHW)
Pollock is trending toward being activated from the Injured List (IL) this weekend.
Byron Buxton (MIN)
Buxton returned from a multi-game absence with a knee injury on Thursday afternoon. He was penciled in atop the order. However, it’s notable he was used as the designated hitter. Fantasy gamers will gladly take him in Minnesota’s lineup in any form. Further, more time as the designated hitter could help keep the oft-injured outfielder healthier.
J.D. Martinez (BOS)
Martinez left Wednesday’s game early with left adductor tightness, missed Thursday’s game for treatment, but is considered day to day and traveling to Tampa Bay for the three-game weekend series.
George Springer (TOR)
On Wednesday, Springer was hit by a pitch on the right forearm and left early. Fortunately, x-rays came back negative. The veteran outfielder was out of the lineup on Thursday, but he’s day to day.
Jose Altuve (HOU)
Altuve was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. Thankfully, the injury doesn’t appear serious, and Brian McTaggart estimates Altuve will return after the minimum of 10 days.
Mike Trout (LAA)
Trout should return from a hand contusion on Friday night.
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL)
Acuna has begun a rehab assignment. He’s expected to return in early May.
Pitcher Notes
Mike Clevinger (SD)
Clevinger has made two minor-league starts and threw three innings in his most recent turn on April 19 for Triple-A El Paso.
If the Friars have him make only one more start in the minors, he could rejoin them late next week.
Lucas Giolito (CHW)
Giolito is penciled in for a Sunday start. He threw three innings in a simulated game. As a result, I expect Giolito to face a pitch limit in his first turn back. Unless you’re desperate, I suggest keeping the righty on your bench for his first start to see how he fares.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
