We’ve finally reached a week with some significantly unbalanced schedules. There are three teams in the fourth fantasy baseball week with a week-low five games on the docket, one scheduled for a week-high eight, 15 with six games, and 11 with seven games.
Notable Matchups
Chicago Cubs vs. CWS (2), vs. LAD (3)
The Cubs are the first of three teams in this section with a week-low five games. Additionally, they have challenging matchups against Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, Tyler Anderson, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and the Dodgers’ and Pale Hose’s talented bullpens. Therefore, the stock is way down for Chicago’s hitters next week.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. SF (2), at CHC (3)
It’s hard to nitpick the fantasy outlook for the Dodgers’ loaded offense. However, a five-game week is suboptimal. They also project to square off with two lefties, The short week coupled with facing two lefties makes Gavin Lux an option to bench in weekly leagues. Additionally, in smaller leagues where the bench alternatives are strong, sitting Cody Bellinger isn’t crazy.
Texas Rangers at PHI (2), at NYY (3)
Next week it’s a less than ideal layout for the Rangers’ hitters. First, they’re the third team with a week-low five games. Second, they have tough matchups with Ranger Suarez, Zack Wheeler, Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, and Jordan Montgomery. So, it’s not out of the question that sitting Marcus Semien and Corey Seager is the right move, depending on your bench alternatives.
Boston Red Sox vs. LAA (3), vs. CWS (3)
Next week offers Boston’s hitters a mixed bag. On the plus side, all six games are at hitter-friendly Fenway Park. According to our MLB Park Factors tool, Fenway Park has the second-highest park factor for runs (1.174). Conversely, the pitching matchups include some tough opponents, including Shohei Ohtani, Noah Syndergaard, and Dylan Cease.
Colorado Rockies vs. WSH (3), at ARI (3)
The Rockies open the week with three games at Coors Field, which is always a plus for their hitters. Thankfully, a road trip to Arizona could prove fruitful for Colorado’s hitters. The pitching matchups for both series are excellent, and Washington’s and Arizona’s bullpens shouldn’t provide much resistance.
Cincinnati Reds at MIL (3), vs. PIT (4)
The Reds have a seven-game layout next week. However, they reach that total with a doubleheader on Saturday. Still, MLB has reverted to nine-inning games for doubleheaders. Fortunately, they avoid Corbin Burnes in the three-game series at Milwaukee, but Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta can give them fits. Although, Pittsburgh’s starters are awful.
Los Angeles Angels at CWS (1), at BOS (3), vs. WSH (3)
The Angels have a conventional seven-game week on the agenda, playing Monday through Sunday. Further, they get a lift from six games split between Fenway Park and Angels Stadium, a pair of hitter-friendly venues. The seven-game schedule makes starting Ohtani as a hitter instead of a pitcher in weekly leagues a no-brainer decision.
New York Mets vs. ATL (4), at PHI (4)
The Mets are at the top of the heap with a week-high eight games. The pitching matchups aren’t great, but New York’s offense has been cooking with gasoline in 2022. Additionally, the eight-game week is another check in the pros column.
Hitter Notes
Sadly Jimenez can’t avoid the injury bug. Last year, he missed significant time because of an injury. Now, he’s expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks with a right hamstring injury.
Acuna was reinstated from the Injured List (IL) on Thursday. So, obviously, you should get him in your lineup immediately. However, you can also take comfort in knowing he was great during his rehab stint with Gwinnett.
Hernandez has been taking batting practice (visual evidence coming up) and might return to the active roster next week.
Welcome sign for the Blue Jays today: that’s Teoscar Hernandez taking BP today, as he continues his recovery from an oblique injury.
Another step forward. pic.twitter.com/NXaupMakoX
– Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) April 26, 2022
Altuve will go on a rehab assignment this weekend. Then, Danielle Lerner reports the Astros are hoping to activate him Monday. As long as he doesn’t suffer a setback on the rehab trip, gamers should activate him for next week in leagues with weekly lineup changes.
Pitcher Notes
A follow-up CT scan and MRI on deGrom’s injured shoulder opened the door to the next step in his recovery. Nevertheless, he’s still probably weeks away from being cleared to throw. Thankfully, Walker will be ready to reinforce New York’s rotation much sooner, specifically probably this weekend. The linked article indicates Walker will likely face a pitch limit of 85 in his first start back.
Ryu threw a bullpen on Thursday, and Pearson has built his pitch count up to 26.
Further #BlueJays notes…
oHyun Jin Ryu threw a bullpen to Danny Jansen today
oNate Pearson up to 26 pitches in Florida– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 26, 2022
A timeline for Ryu’s return should come into more precise focus based on how he responds to throwing a bullpen. Pearson is only worth monitoring presently since it remains to be seen what his role will be with the Blue Jays.
Cobb threw a 30-pitch session off the mound at approximately 75% intensity earlier this week. He’ll need to successfully complete a full-intensity bullpen session before being activated from the IL, but he could return as soon as next week.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Beyond our fantasy baseball content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball draft season.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
