The number of games scheduled for teams next week is tightly clustered. Only one team has an eight-game week. Then, nine teams are scheduled for six contests, and 20 have seven on the docket.
Notable Matchups
Colorado Rockies at STL (3), vs. SF (3)
Next week is a mixed bag for Colorado’s hitters. Sadly, they’re on the road for their first series and one of the nine teams scheduled for a week-low six games. However, they’re also home for three contests against the visiting Giants. In addition, they also avoid ace Carlos Rodon when the Giants come to town. It’s usually cut and dry what to do with Colorado’s hitters, but it isn’t next week. Still, Charlie Blackmon, Brendan Rodgers and C.J. Cron have compelling cases to be in fantasy lineups.
Los Angeles Angels vs. SEA (3), at DET (3)
The Angels are featured in this space exclusively to discuss Shohei Ohtani. In weekly leagues where gamers have to declare Ohtani a hitter or pitcher, it’s an excellent week to use him on the bump. He is projected to start two games next week.
Minnesota Twins vs. KC (3), vs. TEX (3)
Not all six-game weeks are created equal. Minnesota’s layout is desirable, facing a mediocre collection of starters. They should also square off with four southpaws, enhancing the appeal of the righties, such as Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton and Jose Miranda. The rookie Miranda continues to rake, and he’s now on 71% of rosters. Still, he should be universally rostered.
Kansas City Royals at MIN (3), at TB (4)
The rebuilding Royals are a nifty streaming source for the stretch run. The pitching matchups are somewhat challenging, but Shane McClanahan is the only consistently excellent starter they oppose. Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey are appealing options. Additionally, Nicky Lopez is a source of steals for speed-needy gamers in 14-team mixed leagues or deeper. Finally, MJ Melendez is on only 61% of Yahoo! rosters but is a startable backstop in leagues as shallow as single-catcher 12-team mixed formats.
Philadelphia Phillies at CIN (3), vs. NYM (4)
The Phillies don’t have a perfect layout for piling up hitting statistics. Still, a trip to homer-friendly Great American Ball Park and seven games are ideal factors. They’ll also luck out for their NL East battle with the Mets, avoiding Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom. So, the stock is up for Philadelphia’s hitters in the upcoming scoring period, and Jean Segura is a widely available streamer. He’s hit the ground running since recently returning from the Injured List (IL) and is on just half of Yahoo! rosters.
San Francisco Giants vs. ARI (4), at COL (3)
San Francisco’s hitters get a lift from their seven-game week and a three-game series at Coors Field. Moreover, their pitching matchups are primarily good. Streaky Joc Pederson is the most exciting option since the Giants will face five righties. In 255 plate appearances against righties this year, Pederson has mashed 15 taters with an acceptable .254 average.
Joey Bart is also a nifty pick-up in two-catcher formats if he returns from his ankle sprain and doesn’t suffer a setback. Since the Giants recalled him from the minors on July 6, he’s hit .282/.317/.500 with five homers in 82 plate appearances. Bart has struck out at a 32.9% clip and needed a .370 BABIP to boost his average, but he’s a streamable option even after accounting for regression.
New York Mets at ATL (4), at PHI (4)
The Mets are at the top of the heap next week, playing eight games. Some of their matchups are challenging, but the volume of games offsets the matchup concern. They’ll also face at least five right-handed hurlers. So, Daniel Vogelbach and Tyler Naquin are good streamers in leagues as shallow as 12-team mixers, and left-handed hitters Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo also get a bump up in value.
Hitter Notes
Tim Anderson (CWS)
Anderson had successful surgery on the middle finger on his left hand. Unfortunately, the timeline for his return is approximately six weeks. Gamers can stash him on an IL spot, but he’s not a must-hold player.
George Springer (TOR)
Springer is on the IL to manage elbow inflammation. The club hopes he’ll return when first eligible on August 15.
Pitcher Notes
Lance McCullers (HOU)
McCullers will make his 2022 debut for the Astros on Saturday. He threw 86 pitches in his last rehab start. Thus, McCullers shouldn’t face a significant pitch restriction. The matchup against the A’s is alluring as well. It’s always risky starting a pitcher in his first turn off the IL, but the matchup is so good that gamers wouldn’t be crazy for rolling the dice.
Dustin May (LAD)
According to manager Dave Roberts, May will rejoin the Dodgers after a final rehab appearance on Sunday if all goes well. May is on just 53% of Yahoo! rosters. Therefore, he’s available to be stashed in an IL spot in many leagues. May is an attractive stash option in leagues as shallow as 10-team mixers.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.