Most teams will play six games next week, with 24 clubs scheduled for a half-dozen contests. However, two teams drew the short stick, playing only five games. Finally, four teams have seven games on the docket in the upcoming fantasy baseball scoring period.
Notable Matchups
Houston Astros at TEX (2), at LAA (3)
The Astros are one of two teams with a week-low five games on the agenda. Gamers simply have to take their medicine with Houston’s studs, such as Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, white-hot Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker. Yet, the short week is ground for sitting Trey Mancini and Jeremy Pena, namely when Shohei Ohtani looms as one of the opposing starters.
Tampa Bay Rays at MIA (2), vs. NYY (3)
The Rays are the other squad with only five games next week. Therefore, the only player from Tampa Bay who gamers should consider starting in most weekly leagues is Randy Arozarena.
Cincinnati Reds vs. STL (3), vs. COL (3)
The Reds aren’t a treasure trove of fantasy baseball options. Nonetheless, having both three-game series in their hitter-friendly home park, Great American Ball Park, is a plus. Jonathan India is a rock-solid option, and Jake Fraley is a sweet streamer. Fraley has had a .248 average, seven homers and two stolen bases in 121 plate appearances this year.
Colorado Rockies at ATL (3), at CIN (3)
Trips to Truist Park and Great American Ball Park are usually great news for offenses. However, the Rockies are the exception to the rule. The pitching matchups are challenging for the Rockies, too. So, gamers should sit their Rockies next week.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. PHI (3), vs. MIL (4)
The Diamondbacks are the first of four clubs with a week-high seven games next week. The favorable volume is a bump to the value of Daulton Varsho, Ketel Marte, Josh Rojas and Christian Walker. Moreover, Jake McCarthy is a hot streamer available in more than 80% of Yahoo! leagues. The rookie outfielder is a useful source of stolen bases and batting average.
Boston Red Sox at MIN (3), vs. TEX (4)
The Red Sox have lots of great news next week. First, their hitters will get a lift from seven games. Second, four are in their hitter-friendly confines. Finally, the pitching matchups are mainly good. It’s probably tempting to bench the scuffling J.D. Martinez. Still, he’s a usable option in leagues as shallow as 12-team mixers using five outfielders and a utility spot. The Red Sox also project to face six righties, which is a plus for left-handed-hitting outfielder Alex Verdugo.
Los Angeles Dodgers at MIA (1), at NYM (3), vs. SD (3)
The Dodgers get a volume bump that offsets having a few challenging pitching matchups. Gamers don’t need to be instructed to start the Dodgers’ star hitters. However, they project to square off with six righties next week, a boon for rejuvenated lefty Max Muncy and revitalized Joey Gallo.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. PIT (3), at ARI (4)
The Brewers are the final team with a week-high seven games in the next scoring period. They’ll also take hacks against six righties next week, increasing the value of lefties Christian Yelich, Rowdy Tellez and Kolten Wong. Power-needy gamers should use Tellez next week. According to FanGraphs, Tellez has smashed 23 homers against righties this year. Finally, Wong is an option for gamers who need help at second base or middle infield. The veteran second baseman is a jack of all trades and master of none, chipping in across the board.
Hitter Notes
Bryce Harper (PHI)
Harper will be activated from the Injured List (IL) tonight. So, gamers can immediately move him into their starting lineup.
Wander Franco (TB)
Franco will continue rehabbing at Tropicana Field through the weekend. Thus, he won’t resume a rehab assignment until next week.
Byron Buxton (MIN)
Buxton is on the IL with a hip strain. The toolsy outfielder has been playing while banged up all year. There isn’t a timetable for his return, but manager Rocco Baldelli insinuated it’s not an injury that will sideline Buxton for “a month or the rest of the season.”
Pitcher Notes
Nestor Cortes (NYY)
Cortes is on the IL with a groin injury. It’s unclear how much time he’ll miss.
Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
Kershaw is scheduled for a four-inning simulated game on Saturday and could return to the rotation for a start next week.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
