Next week is wild. The games scheduled for teams are all over the map. First, a whopping seven teams have a week-low five games on the docket. The sweeping generalization for those seven clubs is that their hitters should be downgraded, especially since many teams have a boatload of games. On that note, one team is scheduled for a week-high nine games, and five teams have eight games on the agenda. Finally, 11 teams are scheduled for six games in the upcoming scoring period, and seven are scheduled for seven.

Notable Matchups

Colorado Rockies at CWS (2), at CHC (3)

It’s simple. Bench your Rockies next week. The double-whammy of only five games and all on the road are killers for Colorado’s hitters’ value.

Houston Astros at DET (3), vs. OAK (4)

Obviously, gamers are starting the studs from Houston’s lineup. However, fringe starters, such as Jeremy Pena and Trey Mancini, are useful options next week because of the volume of games and good pitching matchups. Additionally, Chas McCormick is a widely-available player worth a look in leagues as shallow as 12-team formats with five outfielders and a utility spot.

Minnesota Twins vs. KC (3), at CLE (4)

Minnesota’s hitters also get a lift next week. Playing seven games is a plus, and the pitching matchups are average. Jose Miranda and Nick Gordon are two players sitting on waivers in many leagues who gamers should stream next week.

Cleveland Guardians s. LAA (3), vs. CWS (1), vs. MIN (4)

The Guardians are the first featured team with eight games next week. The games are a plus, and so are the pitching matchups. Therefore, gamers should start their hitters from Cleveland with confidence. Finally, the favorable schedule pushes volume-driven fringe starters Amed Rosario and Josh Naylor into the starting mix next week.

Miami Marlins vs. TEX (2), vs. PHI (3), at WSH (3)

Not even an eight-game week makes Miami’s dearth of hitters intriguing in fantasy baseball next week.

Pittsburgh Pirates at CIN (4), at NYM (4)

The Pirates aren’t overflowing with offensive stars, but they have a few interesting options with eight games upcoming next week. Toolsy rookie Oneil Cruz is an excellent choice for gamers who can stomach his lousy batting average. Gamers in 14-team leagues or deeper can turn to Rodolfo Castro for middle infield help as a streamer. He’s hit his way to the heart of the order and has a bit of pop and speed. However, like Cruz, he’s a detriment to batting average.

Tampa Bay Rays at TOR (5), vs. TEX (3)

The Rays don’t have a star-studded collection of hitters, but they have some surprisingly intriguing options for next week. First, gamers who’ve been riding Yandy Diaz‘s hot bat should continue to do so for the eight-game week.

Manuel Margot has had a hollow batting average since returning from the Injured List (IL) in late August, but he’s an everyday player in a table-setter lineup spot. Thus, he’s a volume-driven suggestion. Sadly, Brandon Lowe has had an underwhelming 2022 campaign. However, he’s been cut loose in many leagues and can be treated as a speculative add, hoping he returns to his previous form and finishes the regular season with a flurry.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. TB (5), vs. BAL (3)

Toronto’s high-octane offense doesn’t have fantasy-viable options available in most leagues. So, their inclusion in this space is to acknowledge they have an excellent opportunity to rack up offensive stats in their bloated eight-game week.

Cincinnati Reds vs. PIT (4), at STL (5)

The Reds are atop the heap next week with nine games. Jonathan India hasn’t added any value with stolen bases, but he’s hit for average with a dash of power in the second half. TJ Friedl is playing over his head, but he’s a defensible option in 14-team mixed leagues or larger. Finally, Jake Fraley is also a nifty streamer.

Hitter Notes

Anthony Rizzo (NYY)

Andrew Benintendi (NYY)

Rizzo was placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday. However, the move was retroactive to Saturday. So, he could be activated next week. Regardless, the Yankees have only a five-game week. Gamers should keep Rizzo in an IL slot or on the bench in leagues with weekly lineup changes. Benintendi should be cut since he underwent surgery earlier this week for a broken hook of his right hamate bone.

Pitcher Notes

Max Scherzer (NYM)

Scherzer is expected to miss one or two starts while on the IL with left-side irritation.

Tyler Mahle (MIN)

Mahle is back on the IL with shoulder inflammation. Gamers are encouraged to cut him loose.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.