Alec Burleson is not in the Cardinals lineup on Monday against the Angels.

Fantasy Impact

Burleson drove in two runs in Sunday's win over the Twins. Willson Contreras slides over to first base in his place.

Alec Burleson will split time at first base and DH with Willson Contreras, per team updates, benefiting from St. Louis’ outfield alignment.

Fantasy Impact

Burleson’s .292/.341/.464 line against righties last year locks in his at-bats versus right-handed pitching, as Victor Scott’s center field win squeezes Nolan Gorman, per the Cardinals’ Sunday plan. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should roster him, banking on his bat for solid value in St. Louis’ 2025 lineup with this secure role against right-handers.

Alec Burleson might see his playing time impacted if the Cardinals start Lars Nootbaar in left field and Michael Siani or Victor Scott in center, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

With Nootbaar in left and Siani or Scott in center, Donovan slides to second and Gorman to DH—Burleson’s .292/.341/.464 line against righties in 2024 keeps him in the mix vs. RHP, but not as much as hoped. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can temper expectations; his bat’s solid but minutes might shrink.

Alec Burleson won’t see outfield time this spring, instead focusing on designated hitter and first base roles, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Burleson’s been an outfielder for most of his big-league starts, but with Jordan Walker sidelined a week by a knee tweak, he’s still locked in as the primary DH against right-handers and will mix in at first when Willson Contreras takes DH reps. Fantasy managers can peg him for decent pop in deeper leagues; his bat stays relevant despite the position shift.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol said Alec Burleson is "likely" to start at first base on Sunday against the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

Willson Contreras is starting at first base on Saturday. Burleson and Contreras are expected to split time at 1B and DH throughout the season.