With the Cardinals in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak, turning up new positive tests daily, you should be careful about using any of their hitters. A whole week of action could get scrubbed for them, which would impact their scheduled opponents, the Tigers and Cubs, as well.
Mike Trout (paternity) and Juan Soto (COVID-19) have yet to rejoin their respective teams, but Tuesday is looking likely for both. It'll be a quick turnaround for Trout, as has been common when a player leaves his team for the birth of his child. Turns out the length of that particular absence isn't so different during a pandemic.
Soto's situation isn't as clear since he was away from the team for so long. He has been playing at the team's minor-league site but recently told reporters he wasn't sure if he'd be ready Tuesday. Still, given how quickly he turned around his positive test — not to mention the fact he never experienced symptoms — I'd be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in all but the shallowest leagues.
The wait continues, meanwhile, for Yordan Alvarez and Austin Meadows, who continue to work out at their team's minor-league sites after missing all of summer camp. Meadows sounds like he's a little further ahead and could return at some point in Week 3, but he's a risky play.
If you'd prefer not to chance it, there are alternatives. Below are my favorite hitters rostered in less than 80 percent of CBS Sports leagues. (I also have 10 sleeper pitchers, if your needs are more in that arena.)
We discussed the closer carousel, early season trade targets plus Week 3 sleepers hitters and pitchers on Friday's Fantasy Baseball Today podcast. Follow all our podcasts and subscribe here.
He remains a fixture at the top of the Angels lineup for now, which helps his chances of making a considerable impact in Fantasy even if he continues to hit mostly singles. Simply putting the bat on the ball should carry him far with this week's matchups.
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Happ has been making good on his regular playing time with a couple home runs already and doesn't have to face any front-line pitchers in his seven games this week (thought it may end up being four if the Cardinals series is canceled).
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Best hitter matchups for long Week 3
1. Rockies SF4, @SEA3
2. Twins PIT2, @PIT2, @KC3
3. Cubs KC2, @KC2, @STL3
4. Angels @SEA3, @TEX3
5. Mariners OAK1, LAA3, COL3
Worst hitter matchups for long Week 3
1. Red Sox @TB2, TOR3
2. Astros @ARI3, @OAK3
3. Reds CLE2, @CLE2, @MIL3
4. Padres LAD3, ARI3
5. Dodgers @SD3, SF3