The Fantasy Baseball Hitting Planner is the essential guide to setting your lineup for the upcoming week. Every weekend, we provide you with favorable and unfavorable matchups as well as lineup changes for each team.
Weather planner: Taking into account all games with at least a 50 percent chance of precipitation according to Weather.com, no games are in danger of being rained out.
Interleague play dominates the schedule again this week, so any AL team that travels to the NL will lose a hitter, and any NL team that travels to the AL will gain one. The section labeled "Interleague Effect" will offer a best guess as to which players lose or gain at-bats as a result of playing in the opposite league.
This week's news and notes for each team:
Arizona Diamondbacks
Schedule: TEX3, LAA3
Heating
Up: Justin Upton has three hits in
three of his last four games, but he's a must-start whether hot or cold.
Cooling
Off: Gerardo Parra's batting
average has dropped from .301 to .267 since June 8, making him clearly
just an NL-only option. He's batting .184 (7 for 38) during that stretch.
Injury
Concerns: Chris B. Young, who had
finally begun to show some signs of life by batting .435 (10 for 23)
with two home runs and three stolen bases over his last seven games, sat
out both Friday and Saturday with a strained groin. Might as well keep
him reserved. Chad A. Tracy is on a
rehab assignment and has a chance of returning this week, but he
wouldn't get more than semi-regular at-bats.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Diamondbacks face one left-handed pitcher this week, so Josh Whitesell has a chance to get more starts than usual. Lately,
though, the Diamondbacks have gone with Mark Reynolds at first base and either Augie Ojeda or Ryan Roberts at third.
Whitesell wasn't hitting well enough to matter in Fantasy anyway.
Lineup
Changes: The Diamondbacks have used several lineup variations over
the last week, but they've at least indicated Eric Byrnes is the odd man out if Young is able to play.
Atlanta Braves
Schedule: CHC1, NYY3, BOS3
Heating
Up: Garret Anderson is showing early
signs of another second-half resurgence, batting .371 (13 for 35) over
his last 10 games. He's still not worth using in mixed leagues, but he's
worth watching.
Cooling Off: After a respectable May during
which he hit .297, Kelly Johnson has
gone back to struggling in June. He's batting .140 (8 for 57) for the
month and .103 (3 for 29) over his last nine games. Sit him in mixed
leagues.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Braves face only one left-hander in their seven games this week. Too
bad they don't have any platoon players to benefit from the favorable
schedule.
Lineup Changes: None.
Baltimore Orioles
Schedule: @FLA3, WAS3
Heating
Up: Aubrey Huff has an eight-game
hitting streak during which he's batting .394 (13 for 33). His numbers
are still well off last year's pace, but he's worth starting in mixed
leagues.
Cooling Off: Adam Jones
is batting .146 (6 for 41) over his last 10 games, dropping his batting
average from .346 to .313. He's still too valuable to sit in Fantasy.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Orioles face
four left-handers this week, which might mean a poor performance for
Huff. Nobody consistently sits against lefties, though.
Lineup
Changes: None.
Interleague Effect: Unfortunately, one of Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott has to
sit for the Orioles' three-game series at Florida. The Orioles face two
left-handed pitchers that series, so Scott might end up sitting more
than Reimold even though the numbers suggest he shouldn't. If you rely
on him in Fantasy, you should probably just stick with him, especially
since the Orioles return home to end the week.
Boston Red Sox
Schedule: @WAS3, @ATL3
Heating
Up: Jacoby Ellsbury actually
demonstrated some power this week, hitting two home runs. He's batting
.296 (8 for 27) with six stolen bases over his last eight games and
remains a must-start.
Cooling Off: Dustin Pedroia, who took off last June with a .356 batting average,
has been nothing short of a disaster this June, batting .174 (12 for
69). You wouldn't bench an elite option like him. Same goes for Kevin Youkilis, who's batting .125 (3 for 24) over his last seven
games.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Red Sox face one left-handed pitcher this week, which means Rocco Baldelli has a chance to get a start in place of J.D. Drew. Drew will still play enough to suffice in mixed leagues.
Lineup
Changes: None.
Interleague Effect: The Red Sox showed a
couple weeks ago they're not afraid to start David Ortiz at first base, but you have to figure he'll spend most of
this week on the bench since the team plays all six of its games in NL
parks.
Chicago Cubs
Schedule: @ATL1, @DET3, @CHW3
Heating
Up: Derrek Lee continues to redeem
himself after a poor April, hitting his fourth home run in three games
Saturday. He has yet to go hitless in June and is batting .371 (26 for
70) with six home runs during a 17-game hitting streak. Start him in all
leagues. Milton Bradley has a nine-game
hitting streak during which he's batting .364 (12 for 33).
Cooling
Off: Alfonso Soriano is batting .132
(5 for 38) over his last nine games, and his batting average has fallen
from .280 to .225 since May 17. Exaggerated hot and cold streaks are
nothing new for him. If you own him, you have no choice but to start him
because he could suddenly go off with three or four homers one week.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Cubs face three
left-handers this week, all during their weekend series at the White
Sox. Reed Johnson will start for Kosuke Fukudome against the lefties, as he has all season, but the
Cubs might have a couple more platoon situations now. Jake Fox could potentially spell Mike Fontenot
at third base, and Aaron Miles could
start for Andres Blanco at second.
Lineup
Changes: Blanco has started three straight games at second, but he's
not much of an offensive threat and doesn't matter in mixed leagues.
Interleague
Effect: The Cubs play six games in AL parks this week, so one of
their bench players could conceivably get enough at-bats to matter in
NL-only leagues. Micah Hoffpauir, who
hit a pinch-hit home run Saturday, makes the most sense, but Fox could
also get an extra start or two.
Chicago White Sox
Schedule: LAD3, CHC3
Heating
Up: Scott Podsednik has gotten his
batting average over .300, emerging as a viable option even in deeper
mixed leagues. He's batting .400 (14 for 35) over his last eight games. Chris Getz has a six-game hitting streak during which he's batting
.348 (8 for 23), but he's strictly an AL-only option.
Cooling Off: Jermaine Dye, battling a calf injury, has only three hits in his last
nine games, batting .103 (3 for 29) during that stretch. He's a streaky
player, but his power potential when hot makes him unbenchable.
Injury
Concerns: Dye wasn't in the lineup for Saturday's game because of
the injured calf, though he did pinch hit. He missed last Sunday's game
with the same injury, so he might eventually need a couple days off to
put an end to it. If he's back in the lineup Sunday, use him as you
normally would. His power makes him a No. 3 outfielder in mixed leagues.
Platoon
Possibilities: The White Sox face only one left-handed pitcher this
week, so Getz should get nearly a full week of at-bats while Jayson Nix remains on the bench. Jim Thome
likely won't lose any playing time either, especially since the White
Sox don't have to play in any NL parks.
Lineup Changes: Brian N. Anderson has apparently taken over as the team's regular
center fielder, no longer having to split time with Dewayne Wise. He has the upside to make an impact in mixed leagues, but
he's just an AL-only option right now.
Cincinnati Reds
Schedule: @TOR3, @CLE3
Heating
Up: Brandon Phillips might have a
hairline fracture in his thumb, but he isn't playing like it, batting
.412 (7 for 17) with one home run and four stolen bases over his last
four games. Then again, he might have injured the thumb further
Saturday, making him a risky start for the upcoming week.
Cooling
Off: Willy Taveras was in a 1-for-46
slump, but he broke out of it with a 3-for-5 day Saturday. Still, one
good game isn't reason enough to trust him in mixed leagues again.
Injury
Concerns: Phillips seemingly hurt his right thumb -- the one with
the hairline fracture -- in his final at-bat Saturday and left the game.
You'll obviously want to check for an update Sunday, but if he doesn't
return to the lineup, he's a risk for the upcoming week. Unless you
think he'll miss the entire week, though, you should probably just stick
with him. What kind of alternative could you find on short notice? Joey Votto has begun a rehab assignment as he continues to work his
way back from a stress-related issue. He'll play only half the week at
most, though, making him not worth starting yet in mixed leagues.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Reds face four left-handed pitchers this week, so Jonny Gomes should play just about every day, especially with the
team traveling to AL parks. Laynce Nix
might find himself on the bench more often than usual.
Lineup
Changes: With Alex Gonzalez going on
the DL with an elbow injury, Jerry Hairston
has gone from starting at third base to starting at shortstop. Adam Rosales again enters the lineup as the team's third baseman but
isn't worth using outside of NL-only leagues. When Votto returns
midweek, Ramon Hernandez will go back
behind the plate, forcing Ryan Hanigan
out of the lineup.
Interleague Effect: Gomes figures to get
the most at-bats at DH with the team traveling to AL parks. He's worth
starting in NL-only leagues because of his power potential.
Cleveland Indians
Schedule: @PIT3, CIN3
Heating
Up: Luis Valbuena, who's playing
regularly with Asdrubal Cabrera
sidelined, homered twice Saturday, giving him three homers in two games.
He has enough potential that you could even give him a look in mixed
leagues if you get desperate enough. Shin-Soo Choo
is batting .429 (9 for 21) over his last five games, bringing his season
average to .300. He's already a must-start. Jhonny Peralta is showing signs of breaking out of his season-long
funk, going 2 for 5 in each of his last three games.
Cooling Off: Ben Francisco looked like a viable option in Rotisserie leagues for
a while, but he's batting only .077 (2 for 26) over his last seven games.
Injury
Concerns: Mark DeRosa didn't start
Saturday's game after bruising his thigh running into a bullpen
telephone Friday. He managed to stay in Friday's game, so he shouldn't
miss more than a day or two. He remains too valuable to sit, especially
given his versatility.
Platoon Possibilities: The Indians face
only one left-handed pitcher, which means the red-hot Valbuena should
have nearly a full week of at-bats.
Lineup Changes: The
Indians could go with a different lineup any given day depending on
where they decide to play DeRosa. Jamey Carroll
has seemingly become the everyday second baseman until Cabrera returns
from a shoulder injury, but he's a slap hitter who won't matter in mixed
leagues.
Interleague Effect: Travis Hafner gets routine days off anyway because of his balky
shoulder, but you can bet he won't make a single start when the Indians
visit Pittsburgh to begin the week.
| ||
Player | % Change | |
1. | Juan L. Rivera, OF, LAA | 35 |
2. | Kyle Blanks, 1B, SD | 16 |
3. | Scott Podsednik, OF, CHW | 10 |
4. | Chris Coghlan, OF, FLA | 10 |
5. | Casey McGehee, 3B, MIL | 8 |
6. | Colby Rasmus, OF, STL | 7 |
7. | Pablo Sandoval, 3B, SF | 6 |
8. | Scott Rolen, 3B, TOR | 6 |
9. | Jason Kubel, DH, MIN | 5 |
10. | Michael Cuddyer, OF, MIN | 5 |
Colorado Rockies
Schedule: @LAA3, @OAK3
Heating
Up: Troy Tulowitzki is finally
living up to the potential that made him such a highly sought prize on
Draft Day. He's batting .366 (15 for 41) with five home runs over his
last 13 games and should be active in all Fantasy leagues.
Cooling
Off: Nobody's significantly underperforming right now.
Injury
Concerns: Yorvit Torrealba should
finally return this week from a long personal absence. He's clearly the
backup to Chris Iannetta, though, and
doesn't matter outside of deeper NL-only leagues.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Rockies face three left-handers this week, but Seth Smith will likely find himself on the bench either way. Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez
seem firmly entrenched as the starters in center field and left field,
respectively.
Lineup Changes: Ian Stewart has effectively replaced Garrett Atkins as the team's starter at third base. Since he qualifies
at second base, he's worth owning in all Fantasy leagues.
Interleague
Effect: The Rockies will likely use their DH spot to keep Atkins
fresh now that he's not an everyday player anymore, though Ryan Spilborghs could get a couple starts as well.
Detroit Tigers
Schedule: CHC3, @HOU3
Heating Up: Marcus Thames has assumed a starting spot since coming off the DL and
has three home runs in his last three games. He has 30-homer potential
and is worth adding in deeper mixed leagues. Miguel Cabrera and Curtis Granderson
each have three home runs over the last week. They remain must-starts.
Cooling
Off: Magglio Ordonez is batting only
.182 (4 for 22) over his last six games. He has only two home runs so
far and has lost his starting job for now.
Injury Concerns:
None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Tigers face two left-handed
pitchers this week, so Ryan Raburn will
likely start twice for Josh Anderson.
Anderson has some low-end appeal in Rotisserie leagues for his ability
to steal bases, but you probably shouldn't start him right now.
Lineup
Changes: Manager Jim Leyland has opted to bench Ordonez for now. He
could return to the lineup Tuesday, but his status remains too up in the
air for you to trust him in mixed leagues. Don Kelly has started in his absence.
Interleague Effect:
Assuming Ordonez does return Tuesday, he'll probably remain in the
lineup for the weekend series at Houston, with Kelly and Anderson going
to the bench.
Florida Marlins
Schedule: BAL3, @TB3
Heating Up: Chris Coghlan, who's now hitting leadoff for the Marlins, is batting
.344 (11 for 32) over his last eight games. With a little more power, he
could emerge as a viable option in mixed leagues.
Cooling Off:
Just as quickly as he got hot, Jeremy Hermida
has gone ice cold. He's 0 for 16 over his last five games and still
isn't reliable enough to trust in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns:
None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Marlins face two left-handers
this week, meaning John Baker will sit
at least twice in favor of Ronny Paulino.
Baker has struggled lately, so you wouldn't want to start him in mixed
leagues anyway.
Lineup Changes: None.
Interleague Effect:
The Marlins like to use their DH slot to spell Jorge Cantu's wrist, so Ross Gload
will likely start at first base during the weekend series at Tampa Bay.
He won't get enough at-bats to matter in mixed leagues, though.
Houston Astros
Schedule: KC3, DET3
Heating Up: Michael Bourn continues to look like a legitimate leadoff hitter after
merely playing the part last year. He's batting .417 (10 for 24) with
four stolen bases over his last seven games and is a must-start in
Rotisserie leagues.
Cooling Off: Miguel Tejada, who got his batting average up over .360 during a
recent 17-game hitting streak, is only 1 for 16 over his last four
games. You wouldn't sit him, but you have to figure he has a cold streak
ahead just to get his batting average back to a reasonable level.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Astros face
right-handers in all six of their games this week, but with Geoff Blum on the DL, they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup
Changes: For unexplained reasons, the Astros dropped breakout player Hunter Pence to sixth in the lineup, which only hurts his Fantasy
appeal. He's still a must-start, but you'd like to see him batting
second or third. Jeff Keppinger, who has
become the full-time starter at third base with Blum sidelined, is
batting second, and Kazuo Matsui, who
recently returned from a hamstring injury, is batting seventh.
Kansas City Royals
Schedule: @HOU3, @PIT3
Heating
Up: Miguel Olivo has thrived as the
undisputed starting catcher with John Buck
on the DL. He has five home runs in his last 10 games and is batting
.306 (11 for 36) during that stretch. Still, he's at best a No. 2
catcher in mixed leagues.
Cooling Off: Mark Teahen is 1 for 15 over his last four games, which really
doesn't qualify as a cold streak yet. Use him as you normally would.
Injury
Concerns: None of Coco Crisp
(shoulder), Mike Aviles (forearm) and
Buck (back) appears on the verge of returning. Crisp, in fact, might end
up needing season-ending surgery if an upcoming examination reveals he
has a torn labrum instead of a torn rotator cuff. Keep him stashed for
now, but you'll want to check back for news later in the week.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Royals face only one left-handed pitcher this
week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons anyway.
Lineup
Changes: None.
Interleague Effect: The Royals play all six
of their games in NL-only parks this week, meaning they'll have to sit
one of Billy Butler and Mike Jacobs. Butler will likely get the nod more often than not, but
the Royals could choose to go lefty-righty with the two.
| ||
Player | Start % | |
1. | Yadier Molina, C, STL | 51 |
2. | Michael Cuddyer, OF, MIN | 40 |
3. | Ian Stewart, 2B/3B, COL | 57 |
4. | Jim Thome, DH, CHW | 37 |
5. | Juan L. Rivera, OF, LAA | 46 |
6. | Nick Johnson, 1B, WAS | 44 |
7. | Nolan Reimold, OF, BAL | 31 |
8. | Alberto Callaspo, 2B, KC | 33 |
9. | Marcus Thames, OF, DET | 8 |
10. | Scott Hairston, OF, SD | 1 |
|
L.A. Angels
Schedule: COL3, @ARI3
Heating Up: Juan L. Rivera is one of the hottest players in baseball right now,
batting .344 (11 for 32) with four home runs over his last eight games.
He deserves a look in all leagues. Chone Figgins
is not only back to hitting .300 after a down year, but he's also
walking more than ever before. He could potentially hit .330 with 60
stolen bases, so consider yourself set at third base if you own him. Torii Hunter refuses to slow down, carrying an 11-game hitting streak
into Saturday before going 0 for 2. He's batting .341 with four homers
in June.
Cooling Off: Erick Aybar
has begun playing regularly, but he's batting only .167 (3 for 18) over
his last five games. Leave him for AL-only leagues.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Angels face
only one left-hander this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty
platoons.
Lineup Changes: The Angels don't seem interested in
using power prospect Sean Rodriguez, so Maicer Izturis looks like the starting second baseman with Howie Kendrick in the minors. Aybar will continue to start at
shortstop. Neither player matters in mixed leagues.
Interleague
Effect: Unfortunately, Vladimir Guerrero's
strained pectoral probably hasn't healed enough for him to play the
outfield during the team's weekend series at Arizona. The good news is
his benching will allow the red-hot Rivera to remain in the starting
lineup.
L.A. Dodgers
Schedule: @CHW3, SEA3
Heating Up: Orlando Hudson has an eight-game hitting streak during which he's
batting .364 (12 for 33). He has maintained a high batting average even
without Manny Ramirez protecting him,
solidifying his place as a must-start Fantasy second baseman. Russell Martin went 3 for 4 with his first home run Saturday and might
be on the verge of breaking out of his season-long slump.
Cooling
Off: After showing some signs of life earlier this month for the
first time since Ramirez began serving his suspension, Andre Ethier has cooled off again. He's batting .167 (5 for 30) over
his last eight games and is a candidate to bench in mixed leagues.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Dodgers face
three left-handed pitchers this week, but they don't have any
lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: None.
Interleague
Effect: The Dodgers will likely use their DH spot to spell some of
their regulars during their three-game series at the White Sox, filling
in with utility player Mark Loretta as
necessary.
Milwaukee Brewers
Schedule: MIN3, SF3
Heating
Up: Corey C. Hart has a 10-game
hitting streak during which he's batting .395 (15 for 38) with three
home runs, raising his season mark from .239 to .263. Get him active
again in mixed leagues. Prince Fielder
has two hits in four straight games, batting .533 (8 for 15) during that
stretch. He's an obvious must-start. Casey McGehee
is still a platoon player, but he's batting .455 (15 for 33) over his
last nine games.
Cooling Off: Mike Cameron,
who got off to an impossibly hot start this year, has only three hits in
his last 10 games, batting .083 (3 for 36) during that stretch.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Brewers face
three left-handed pitchers this week, which means McGehee will continue
to split at-bats with Craig Counsell.
Neither player matters outside of NL-only leagues. Bill Hall also starts against left-handers, replacing Mat Gamel.
Lineup Changes: None.
Minnesota Twins
Schedule: @MIL3, @STL3
Heating
Up: Michael Cuddyer has caught fire
since returning from a finger injury, batting .444 (8 for 18) with one
home run over his last five games. He's worth starting again in mixed
leagues. Joe Mauer remains as hot as
ever, batting .412 (21 for 51) during a 12-game hitting streak. Jason Kubel also has a hitting streak, his of the 11-game variety.
He's batting .368 (14 for 38) with four home runs during that stretch
and should remain active in all leagues.
Cooling Off: Joe Crede is batting .182 (6 for 33) over his last 10 games and has
been missing time lately with the usual bumps and bruises. He has some
pop, but he's clearly just an AL-only option right now.
Injury
Concerns: Denard Span (inner ear
infection) is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, and he probably
will. Since he'll only play half a week, though, you shouldn't bother
with him outside of deeper AL-only leagues. Nobody stands to gain
at-bats in his absence since the Twins play all six of their games in NL
parks this week.
Platoon Possibilities: The Twins face all
right-handed pitchers this week, so they don't have much incentive to
remove Kubel from their lineup when they visit NL parks. They don't have
any strict lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: The Twins
have sent Alexi Casilla back to the
minor leagues and seem content with Nick Punto
at second base. Matt Tolbert might
steal at-bats occasionally, but neither player has the upside
offensively to make an impact in Fantasy.
Interleague Effect: Delmon Young will likely go to the bench for the first half of the
week since the Twins need Carlos Gomez
to man center field with Span sidelined. When Span returns, Young will
probably remain on the bench just so the twins can keep Kubel, who
normally plays DH, in the lineup.
N.Y. Mets
Schedule: STL4, NYY3
Heating Up: Gary Sheffield, battling a sore knee, got hot again during his week
at DH, batting .379 (11 for 29) with three home runs in eight games.
He'll go back to hobbling around the outfield now, which might cause him
to regress a bit. Still, he's a worthy option in all leagues. Ryan Church is becoming a worthy option himself, batting .368 (7 for
19) over his last five games.
Cooling Off: David Wright is batting only .059 (1 for 17) over his last four
games, lowering his season average to .344. He's a must-start regardless.
Injury
Concerns: Carlos Beltran will have an
MRI on his right knee Monday, making him a bit of a gamble this week.
He's able to play through his issues right now, so he most likely
doesn't have any structural damage. Still, if you have a stud outfielder
on your bench, you should think long and hard about benching Beltran for
him. If something shows up in the MRI, the Mets will shut him down. Jose B. Reyes (hamstring) has begun baseball-related activities, but
he likely won't return until after the All-Star break.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Mets face one left-handed pitcher this week,
which means Fernando Tatis will start only
once in place of Daniel Murphy. Neither
player matters in mixed leagues.
Lineup Changes: The Mets have
sent top prospect Fernando Martinez
back to the minors, making Sheffield and Church the clear starters at
the outfield corners. Both have renewed appeal in mixed leagues,
especially Sheffield, who didn't end up needing an MRI on his sore knee.
N.Y. Yankees
Schedule: @ATL3, @NYM3
Heating Up: Robinson Cano is back on the right side of streaky, batting .438 (14 for
32) with three home runs over his last eight games. Clearly, he's a
must-start.
Cooling Off: Alex Rodriguez
is batting only .089 (3 for 34) over his last 11 games, and he got a
couple days off over the weekend to clear his head. He'll be back in the
lineup for the upcoming week, and you obviously can't afford to bench a
player of his caliber in Fantasy.
Injury Concerns: Derek Jeter is playing but favoring his sore left ankle. Manager Joe
Girardi calls it a day-by-day situation, meaning Jeter could end up
missing a couple games this week. Still, four games from him is better
than six from anyone you could find on waivers. Brett Gardner missed a second straight game Saturday after violently
crashing into the outfield fence Thursday. He's just a part-timer
anyway, so don't bother with him in mixed leagues.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Yankees face all right-handed pitchers this week,
but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes:
None.
Interleague Effect: Hideki Matsui,
whose knees pretty much prevent him from playing the outfield, will
likely have to sit out the entire week since the Yankees play all six of
their games in NL parks.
| ||
Team | Schedule | |
1. | Padres | @SEA3, @TEX3 |
2. | Royals | @HOU3, @PIT3 |
3. | Reds | @TOR3, @CLE3 |
4. | Orioles | @FLA3, WAS3 |
5. | Twins | @MIL3, @STL3 |
Oakland Athletics
Schedule: SF3, COL3
Heating
Up: Jack Cust might be on the verge
of a power tear. He has three home runs in his last six games, batting
.269 (7 for 26) during that stretch.
Cooling Off: Jason Giambi's struggles continue. He's batting .190 (4 for 21) over
his last eight games. Don't bother with him.
Injury Concerns: Mark Ellis looks like he'll finally return from his calf injury this
week, but his role with the team is in question with Adam Kennedy playing so well as the team's leadoff hitter. No sense
activating Ellis until you know he'll get at-bats.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Athletics face three left-handers this week. Jack Hannahan will likely sit in favor of Bobby Crosby for those games, not that either player matters outside
of deeper AL-only leagues.
Lineup Changes: Aaron Cunningham has gone back to the minors, meaning one of Rajai Davis and Nomar Garciaparra will
get regular at-bats when the team regains the DH. Davis has more appeal
because of his ability to steal bases, but you should probably just
ignore both players.
Philadelphia Phillies
Schedule: @TB3, @TOR3
Heating
Up: Shane Victorino has his batting
average up to .300 with a nine-game hitting streak during which he's
batting .371 (13 for 35). He's a must-start regardless. Jayson Werth, who had lost must-start status with a cold streak in
late May, has four home runs in his last seven games and is batting .333
(10 for 30) during that stretch. Get him active again.
Cooling
Off: Pedro Feliz is batting .095 (2
for 21) over his last five games. He hasn't demonstrated much power this
year and isn't worth starting in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: Ryan Howard, who was hospitalized with an illness after Friday's
game, hit a pinch-hit three-run homer Saturday. Yeah, he's fine.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Phillies face three left-handed pitchers this
week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup
Changes: With Raul Ibanez on the DL
with a groin injury, former first-round pick John Mayberry has taken over as the team's regular left fielder.
He's batting seventh, behind Jayson Werth
and Pedro Feliz, but he's not worth using
outside of NL-only leagues.
Interleague Effect: The Phillies
called up Mayberry to start when they visited AL parks earlier in the
year, so they don't have a clear answer at DH now that Mayberry's
already in the lineup. Most likely, Greg Dobbs
and Matt Stairs will each get a few starts
this week, making them viable stopgaps in NL-only leagues.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Schedule: CLE3, KC3
Heating
Up: Andrew McCutchen is looking
like anything but a rookie, putting together a nine-game hitting streak
during which he's batting .333 (13 for 39) with one home run and one
stolen base. He's batting .329 on the season, so it's not like he's had
a cold spell yet. His lack of walks is a concern, but he's playing like
he deserves a look in mixed leagues right now. Freddy Sanchez also looks like a viable mixed-league option. He has
hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, batting .321 (17 for 53) during
that stretch.
Cooling Off: After hitting .330 in April, Andy LaRoche has cooled off a bit in June, batting .186 (8 for 43)
over his last 11 games. His lack of power makes him not worth using in
mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Pirates face two left-handers this week, so newly
promoted Steve Pearce will likely start
twice for Brandon Moss. Both players
have some pop, but neither matters outside of deeper NL-only leagues.
Lineup
Changes: The Pirates designated Craig Monroe
for assignment to clear a spot for Pearce, so if you play in a deep
enough NL-only league that Monroe actually had some value, he doesn't
anymore.
San Diego Padres
Schedule: @SEA3, @TEX3
Heating
Up: Tony K. Gwynn keeps getting
better before he gets worse. He's batting .500 (6 for 12) over his last
three games.
Cooling Off: The Padres don't have enough good
hitters for this category to apply most of the time.
Injury
Concerns: Scott Hairston, on the DL
with a strained biceps, began a rehab assignment Friday and could return
sometime this week. He might only play a partial week, though, making
him not worth activating outside of NL-only leagues. He was gaining some
mixed-league appeal before the injury.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Padres face four left-handed pitchers this week, though the team no
longer has any clear lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes:
The Padres recently called up top prospect Kyle Blanks and will give him an opportunity to play regularly in
left field, most likely at the expense of Brian Giles. He has monster power potential, but he probably has some
struggles ahead at age 22. Keep an eye on him in all leagues, but don't
bother adding him except in NL-only leagues. Gwynn has seemingly become
the team's everyday center fielder and leadoff man, which is
understandable considering his .437 on-base percentage. No way he should
go unowned in NL-only leagues.
Interleague Effect: The Padres'
full slate of interleague games simply means Giles will keep his
starting job for one more week. Blanks, a converted first baseman, will
likely play DH.
| ||
Team | Schedule | |
1. | Astros | KC3, DET3 |
2. | Tigers | CHC3, @HOU3 |
3. | White Sox | LAD3, CHC3 |
4. | Dodgers | @CHW3, SEA3 |
5. | Pirates | CLE3, KC3 |
San Francisco Giants
Schedule: @OAK3, @MIL3
Heating
Up: Pablo Sandoval is making up for
a lack of walks by hitting everything in sight. He's batting .458 (22
for 48) with four home runs over his last 13 games and deserves to start
in all Fantasy leagues for as long as he keeps it going. Nate Schierholtz has gotten more at-bats lately and is batting .444
(8 for 18) over his last eight games.
Cooling Off: Randy Winn's batting average has fallen from .282 to .264 over his
last eight games. He's batting .133 (4 for 30) during that span.
Injury
Concerns: Juan Uribe remained out of
the lineup for a fifth straight game Saturday because of a strained
hamstring. He might not have a starting job when he gets back with the
way Travis Ishikawa has hit in his
absence. He was nothing more than an NL-only option anyway.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Giants face one left-handed pitcher this week, so
Ishikawa will likely sit out that game in favor of either Rich Aurilia or Uribe. Schierholtz, who has seemingly replaced Fred Lewis in the outfield, will likely sit in favor Andres Torres against the left-hander.
Lineup Changes: Other
than the switch from Lewis to Schierholtz (who deserves a look in
NL-only leagues), none.
Interleague Effect: The interleague
series at Oakland only means Schierholtz will continue to see playing
time. Lewis might pick up a few extra at-bats.
Seattle Mariners
Schedule: SD3, @LAD3
Heating Up:
Nobody's hitting the ball exceptionally well right now.
Cooling
Off: After a hot streak earlier in June, Adrian Beltre is batting .125 (2 for 16) over his last four games.
Feel free to bench him in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: Jose Lopez is tending to his seriously ill sister in Venezuela and
will likely miss a good portion of the week. Reserve him. Kenji Johjima (toe) will likely come off the DL and reclaim his job
as the Mariners' starting catcher this week, but he's not an option for
mixed leagues at this stage of his career.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Mariners face one left-hander this week. But they only have one
platoon situation with Endy Chavez out
for the season, and it's at DH, which won't matter for half the week.
Lineup
Changes: Yes, Chavez will miss the rest of the season with a torn
anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, paving the way for power
prospect Wladimir Balentien to play
every day. He hit his second home run Saturday and deserves a roster
spot in AL-only leagues.
Interleague Effect: The DH of platoon
of Ken Griffey and Mike Sweeney figures to sit out this weekend's series at the Dodgers.
St. Louis Cardinals
Schedule: @NYM4, MIN3
Heating
Up: Yadier Molina, who was a
disaster in May, has gotten back on track in June. He has multiple hits
in six of his last seven games, batting .519 (14 for 27) during that
stretch. He's a must-start right now in mixed leagues. Colby Rasmus has thrived with regular playing time, batting .400 (24
for 60) in June.
Cooling Off: Ryan Ludwick seems to be coming out of his funk a bit lately, but
he's still batting only .185 (12 for 65) since coming off the DL. He's
not necessarily a must-start in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns:
None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Cardinals face three
left-handed pitchers this week, which means Tyler Greene might get three starts in place of Skip Schumaker. Khalil Greene has
seemingly assumed the starting job at third base since coming off the
DL, putting an end to the platoon of Joe Thurston
and Brian Barden.
Lineup Changes: Khalil Greene isn't the only new Cardinals infielder. Brendan Ryan has seemingly assumed the everyday job at shortstop,
though he's nothing more than an NL-only option right now. Rasmus' hot
hitting has made him the team's everyday center fielder, forcing Chris Duncan to the bench. He gets to bat in front of Albert Pujols, which will only help his cause.
Tampa Bay Rays
Schedule: PHI3, FLA3
Heating Up: Jason Bartlett has returned from the DL and picked up right where he
left off, batting .350 (7 for 20) in five games. He now has a 15-game
hitting streak during which he's batting .386 (22 for 57). Start him in
all leagues. B.J. Upton is also looking
like a must-start again, batting .353 (12 for 34) with eight stolen
bases over his last eight games.
Cooling Off: Carl Crawford is on the verge of dropping below .300 on the season,
batting .103 (3 for 29) over his last eight games. He's arguably the top
outfielder in Fantasy, though, so you wouldn't bench him.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Rays face three
left-handers in their six games this week, which means Gabe Gross and Gabe Kapler will each
get three starts. Leave both for AL-only leagues.
Lineup Changes:
The Rays have yet to get Bartlett and Pat Burrell
in the lineup at the same time since the two returned from injury, but
Bartlett will likely bat sixth and Burrell seventh. Until Burrell starts
producing, he's not worth starting in mixed leagues that use only three
outfielders.
Texas Rangers
Schedule: @ARI3, SD3
Heating Up:
You'd never sit Ian Kinsler, but
especially not while he's hitting .381 (8 for 21) with three home runs
and three stolen bases over his last five starts.
Cooling Off: Nelson R. Cruz is on a 44-homer, 27-steal pace, so you wouldn't dream
of benching him, but he's batting only .167 (6 for 36) over his last 10
games. Elvis Andrus is 3 for 5 over his
last two games, but before then, he had only one hit in his previous 18
at-bats.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities:
The Rangers face all right-handed pitchers this week, making Hank Blalock a better start than usual. Andruw Jones might not get to play as much, especially since the team
plays in an NL park for the first half of the week.
Lineup Changes:
None of permanence.
Interleague Effect: Blalock and Chris Davis can't both play without a DH since neither spends much
time at third base anymore. They'll probably each sit once or twice
before the team returns home for a three-game series against the Padres.
Toronto Blue Jays
Schedule: CIN3, PHI3
Heating
Up: Alex Rios just had an eight-game
hitting streak snapped Saturday. He's still batting .351 (13 for 37)
with two home runs and four stolen bases over his last nine games,
heating up after a sluggish start this season. Scott Rolen might not have much power anymore, but he's hitting for a
high enough average to matter in mixed leagues, batting .455 (20 for 44)
over his last 10 games.
Cooling Off: Lyle Overbay's streaky ways continue. After playing like a
must-start during the first week of June, he's batting only .087 (2 for
23) over his last nine games and isn't worth using in mixed leagues.
Injury
Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Blue Jays face
four left-handed pitchers this week, which means Overbay will get only
two starts. You already don't have much incentive to start him since
he's slumping.
Lineup Changes: None.
Washington Nationals
Schedule: BOS3, @BAL3
Heating
Up: After a small rough patch at the end of May, Cristian Guzman is back to hitting well over .300, stringing together
four straight multi-hit games. He's batting .500 (10 for 20) during that
stretch and deserves a look in mixed leagues even though he doesn't have
much power or speed. Nick Johnson also
seems to be coming around again, going 5 for 7 over his last two games.
Cooling
Off: Ryan Zimmerman has gone 0 for
10 over his last two games, dropping his batting average to below .300
for the first time since April. He's batting .162 (6 for 37) over his
last nine games. He's already established himself as a must-start in
Fantasy, though, so this slump isn't justification to sit him.
Injury
Concerns: The Nationals reinstated Josh Willingham from the bereavement list Saturday, but he still has
to contend with Austin Kearns and Willie Harris for at-bats. Leave him for NL-only leagues.
Platoon
Possibilities: The Nationals face only one left-handed pitcher this
week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup
Changes: None.
Interleague Effect: Adam Dunn will most likely move to DH for the weekend series at
Baltimore, allowing Willingham and either Kearns or Harris to start at
the same time.
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