Next week features a very tight cluster for games scheduled. Only one team is scheduled for a week-low five games, and seven teams are tied for a week-high seven games. As a result, that leaves 22 teams with six games on the docket.
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Notable Matchups
Houston Astros vs. COL (2), at LAA (3)
The Astros draw the short straw next week. Further, projected matchups with Jon Gray, German Marquez, and Patrick Sandoval are potentially challenging. Regardless, I’m not dinging Houston’s hitters too harshly because of the large number of teams scheduled for only six games next week. Further, according to FanGraphs, Colorado’s bullpen has the highest ERA, and the Angels have a bottom-10 ERA, too.
Boston Red Sox vs. TB (3), vs. BAL (3)
The Red Sox are home for all six of their games next week. According to our MLB Park Factors, Fenway Park has the third-highest park factor for runs. Additionally, their probable starting pitcher matchups are non-threatening, and Baltimore’s bullpen is a bottom-10 group.
Colorado Rockies at HOU (2), at SF (4)
The Rockies are on the road for six. The road tilts alone hurts the outlook for Colorado’s hitters. However, their pitching matchups and the bullpens they’re facing aren’t pushovers, either.
San Francisco Giants vs. ARI (2), vs. COL (4)
The Giants are the hosts to the Rockies for four of the previously discussed games, and they’ll benefit from Colorado’s trip to town, as they have the worst bullpen ERA. However, it gets better, as Arizona’s bullpen ERA is the second-highest mark. In addition, the starting pitching matchups are mediocre. There is a fly-in-the-ointment for gamers in leagues with weekly lineup changes, though. The Giants face a mix of lefties and righties, and they platoon heavily.
Cincinnati Reds at CLE (1), at ATL (3), at PHI (3)
The Reds being on the road for seven games isn’t ideal. Still, the volume of games offsets it. Further, all three road venues are hitter-friendly parks, and Citizens Bank Park has the third-highest park factor for homers. Additionally, their projected starting pitching matchups are mostly favorable.
Los Angeles Angels *@TOR (1), vs. TOR (3), vs. HOU (3)
*Makeup of 4/11 PPD
Not all seven-game weeks are created equal. The Angels are one of two teams to get to that number due to a doubleheader to start the week. They have some tricky pitching matchups, but they’re all in American League ballparks, so there’s no threat to Shohei Ohtani’s playing time.
Milwaukee Brewers at CHC (4), at PIT (3)
The Brewers have a double dose of good news next week. First, they’re scheduled for seven games. Second, their pitching matchups are soft. Their offense should eat next week.
Toronto Blue Jays *vs. LAA (1), at LAA (3), vs. HOU (3)
*Makeup of 4/11 PPD
The Blue Jays are the other team that gets to seven games because of a doubleheader. Still, seven games — even with a seven-inning doubleheader — provides a bump to their hitters’ value. Also, the starting pitching matchups are run-of-the-mill.
Hitter Notes
Alex Bregman (HOU)
Bregman’s return is on the horizon. He rejoined the Triple-A Sugar Land lineup on Tuesday night. He’ll need a little more time in the minors. However, gamers might have him back for next week.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA)
Chisholm had a brief COVID-19 list stint Tuesday. However, he was activated Wednesday. So all appears to be good on this front.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD)
Tatis Jr.’s troublesome shoulder has prompted another injured list trip. The team will reportedly re-evaluate him next week, with season-ending surgery “on the table.”
Mike Trout (LAA)
Anthony Rendon (LAA)
The Angels initially expected Trout back by now from his calf injury. However, the timeline keeps getting pushed back and is extremely murky. There’s no murkiness regarding Rendon’s status the rest of the year, though. Unfortunately, he’ll miss the rest of the year, requiring season-ending surgery on his right hip.
Luis Robert (CHW)
Robert’s return is near. He’s hitting the ball well at the Triple-A level, providing optimism he’ll hit the ground running as soon as he’s reinstated from the injured list. Gamers might have him back by the weekend.
Pitcher Notes
Tyler Glasnow (TB)
Hopes of rest and rehab for Glasnow’s elbow allowing him to return this year didn’t come to fruition. He was scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, and he might miss all of next year in addition to the remainder of this one while rehabbing and recovering.
Chris Sale (BOS)
The timetable for Sale’s return is crystal clear. He’ll make a rehab start Saturday and, barring a setback, will return to start one of Boston’s games on August 12-14.
Shane Bieber (CLE)
The latest update for Bieber is basically a non-update. But, on the bright side, they haven’t yet broached the subject of shutting him down.
Jacob deGrom (NYM)
deGrom’s season has been equally brilliant and maddening. He’s been nothing short of remarkable when on the hill. However, injuries have prevented him from toeing the slab regularly. Now, he’s dealing with elbow inflammation that threatens the rest of his season. The best-case scenario is reportedly an early September return.
Jack Flaherty (STL)
Let’s end this week’s piece on a positive note. Flaherty’s scheduled to throw his next rehab start on Friday night. Manager Mike Schildt has indicated if he comes out of that start unscathed, his next turn will be for the big-league club.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
