Next week features two teams with a week-low five games. Conversely, two teams are scheduled for a week-high eight contests. In the middle, 16 teams have six games on the docket, and 10 have seven games lined up.
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Notable Matchups
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. TEX (2), at SEA (3)
The Diamondbacks don’t have imposing pitching matchups. That’s the good news. But, unfortunately, being one of only two teams with a week-low five games hurts the outlook for the few fantasy-relevant hitters on their roster.
San Diego Padres vs. LAA (2), at LAD (3)
San Diego’s offense features more firepower than the aforementioned Diamondbacks. However, their pitching matchups are more challenging. Outside of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, gamers in leagues with weekly lineup changes would be wise to consider using alternatives to their Friars.
Cincinnati Reds at CHC (3), at STL (3)
The Reds are on the road for both of their series next week. Still, don’t fret. They’re a middle-of-the-pack offense on the road, and they’re one of MLB’s hottest offenses since the trade deadline, ranking third in wRC+(124), per FanGraphs. Further, they have tantalizing pitching matchups on the docket.
Los Angeles Angels vs. TEX (1), at SD (2), at HOU (3)
The Angels play six games next week. However, if you’ve been reading this piece all year, you know why they’re featured here; they have two games in a National League park, facing the Padres. As a result, Shohei Ohtani will likely be relegated to pinch-hitting duties. Nonetheless, he’s a better option as a hitter next week than pitcher (more on that to come) in leagues with weekly lineup changes where gamers must select one or the other.
San Francisco Giants at COL (3), at CHC (3)
The Giants’ hitters are the beneficiaries of a trip to Coors Field. As a reminder, you can check out Coors Field’s dreamy-hitting conditions on the MLB Park Factors page. In addition, squaring off with the Cubs is a favorable draw since they own the second-highest ERA since the trade deadline.
Colorado Rockies vs. SF (3), at PHI (4)
The Rockies split time between home and the road again next week. They also play seven games. All in all, Colorado’s hitters have a rock-solid outlook next week.
Baltimore Orioles vs. KC (4), vs. TOR (4)
The Orioles are one of two teams with a week-high eight games. The week-high volume of games adds to the value of their most-rostered players, Cedric Mullins, Trey Mancini, and Ryan Mountcastle. However, it also adds to the appeal of streaming the widely available Anthony Santander. Gamers in deeper leagues can even consider Austin Hays as a streamer.
Toronto Blue Jays at NYY (4), at BAL (4)
The Blue Jays are the other team with eight games on the docket. So fire up your Blue Jays with confidence, and enjoy four games in Baltimore against a beleaguered Orioles’ pitching staff responsible for the highest ERA since the trade deadline and the entire season.
Hitter Notes
Ozzie Albies (ATL)
Albies fouled a ball off of his knee on Tuesday night, and he needed assistance off the field. However, the good news is x-rays were negative, and he’s considered day to day. Gamers can keep tabs on his status, but it looks like he’ll be back sooner rather than later, avoiding an injured list stint.
Tim Anderson (CHW)
Unfortunately, Anderson wasn’t as fortunate. The White Sox placed Anderson on the injured list retroactive to August 29 with a left hamstring strain. Gamers in leagues with daily lineup changes could get him during the next scoring period. However, I suggest turning to an alternative in leagues with weekly lineup changes.
George Springer (TOR)
Springer left Tuesday night’s game early after demonstrating discomfort running the bases. The move was labeled precautionary, and it appears that was the case, as he was back atop the order for Wednesday’s contest.
Mike Trout (LAA)
The clock is winding down on the season, and the Angels might throw in the towel on Trout. Manager Joe Maddon has conceded the team might shut him down for the remainder of the year.
Jesse Winker (CIN)
Winker’s begun baseball activities. However, that doesn’t include swinging a bat, and his timeline for a return is still a couple of weeks away.
Pitcher Notes
Lance Lynn (CHW)
Lucas Giolito (CHW)
Lynn’s been placed on the injured list with a knee ailment. Meanwhile, Giolito will miss at least one start with left hamstring tightness.
Jack Flaherty (STL)
Faherty is on the injured list with a shoulder issue. Thankfully, there’s no structural damage, and a combination of rest, rehab, and easing back into throwing is the course of action for recovery. Unfortunately, there isn’t much time for him to rest and get back to game shape. It’s certainly possible he’ll pitch again this year. However, I suggest cutting him for someone in the free-agent pool unless you have an open injured list spot.
Shohei Ohtani (LAA)
It’s go-time for Ohtani on the bump. He’s slated to return to the hill Friday night after a successful bullpen session on Wednesday.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
