The span of games scheduled for teams next week ranges from five to eight. Two teams are at the low end of the spectrum. Meanwhile, three teams have a week-high eight games. Between the extreme ends of the spectrum, 15 teams have six games on the docket, and 10 are scheduled to play seven contests.
Notable Matchups
Cincinnati Reds at CLE (2), at TOR (3)
The Reds’ offense has surprisingly erupted lately. However, a five-game week, all on the road, is suboptimal for their motley crew of hitters.
Cleveland Guardians vs. CIN (2), vs. DET (3)
The Guardians are the other team that draws the short straw for next week. As a result, Jose Ramirez is the only player who should be started universally. Next week, gamers with alternatives to Cleveland’s fringe fantasy options should turn to them.
Colorado Rockies vs. SF (3), vs. NYM (3)
Six games isn’t an overly impressive number for the Rockies. However, all six are at Coors Field. As you can see on our MLB Park Factors page, Coors Field remains MLB’s premier hitting environment. Thus, Colorado’s hitters receive a value bump for the next scoring period.
San Francisco Giants at COL (3), vs. SD (3)
San Francisco is one of two teams visiting Coors Field next week. As a result, their hitters get an uptick in value for the three-game set. Sadly, they’ll have the unenviable task of adjusting to a post-Coors series in their pitcher-friendly home digs against good starting pitching. So, next week is a mixed bag for San Francisco’s hitters. Yet, if you’re in leagues with daily lineup changes, streaming while they’re in Colorado is a smart move.
Boston Red Sox vs. HOU (3), vs. SEA (4)
It’s a double dose of good news for Boston’s hitters in the upcoming week. First, they have seven games on the docket. Second, all seven games are at hitter-friendly Fenway Park. As a reminder, Fenway Park has the second-highest park factor for runs (1.174).
Houston Astros at BOS (3), vs. TEX (4)
Everything comes up roses for the Astros next week. First, they have seven games on the agenda. Second, they receive a park-factor boost for three games in Boston. Finally, the pitching matchups are favorable.
Arizona Diamondbacks at LAD (4), at CHC (4)
It’s the eight-game schedule portion of this week’s weekly planner. The Diamondbacks are one of three teams scheduled for eight games. The volume alone makes Arizona an interesting streaming source.
Chicago White Sox at KC (5), at NYY (3)
Chicago also benefits from an eight-game schedule. Moreover, five games against the Royals is a boon for their hitters. According to FanGraphs, Kansas City’s bullpen has the fourth-highest ERA (4.36), and their starters aren’t the scariest group to oppose, either.
Kansas City Royals vs. CWS (5), vs. MIN (3)
Volume is king for counting stats. However, the pitching matchups include a few challenging spots, including Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, and Joe Ryan. Additionally, Chicago’s and Minnesota’s bullpens are average and top-shelf. Ultimately, the volume outweighs the pitching risk, but the batting-average risk is legitimate.
Hitter Notes
Earlier this week, Vaughn was sent on a rehab assignment, inching closer to a return. And it didn’t take long for him to show off his power on the rehab assignment. So it’s prudent for gamers to keep tabs on his progress, as he should rejoin the White Sox soon.
Correa was placed on the Injured List (IL) on Tuesday. However, because the move was made retroactive to last Friday, he’s first eligible for reinstatement on Monday. Therefore, gamers should monitor his health since he could be back next week.
Pitcher Notes
Chris Sale (BOS) & James Paxton (BOS)
The timetable for Sale’s return has been pushed back to the end of June at the earliest due to a personal medical issue delaying his progress from a stress fracture in his right rib cage. Sadly, the bad news doesn’t end there for Boston’s pitchers. Paxton has been experiencing posterior elbow soreness in his surgically repaired elbow. As a result, gamers stashing Paxton in an IL spot can cast him loose as soon as the spot is needed for another player, or an alternative for stashing on the waiver wire presents itself.
On Tuesday, Snell completed a rehab start, pitching well and stretching out to 59 pitches. As a result, he might be ready to rejoin the rotation next week. Risk-averse gamers can keep him on the bench for his first start next week to make sure he’s shaken any rust off. Alternatively, pitcher-needy gamers can roll the dice immediately.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
