Next week, there are a few outliers from the pack. First, one team will play a week-low five games. Second, three teams have eight games on the schedule. However, in the middle, 17 teams have six-game weeks, and nine teams have a seven-game week.
Notable Matchups
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. LAA (2), vs. CLE (3)
The Dodgers are the unfortunate team with just five games on the docket. Nevertheless, gamers shouldn’t bench the studs. Still, fringe options like Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor and Gavin Lux are candidates to be benched in most leagues.
Cleveland Guardians at COL (3), at LAD (3)
The Guardians are one of two teams visiting Coors Field. Cleveland’s trip to Colorado helps offset the modest six-game week and tricky pitching matchups against Walker Buehler and Julio Urias in Los Angeles. In addition, in leagues with daily lineup changes, the Guardians are a streaming source for the three contests at Coors Field.
Colorado Rockies vs. CLE (3), vs. SD (3)
The Rockies are home for six games. So it’s all systems a go for their hitters. Additionally, Charlie Blackmon, Randal Grichuk and Connor Joe are available in at least 40% of Yahoo! leagues, making them potential streamers in medium-sized and shallow leagues where they’re available.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. PIT (4), at BOS (3)
The Cardinals have lots of good news on the docket. First, they have a robust seven-game week. Second, they face Pittsburgh’s below-average pitching for four games. Finally, they get a pick-me-up from three games at MLB’s second-most hitter-friendly venue, Fenway Park. Two rookies, Brendan Donovan and Juan Yepez are excellent streaming options for the Red Birds’ favorable layout.
San Diego Padres at CHC (4), at COL (3)
Next week, the Friars have a mouthwatering setup, including seven games, good pitching matchups, and a trip to Coors Field. Furthermore, San Diego’s offense could explode if the wind is blowing out for any of their four games at Wrigley Field. Deep leaguers should consider streaming Trent Grisham and Ha-Seong Kim, and gamers in leagues of all sizes should give Luke Voit a look. After a slow start to the year, Voit’s gotten on track following a trip to the Injured List (IL). As a result, he’s climbed to the cleanup spot.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. MIA (4), at WSH (4)
The Phillies are the first of three teams with an eight-game week. Obviously, the volume is great. Sandy Alcantara and Pablo Lopez are challenging matchups, but the rest are average or favorable. They are also playing all eight games in homer-friendly parks. Citizens Bank Park has the seventh-highest park factor for homers (1.120), and Nationals Park has the ninth-highest mark (1.082).
Seattle Mariners vs. MIN (3), vs. LAA (5)
The Mariners are the second team with an eight-game schedule in the next scoring period. Unfortunately, both series are at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. Seattle’s home digs depress runs and homers. Fortunately, the volume of games and good pitching matchups are more important for Seattle’s hitters’ outlooks than the park factors.
Washington Nationals vs. ATL (3), vs. PHI (4)
The Nationals are the last remaining team with eight games on the horizon. Their home park will give them a homer bump. And, obviously, the eight games are good. But, sadly, it’s not all good news. Their pitching matchups aren’t a cakewalk.
Hitter Notes
Trout exited Tuesday night’s game with groin tightness. Gamers should know Trout’s status for the upcoming week when this is published.
Suzuki is expected back this weekend. Still, gamers shouldn’t feel compelled to start him immediately. Suzuki hasn’t played in a game since May 26, didn’t go on a rehab assignment, and cooled off considerably since a hot start. Suzuki has hit four homers this year, and he hit his fourth dong on April 17. However, since April 18, in 128 plate appearances, he’s hit just .211/.289/.316.
A timeline for Tatis will come into focus after he undergoes a bone scan next week. Tentatively, his estimated return is in late June or early July.
Pitcher Notes
Kershaw is scheduled to start Sunday. So, gamers in leagues with weekly lineup changes can check his results before determining whether or not to start him for the upcoming week.
Baz will start against the Twins either Friday or Saturday. He was dominant during his rehab stint in Triple-A. Thus, gamers can comfortably start him immediately in leagues of all sizes.
Ryan made a rehab start on Thursday after a stint on the COVID IL. He was sharp, spinning three scoreless innings, allowing one hit, zero walks and four strikeouts. However, the young-righty threw only 40 pitches, per MiLB’s Gameday. Ryan’s return is in the offing, but he’ll probably face a pitch limit in his next start for the Twins.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
