After a week with almost every team bunched in the middle for scheduled games, there are haves and have-nots next week. Five teams have a week-low five games on the agenda in the upcoming scoring period. Conversely, two teams play eight games at the other end of the spectrum. The other 25 teams are jammed into the middle, with 16 scheduled for six games and seven playing seven contests.

Notable Matchups

Arizona Diamondbacks at KC (2), at TEX (3)

Detroit Tigers vs. SF (2), at CWS (3)

Washington Nationals at SEA (2), vs. CIN (3)

It’s simple with these three dumpster fires scheduled for five games next week. They are fantasy wastelands that should be avoided at all costs next week, save for Daulton Varsho and a few of Arizona’s other hitters in 14-team mixers or deeper.

San Diego Padres vs. CLE (2), at KC (3)

Obviously, gamers shouldn’t bench San Diego’s studs, Juan Soto and Manny Machado. However, the short week is grounds for benching fringe options, such as Brandon Drury, Josh Bell and Jake Cronenworth, in most leagues with weekly lineup changes.

San Francisco Giants at DET (2), at MIN (3)

The platoon-heavy Giants are a nightmare for weekly leagues. Further, a five-game week is suboptimal. Still, they’re projected to face all right-handed pitchers in the upcoming scoring period. As a result, Joc Pederson is a decent option in 12-team leagues with five outfielders and a utility spot. According to FanGraphs, in 267 plate appearances against righties, he’s hit 15 homers with a palatable .253 average. Finally, Thairo Estrada and Joey Bart are the only other players gamers should consider starting from the Giants next week.

Colorado Rockies vs. TEX (2), at NYM (4)

The layout isn’t great for the Rockies next week. First, they will play only six games. Second, only two of them are at home. Third, they’re projected to face Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer in New York. Therefore, the stock is down for Colorado’s hitters next week, and gamers wouldn’t be faulted for sitting any of their hitters in the upcoming week.

Texas Rangers at MIN (1), at COL (2), vs. DET (3)

The Rangers aren’t in the group of nine teams with at least seven games next week. Otherwise, everything comes up roses for them. First, their offense gets a boost for two games in Colorado. Second, the pitching matchups are outstanding. Only Sonny Gray is an above-average pitcher on their docket next week. Leody Taveras is the most intriguing widely-available option from the Rangers.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. CIN (4), vs. PIT (3)

The arrow is pointing upward for the Phillies next week. Philadelphia’s hitters get a pick-me-up from seven games and dreamy pitching matchups. Alec Bohm is still on less than 70% of Yahoo! rosters, so gamers should check his availability and scoop him up if he’s available. Jean Segura is on barely more than half of Yahoo! rosters and worth scooping up in 12-team mixed leagues or deeper formats. Finally, Bryson Stott and Darick Hall are streamer options.

Chicago Cubs vs. STL (5), at MIL (3)

The Cubs are the first of two teams with a week-high eight games in the following fantasy baseball scoring period. The volume is a boon for Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. In addition, power-needy gamers can roll the dice on boom-or-bust slugger Patrick Wisdom, and Nico Hoerner and Franmil Reyes are enticing options, too. The Cubs have struck gold with their waiver claim of Reyes. He’s raked since joining the team.

St. Louis Cardinals at CHC (5), vs. ATL (3)

The Cardinals are the second team with a week-high eight games next week. Sadly, they don’t have many players available for gamers to scoop up. Yet, Paul DeJong is moderately intriguing. The 29-year-old shortstop has flipped the switch since being called up at the end of July. DeJong has adopted a three-true-outcomes approach, racking up walks, strikeouts and dingers with tantalizing Statcast data.

Hitter Notes

Bryce Harper (PHI)

There isn’t a firm timetable for Harper’s return to the Phillies, but the tentative plan is for him to begin a rehab assignment next week.

Giancarlo Stanton (NYY)

Stanton has been trending in the right direction and should begin a rehab assignment soon, barring a setback. It might also be a short assignment, as Stanton hopes to need “the least amount possible” for rehab games before rejoining the Yankees.

Pitcher Notes

Walker Buehler (LAD)

Dustin May (LAD)

Sadly, Buehler’s season is over. He’ll undergo elbow surgery next week, but May should make his season debut for the Dodgers on Saturday. May is available in nearly 40% of Yahoo! leagues and is a priority player to add.

Carlos Carrasco (NYM)

Carrasco is on the Injured List (IL) with a low-grade oblique strain that will sideline him for at least three-to-four weeks. Gamers can keep him in an IL spot if one is available, but he’s not a must-stash player.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.