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This week’s column is in honor of the brave military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice!
Memorial Day is a day of mixed emotions. While it’s fun to gather with friends and family around the grill and play some outdoor games, the root of the holiday is to pay homage to those who have died in combat. I also see many military veterans suffering daily to cope and have the courage to march on in life. One story always gets to me that I’ll share quickly.
John Town served in Iraq through much of the Middle East conflict. His vehicle was hit by a rocket. He survived but is deaf now and has brain damage. As it turns out, when John returned to the States for discharge, it was concluded that before he had joined the Army, he had a pre-existing condition: depression. Personality disorders terminate military benefits. He also lost his bonus, and as a result, he wound up owing the government $3,000.
It’s when you hear these kinds of stories – such as a prisoner on death row being put to death only to find out they didn’t do it – it gives that sickening feeling in the bottom of your gut. I’m not here to discuss what’s right or wrong. I don’t do politics as I get trolled enough in the sporting world. What I mean to convey is of all the people we should honor this Memorial Day, it’s the people who give themselves so completely to us because they believe.
There are 22,000 men and women who have been dismissed for having a personality disorder. I’m sure some of them probably did have an illness, maybe even the majority, and their dismissals were for the best. But how many are a hero like John Town? It’s just a terrible thing, and we should use this time off to reflect on what we can do about it.
As always, if there are any requests for information I can provide or a player/team/topic you would like me to cover, drop a line in our 24/7 MLB Discord chat or hit me up on Twitter, @Rob_Povia.
MLB GAME BREAKDOWN GRID
*UPDATE: ATL will shift to 1 L / 5 R, and MIA may see Waldichuk (LH) as the Athletics’ opener, as Oakland & Arizona try to do… something. The rebound has already begun for Michael Harris, and this news will help! Also, BOS shifts to 1* L / 6 R (see Two-Start Pitchers).
NOTES: On to the business at hand. It’s Memorial Day Week. Now is the time to make decisions and pull triggers. We preach patience, and if there are scenarios where you can continue that patience by keeping guys on the bench, so be it. In fact, I favor it. But if you want to kick Jose Abreu to the curb or deposit Brady Singer into your waiver heap, you now have my blessing. Whatever that’s worth? Before you make that deal or waiver claim, feel free to tag Ray or me on Discord, and we’ll discuss.
Memorial Day Week also brings challenges. Only eight teams play seven games this week, with six of them in the American League. Additionally, the BoSox and Rays have a scheduled doubleheader on 6/3. So we will need to find edges in our six-game teams. Furthermore, the Show-Me Series will restrict Kansas City and St. Louis to a week-low five games. Still, we have juicy matchups to hone in on for our lineups. We need to take advantage of the waiver wire. Later in the season, it gets more difficult.
Through wholesome homestands and wicked road trips, I got ya covered!
Five-Game Week: KCR (@STL – 2, COL – 3), STL (KCR – 2, @PIT – 3) – Both teams have two consecutive off days on 5/31 & 6/1, which creates weird flexibility.
A Few Areas to Target
If you are new to the article, in this section, we will identify hitters to stream, fringe-bat tiebreakers, platoon edges and studs set up for a huge week!
Boston Strong
Only Coors Field has seen a higher Statcast Overall Park Factor than Fenway Park (114 SPF) so far this season. I see more red throughout Fenway’s itemized factors than a Memorial Day fireworks display (109 HR, 212 3B, 115 wOBACon). Well, it just so happens the Red Sox are in town all this week (CIN – 3, TBR – 4). Furthermore, their lineup will see at least six right-hand starters and possibly a seventh in an opener for Josh Fleming. This is excellent news for this lefty-laden offensive lineup. Masataka Yoshida, Rafael Devers and Alex Verdugo are especially happy. Kiké Hernández (17% rostered in Yahoo, 8% in ESPN, 46% in Fantrax Dynasty) is an “equal opportunity employer” with even splits. He also has a .259/.364/.444 slash line over the last 14 days.
Diving deeper, some previous streamers ditched out on Enmanuel Valdez (2% Yahoo, 1% ESPN, 26% Fantrax Dynasty), and for good reason as he’s been slumping. However, Valdez has a .281/.324/.808 slash in 64 at-bats this season against righties. Small sample, but something to take advantage of in deep leagues if in a pinch.
Let’s throw Tampa Bay (@CHC – 3, @BOS – 4) in the mix since they can also reap the rewards of Fenway for four games. Also, if the winds are blowing out at Wrigley, all the better! Both clubs play seven games in six days, with the doubleheader on 6/3. While this could result in a player sitting one of the two games (i.e., Justin Turner or the aforementioned Devers), it affects the Rays less because of their lineup’s young age (average hitter age, 27.8). Furthermore, they’ll face six righties in their seven games, making Brandon Lowe and Josh Lowe delectable. Luke Raley is still widely available (10% Yahoo, 3% ESPN, 34% Fantrax Dynasty) and murdering baseballs over the last 14 days. You can also consider Taylor Walls (66% Yahoo, 46% ESPN, 77% Fantrax Dynasty) if available.
“Why’s Everybody Always Pickin’ on Me?”
Streaming Arizona hitters has been profitable for us. The D-backs (COL – 4, ATL – 3) are one of the eight teams with seven games on the docket. Also, the first matchup is a slam dunk. We should continue to pick on the Rockies’ beleaguered pitching staff. The only thing better would have been if it was in Coors, but Chase Field will do just nicely (125 HR SPF: 13th-best overall). As a team, the D-backs hit .284 at home, setting up for a nice homestand, even against a tough challenge from Atlanta.
If choosing to stream Arizona, target the bottom of their order. Jake McCarthy (36% Yahoo, 15% ESPN, 64% Fantrax Dynasty) is back with the big club after tearing up Triple-A pitching following his demotion (.322/.410/.522, 4 HR, 4 SB, 17 RBI, 17 R, 22 G). Plus, he sees a favorable pitching schedule that features six right-hand starters. And if McCarthy continues his torrid ways rather than reverting to early-season form, he’ll make for a nice depth piece to keep. He has job security, and he can aid Corbin Carroll in their mission to thieve pillows. Did you know that Geraldo Perdomo (37% Yahoo, 14% ESPN, 58% Fantrax Dynasty) is hitting .304, walking at an impressive 12.6% clip, and flashing some speed with his five steals? Me neither; I had to look it up. He’s excellent for points leagues this week, based on the opposing pitchers’ handedness.
Quick Hitters…
- CLE (@BAL – 3, @MIN – 4) – Will face 7 RHP
unless O’s call-up Bruce Zimmermann; Target Field is tied for fifth with a 106 SPF. - MIN (@HOU – 3, CLE – 4) – Should see six right-handed starters and possibly a seventh if both Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie return this week.
- LAA (@WSH – 3, @HOU – 4) – Will face six righties in their seven games.
- HOU (MIN – 3, LAA – 4) – Will face five righties to two lefties.
- SFG (PIT – 3, BAL – 3) – Will see five righties in their six games, hightening the lefty bats of a surging Michael Conforto and LaMonte Wade Jr.
If You Stink of Desperation Due to the Injured List…
Baltimore’s offense has come alive. Some impatient owners (not us) may have let loose a few pieces that can help you out. Their offense has hit the fourth-most home runs in the last two weeks and have the seventh-most runs for the year. The O’s (CLE – 3, @SFG – 3) may seem like an avoid due to strong opposing pitchers (1 LH / 5 RH), but Cleveland has given up 34 road home runs and are allowing the fourth-worst batting average against at .267. Also, their solid mix of both power and speed plays very well in Oracle Park. Hit the long alleys, and you’ll end up on third.
Make $1 FAAB bids and claims on Austin Hays (45% Yahoo, 27% ESPN, 90% Fantrax Dynasty) and Adam Frazier (30% Yahoo, 26% ESPN, 67% Fantrax Dynasty). Over the last seven days, Hays is hitting .360 with two doubles, a home run, five runs scored, and four RBI. He’s making much better contact this year as well. His 12.8% barrel rate, 91.1 MPH average exit velocity, and 44.4% hard-hit rate are all career highs. As for Frazier, he’ll enjoy the split advantage and is on pace for a 18 HR / 18 SB season, which would both be career-bests. Most noteworthy, I like his 1.00 BB/K ratio.
Places to Avoid
The Cubbies line up against two of the most difficult-to-play teams in baseball. They start their week with a Rays triumphant of Shane McClanahan, Zach Eflin and Taj Bradley, who should be nice and fresh. Afterward, they head to San Diego, which despite being 18th in SPF, it is still a pitcher’s park if you look at each factor. I wouldn’t expect much from Chicago hitters, especially Christopher Morel. We all knew he wouldn’t have stayed that hot, and regression is here. His 37.5% strikeout rate and 43.9% whiff rate are massive red flags, especially with a near 50% whiff rate on fastballs. I will pass on Morel this week. There are just better options.
Also Avoid…
- COL (@BAL – 4, @KCR – 3) – When it’s not Coors Field, it just doesn’t hit the same.
IMPORTANT PARK FACTORS
**2023 Statistics**
*As of 5/28/23; Statcast data via Baseball Savant
TOP TWO-START PITCHERS
IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE – SUPERSCRIPT NUMBER IS OVERALL RANK
- Shane McClanahan2 (@CHC,
@BOS) ⬅️ Taj Bradley72 will instead take the ball on Memorial Day, giving him the two-start week. Tampa Bay opted to throw Fleming on 5/28 (good move, he was bombed!). The original the plan was to slide Taj to 5/31 to give him extra rest and manage innings. TBR will now give Taj just an extra day. - Zac Gallen4 (COL, ATL)!!! ⬅️ Tommy HenryNR is either being pushed to to 5/31 for extra rest or skipped altogether.
- Sandy Alcantara12 (SDP, OAK)
- Joe Ryan16 (@HOU, CLE)
- Sonny Gray26 (@HOU, CLE)
- Nathan Eovaldi31 (@DET, SEA)
- Marcus Stroman32 (TBR, @SDP)
- Anthony DeSclafani56 (PIT, BAL)
- Bryce Miller64 (NYY, @TEX)
- Miles Mikolas67 (KCR, @PIT)
- Michael Kopech73 (LAA, DET)
- Tyler Wells78 (CLE, @SFG)
*It’s a light week for two-steppers based on fewer overall games and rotation statuses. Kodai Senga46 is likely to get a second start this week despite not pitching on normal rest so far this season. UPDATE #2: Mets general manager Billy Eppler says Senga likely pitches on normal rest on 6/4 after performance tests on 6/2. I can see more credence to it now since, if you slide Senga to 6/6, the same situation would be present next week, and this allows him to pitch again at home (1.20 Home ERA in 5 GS/30 IP, 6.12 Road ERA in 5 GS/25 IP). Furthermore, NYM will play five games in Week 12 (6/12-6/18), giving flexibility and opportunity for rest.
Other Options: Brayan Bello81 (CIN, TBR), Cal QuantrillIL (@BAL, @MIN)*, Domingo Germán84 (@SEA, @LAD)
*Bello’s second start moves to 6/5 vs. TBR due to 6/2 PPD. Here’s the rotation.
*UPDATE: Logan Allen89 will get two starts even with Aaron CivaleIL and Triston McKenzieIL returning this week. Civale’s rehab start on 5/28 and McKenzie’s rehab start on 5/30 were their final tuneups, and they will be inserted in the rotation on 6/2 and 6/4, respectively. Tanner Bibee remains in CLE’s rotation, and Hunter Gaddis shifts to the bullpen. See more below from Mandy Bell, Guardians beat reporter for MLB.com…
Danger Zone: Ranger Suárez95 (@NYM, @WSH), Yusei Kikuchi97 (MIL, @NYM), Matthew Boyd100 (TEX, @CHW), Rich Hill110 (@SFG, STL), Bobby Miller124 (WSH, NYY) POV SPECIAL – Maybe just one start, Michael Soroka125 (@OAK, @ARI) POV SPECIAL, Kyle Freeland126 (@ARI, @KCR) POV SPECIAL – Gulp, Ben Lively133 (@BOS, MIL), Adrian Houser147 (@TOR, @CIN), J.P. FranceNR (MIN, LAA), Griffin CanningNR (@CHW, @HOU), Ryan WeathersNR (@MIA, CHC), Paul BlackburnNR (ATL, @MIA), Trevor WilliamsNR (@LAD, PHI), Ryne NelsonNR (COL, ATL)
STARTING PITCHER RANKINGS FOR MAY 29 – JUNE 4
*Jon Gray48 currently lines up for a start in Detroit, but I contend that Dane DunningPL will return from his three-day daddy trip to start on 5/31. Meanwhile, TEX can give Gray extra rest to take on a tougher opponent in SEA. Either way, I’m starting Gray this week, and the rankings reflect this scenario.
MUST-SEE TV!
Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Mets
Friday, June 2 – 7:10 PM ET
Chris Bassitt vs. Justin Verlander
#RevengeGamex10 ?
*It must be reunion week, as Taijuan Walker will also face his former club!
MLB WEEKLY PREVIEW | INJURED LIST REPORT
Besides names that appear elsewhere, here is the latest injury news on a few of your fantasy studs.
#imnotcryingyourecrying
Anthony Rizzo, Yankees – DTD, Neck Soreness
Rizzo left his game on 5/28 for precautionary reasons after injuring his nect in a collision at first base with Fernando Tatis Jr. Despite optimism, Rizzo did not start on Memorial Day. However, his neck looks fine to me.
Max Muncy, Dodgers – DTD, Left Hamstring Cramp
Muncy came out of his game on 5/28 in the third inning due to issues with his hamstring. He’ll surely get further testing done to eliminate the possibility of a strain. Muncy went yard and was having a primo day before the hammy cramped up running the bases. UPDATE: Muncy should return to the Dodgers’ lineup on 5/30 after a one-game absence. MRI was deemed unnecessary.
Ezequiel Duran, Rangers – 10-day IL, Mild Right Oblique Discomfort (Retro 5/24)
Duran hits the IL, but the training staff doesn’t expect him to need more than the minimum. The 24-year-old is eligible to return on 6/3. FWIW, Josh Smith and Travis Jankowski are the top candidates to replace Duran’s spot in the Rangers’ everyday lineup.
Willy Adames, Brewers – 7-day IL, Concussion (Retro 5/27)
Adames was hit by a foul ball off the bat of teammate Brian Anderson while in the dugout on 5/26. The ball appeared to strike Adames on the left side of the head. The shortstop exited the game and was transported to a hospital for further testing. He has subsequently been discharged from the hospital. ??
Thairo Estrada, Giants – 10-day IL, Left Wrist Sprain (Retro 5/26)
Estrada hurt his wrist in his final at-bat of the series finale at Minnesota. The Giants recalled infielder David Villar from Triple-A Sacramento. Estrada will be eligible to return as soon as June 6/6.
Medical Updates…
- Jacob deGrom, Rangers: Are we discussing this guy every week? Jake threw 31 pitches in a bullpen session on 5/26, throwing all of his pitches. Most importantly, he “felt fine,” per Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy said the outing was encouraging, but the Rangers are unsure whether to have deGrom throw another bullpen session or “take the next step.”
- Carlos Rodón, Yankees: Rodón (left elbow strain, back stiffness) is expected to resume throwing from a bullpen mound in a “touch-and-feel” session on 5/29.
- Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees: Per Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Stanton (left hamstring strain) may begin a Minor League rehab assignment on 5/30 and “could be in play” to return during the Yankees’ 6/ 2-4 series in Los Angeles vs. the Dodgers.
- John Means, Orioles: Means, currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, suffered a strain in his left teres major while participating in non-throwing activation drills. General manager Mike Elias and Means are both optimistic the southpaw will still pitch for Baltimore this season. ?
- Adam Duvall, Red Sox: Duvall (distal radius fracture, left wrist) will begin his rehab on 5/30 with Triple-A Worcester in his hometown of Louisville. He will see action at DH and in the outfield.
POV SPECIAL – SP STREAMS OF THE WEEK
→ Michael Soroka125 , RH ATL (@OAK, @ARI; 24% rostered in Yahoo, 4% in ESPN, 65% in Fantrax Dynasty) – Soroka appears in the Danger Zone above, but the only thing that is dangerous about these matchups is rust. After all, he hasn’t been on a major-league mound since August 3, 2020! He has been tearing it up in Triple-A as fans and fantasy players clamored for a call-up. It’s been an upward climb, even this season down in the minors. After all, a 4.33 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 35.1 IP doesn’t scream start me. However, he is coming off his best start this season for Triple-A Gwinnett, allowing one run over six innings while striking out eight… This recommendation is pending activation, but word on the street is it’s a done deal. LET’S GO!
Honorable Mention: Kyle Freeland126, LH COL (@ARI, @KCR; 37% rostered in Yahoo, 20% in ESPN, 76% in Fantrax Dynasty)
One-Start(ish) Pitcher: Bobby Miller124, RH LAD (WSH, NYY?; 45% rostered in Yahoo, 17% in ESPN, 74% in Fantrax Dynasty) – Despite a late start to his 2023 Triple-A season and mixed results (5.65 ERA in 14.1 IP), Miller’s MLB debut couldn’t have gone better. Facing stiff competition against Atlanta, he allowed only one run on four hits and one walk with five punchies (5 IP). Miller could also stick around for a second start on 6/4 vs. NYY, especially if he continues pitching well.
Julio Urías will return from the IL soon and could be activated to pitch in the Yankees series. Miller would then return to Triple-A for more seasoning. However, that may be delayed now after Urías’ bullpen session over the weekend turned into a full workout and throwing from flat ground, resulting in no mound work due to some discomfort while playing catch. Urías will try to throw in the pen on Memorial Day. In turn, Miller will get one start, maybe two, and we should be aboard, even if he’s not fully baked yet.
For more streaming options on the mound AND at the plate, visit Paul Hickey’s FAAB Values!