In the following MLB weekly preview, we have a game breakdown for all 30 teams, pitching rankings and latest IL info to dominate Fantasy Baseball…
In memory of John Cannella Sr.
They say the third go-around is usually when one hits their stride. You know, they. Them. The people who know. Now entering my third season of providing the MLB Weekly Preview, I have never felt more confident in my data collection systems and resulting analysis. All of which are extremely time-consuming, but I could give a rat’s ass when I see our subscribers posting league-winning celebrations. Never was I more proud than what we accomplished together in the pandemic shortened season of 2020. With a tear in my eye…
While I had a disappointing fourth-place finish in my Roto OC, every other league was first or second. The league which ground my gears the most was my championship loss in Fantrax Dynasty, a league I’ve now belonged to for well over 11 years (aka my old ass can’t remember when I joined) and haven’t won. However, I learned something crucial that will benefit me this season: using bulk relievers with elite ratios whose value is non-contingent upon role.
That’s what this game is, a constant learning curve, and I don’t mean Jesús Luzardo’s turkey sub! Am I the greatest fantasy baseball player who has ever walked God’s green earth? No, I am not. But I outwork my opponents, and this work ethic is what got me to where I am today. Some of you reading this may be more successful, and I applaud you for that, although I’ve been crushing fantasy baseball since 1997. So, I got veteran experience going for me, which is nice. But this doesn’t mean we don’t learn from each other to be the very best at what we do. I subscribe to symbiotic relationships. With this in mind, let’s go crush it!!!
In the following weekly preview, you will find a game breakdown for all 30 MLB teams (including Interleague play), two-start and overall pitching rankings and the latest IL information to help you dominate this week’s matchup and through the entirety of your seasonal league. Plus, new this season: Stolen Base Targets!
Scroll right to the part of the MLB Weekly Preview you need in just one click!
Below, you will find an interactive table of contents. Simply click on the section of the article you wanna read and boom.. presto… alakazam.
Down on the Farm
How great is it to have minor league baseball back?! A sign things are truly back to normal. No more alt site like we saw throughout 2020 and in the opening month this season. Minor League Baseball is great for a multitude of reasons (i.e. supports the local economy, more baseball games to attend, grassroots of the game), but the biggest impact is player development. Speaking of development, we last checked in on our fantasy baseball stars of the future in mid-May to see how their seasons were beginning. From this launching point, we can see how the past month’s worth of at-bats have treated them and where the progression points.
Below you will find a list of names to keep an eye on for your leagues. In keeper and deep leagues, the Triple & Double-A prospects are worthy of roster consideration, especially if they rank in the top half of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. For dynasty leagues, I assume a bulk of these names may already be owned, but if not, swoop up. Here is how our favorite studs are doing so far this season as they await the call-up (STATS AS OF 6/10).
C: Adley Rutschman, Bowie Baysox (Double-A; Orioles No. 1/MLB No. 2 prospect)
- 108 AB, .296/.442/.565, 26 R, 5 2B, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 26 BB, 27 SO
- Overview: Rustchman, baseball’s best prospect not named Wander Franco, has really picked up the pace from his inauspicious beginning of the season. Most notably, he has flexed his tremendous eye at the plate, improving his plate discipline after beginning the year with 11 strikeouts to only five walks and now carrying nearly a 1:1 ratio. Coincidentally, we’ve seen significant upticks in batting average (BA), on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG). Rutschman is driving the ball to both sides of the field (as evident by his subsequent ninth homer on the season, a moon). Rutschman is the organization’s minor league leader in home runs, and the pedigree is there for the Majors.
C: Francisco Álvarez, Brooklyn Cyclones (High-A; Mets No. 1/MLB No. 37)
- 86 AB, .349/.487/.570, 16 R, 7 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 20 BB, 15 SO, 3 SB
- Overview: Since we last checked in on Álvarez, he has been promoted to High-A Brooklyn and picked up two spots in MLB’s Top 100. The slash line has crept back down to earth but still sits at stellar marks for the 19-year-old. His 11 extra-base hits (XBH) in only 86 at-bats at both levels illustrates his gap-to-gap power. His hitting proclivity does not come at the cost of plate discipline, maintaining a solid 1.33 BB/K ratio. Álvarez is multi-tooled and added two more stolen bases.
1B: Michael Toglia, Spokane Indians (High-A; Rockies No. 4)
- 120 AB, .192/.296/.458, 22 R, 1 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 23 RBI, 18 BB, 44 SO, 4 SB
- Overview: Toglia continues to punish the baseball with long balls by more than doubling his total on the year. However, he hasn’t improved the contact much and has subsequently moved down a spot in the Rockies prospect tree. While the slugging has plateaued at a respectable .458, his OBP has dropped significantly with all of the strikeouts. Colorado’s 2019 first-round pick is still learning the game at the professional level, considering he lost all of 2020 for game action. The 22-year-old tips the scales at 6′ 5″ 226 lbs yet brings impressive speed for a big man, adding two more swipes to the stat sheet and cruising into third base twice. Toglia has a bright future, but it will take some time to dry behind the ears and develop the toolbox.
2B: Trevor Hauver, Tampa Tarpons (Low-A; Yankees No. 29)
- 102 AB, .304/.474/.569, 25 R, 7 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 33 BB, 35 SO, 1 SB
- Overview: Hauver has slipped six spots in the Yankees’ prospect pecking order, but this may be due to others’ elevation rather than his degradation. He has maintained an excellent slash line thanks to six more doubles and a triple while driving in 25 runs on the season. Furthermore, he carries a similar 1:1 ratio of walks to strikeouts as we witnessed in the beginning of the minor league season. Hauver projects as an excellent run-producer and has 58 total bases this year, his first as a pro. His adjustment to second base is going swimmingly so far with a .927 fielding percentage (FPCT) at the keystone (seven errors in 96 total chances). He has played all but one game at second (one at third), totaling 205.2 innings at the position.
3B/1B: Spencer Torkelson, West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A*; Tigers No. 1/MLB No. 3)
- 95 AB, .263/.415/.463, 15 R, 7 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 22 BB, 27 SO, 3 SB
- Overview: Remember when I wrote last time the power is coming? Four bombs and six doubles later, the SLG is where we expected it to be and more accurately portraying his power rating of 65. Torkelson is relaxed at the plate and waits for his pitch (23.2% BB-rate), controlling at-bats extremely well. As a result, the BA has risen over 100 points (and still rising since this data was taken), and the OBP is terrific in the small sample. Another run producer here with his contact skills and ability to hit to all fields. He can hit some prestigious home runs with loft, as shown here. *Torkelson has been promoted to Double-A Erie!
3B: Brett Baty, Brooklyn Cyclones (High-A; Mets No. 4/MLB No. 78)
- 90 AB, .367/.468/.622, 17 R, 8 2B, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 17 BB, 25 SO, 2 SB
- Overview: Baty has been knocking the snot out of the ball. Excuse the pun. Here are his numbers over the last week alone: .524/.615/1.190, 6 G, 21 AB, 7 R, 11 H, 2 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 4 K. He has eleven multi-hit games and is illustrating his gap-to-gap power by spraying the ball. The hot start from Mets Spring Training and beginning of the year hasn’t remotely cooled off, resulting in a move of three spots up in the Top 100. We have seen an uptick in strikeouts, so this is an area Baty will need to clean up as he moves up the ranks. However, we’ll gladly take the lumps with the 28 rib-eye steaks in 90 AB while scoring 17 himself.
SS: Wander Franco, Durham Bulls (Triple-A; Rays No. 1/MLB No. 1)
- 122 AB, .311/.370/.566, 24 R, 9 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 10 BB, 14 SO, 4 SB
- Overview: Wander (look at me flashing the first name like we’re tight) is putting the ball in play extremely well and making consistently great contact. While the walk total is low, so are the strikeouts for the number of at-bats. He is an XBH machine, tallying 13 more since the beginning of the season. While many can get discouraged when biding their time for an awaited callup, Franco is maintaining a strong work ethic for the Bulls and contributing in every major category and facet of the game. The 20-year-old carries a great slash line since improving his BA by 42 points. His 80 hit tool will be a welcomed addition for Tampa. Here’s Ray with more on Franco and when we may see him in the bigs.
SS: Bobby Witt Jr., Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A; Royals No. 1/MLB No. 7)
- 117 AB, .248/.331/.530, 22 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 17 RBI, 14 BB, 37 SO, 8 SB
- Overview: Witt Jr. has been flexing the power muscle since early season, blasting nine more home runs, including this prestigious shot to dead center. He even skyrockets ones that he’s not given credit for due to faulty umpiring (if you don’t know what I’m referring to, watch this clip and judge for yourself). How do you clean off home plate and make that call? Even in the Minor Leagues, umps gonna ump, but I digress. Regardless, we’d like to see the BA rise and the strikeouts decline as he develops into a Major Leaguer. Despite the fishing tendencies, he is tapping into his plus raw power. He’s also a plus runner who is aggressive on the basepaths, adding six more steals since early season. Witt Jr. is more than on pace for a 20-20 season.
SS: CJ Abrams, San Antonio Missions (Double-A; Padres No. 2/MLB No. 8)
- 98 AB, .306/.373/.418, 16 R, 5 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 9 BB, 23 SO, 6 SB
- Overview: Abrams continues to pick up where he left off before the minor-league shutdown. He has either maintained or built upon the early-season slash line, showing the .393/.436/.647 slash line across two levels in 2019 was no aberration (possible in SLG). The dude is gonna score runs and steal bases with a max run scout grade of 80. The 23 punchouts in 98 AB need refinement, but the kid’s only 20 years old, so there is time for this development. Plus, in today’s game, this is an acceptable level, after all. Acquire more walks, get that OBP back to .400, and I can see Abrams getting the promotion to Triple-A before long.
SS: Ronny Mauricio, Brooklyn Cyclones (High-A; Mets No. 2/MLB No. 53)
- 112 AB, .241/.267/.473, 15 R, 6 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 4 BB, 37 SO, 1 SB
- Overview: Mauricio has risen three spots in the Top 100 despite struggling since we last looked in on the 20-year-old shortstop. He has doubled his home run output, but otherwise, he only has three other XBH despite an impressive triple. His BA has plummeted by 69 points – the OBP by 88 points – but we’ll gladly take that .473 SLG. To be honest, I expected this decline when recording his early-season numbers and watching many of his AB in Mets Spring Training. There are some holes there that need mending. Luckily, the raw talent and eagerness to learn the game are there. Perhaps Jeff McNeil can impart more wisdom as he rehabs with Brooklyn? That’s a certainty, especially with identifying mammal, marsupial and rodent species. Despite some gaffs at the plate, the defensive has been impressive. He’s started 28 of 33 games for Brooklyn, posting a solid .935 FPCT (7 E/107 TC) at short.
OF: Julio Rodríguez, Everett AquaSox (High-A; Mariners No. 2/MLB No. 5)
- 96 AB, .344/.422/.625, 25 R, 7 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 11 BB, 26 SO, 5 SB
- Overview: If you thought his early-season marks were great, Rodríguez has only gotten better as the season has progressed. Add five more home runs and three doubles, and the SLG is up 19 points. The 20-year-old is only at High-A, but Rodriguez has every chance to be a plus hitter with plus power in the Majors. The 6′ 3″, 180 lb physical outfielder has tremendous raw power. He’s working hard at his plate discipline, improving his walk rate to 10.9%. The strikeout rate sits at 23.5%, however, after posting a 13.9% mark in 2019. That could be a small sample issue but also an area to tighten up. His hard work at improving his base running is paying off with the five steals, which only adds to his allure. He represented his home country of the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifier, turning them into his own personal showcase.
OF: Vidal Bruján, Durham Bulls (Triple-A; Rays No. 2/MLB No. 39)
- 115 AB, .296/.397/.530, 28 R, 6 2B, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 BB, 22 SO, 14 SB
- Overview: Could Durham defeat the Dbacks, Orioles or Pirates in a three-game series. I think so. Bruján is off and running with thirteen steals over the past month!!! Flexing the plus speed, he is. While the slash line has come back down to earth, it’s still freaking solid thanks to a plus hit tool, as well. What has impressed me the most is the power, an area not known for strength. He has added three more big flies, six doubles, and driven in 14 more runs. So, this may not be an outlier as the 23-year-old continues to mature as a hitter. His stellar BB:K ratio illustrates my point. What’s more, as I indicated last time, his versatility is key. He has played 164.2 innings in the outfield (47.2 – LF, 53.0 – CF, 64.0 – RF), 62.0 innings at 2B, 18.0 innings at third and 16.0 innings at shortstop. Furthermore, he has posted good FPCT at all of the positions, minus third and short in limited time there. Bruján is turning into a swiss army knife.
OF: Heliot Ramos, Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A; Giants No. 3/MLB No. 67)
- 117 AB, .282/.364/.453, 18 R, 8 2B, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 14 BB, 39 SO, 3 SB
- Overview: Much like Mauricio, Ramos also has risen three spots in the rankings despite somewhat declining numbers. Don’t get it twisted; the stats listed above are great and represent development (although the 29.2% K rate leaves much to be desired). However, the 21-year old began the year hitting in all seven games, picking up six XBH. Since, he’s tacked on two more homers and four more doubles, merely doubling his output despite many more AB. And he hasn’t stolen a base since the early three he posted. I don’t mean to be too negative here; he is demonstrating why he’s San Frans’ No. 3 prospect. I just see a longer road to the Majors for Ramos.
OF: Jesús Sánchez, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A; Marlins No. 10)
- 116 AB, .353/.405/.647, 17 R, 4 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 8 BB, 25 SO, 1 SB
- Overview: Plakata! Sánchez continues to make solid contact that often leads to home runs. It’s been refreshing for the Miami organization to see the 23-year-old lefty hitter doing extremely well. He has hit four more homers, three more doubles and a triple. After earning Triple-A Player of the Month honors for May and rising four spots in the team’s prospect tree, it’s time to call him up. I think he has nothing left to prove in the minors and could dispel last season’s sour cup of coffee.
LHP: MacKenzie Gore, El Paso Chihuahuas (Triple-A; Padres No. 1/MLB No. 6)
- 0-1, 4 GS, 16.2 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 10 BB, 16 SO, 1.80 WHIP
- Overview: Now four starts into the season, Gore has not been living up to the hype. This guy should be an above strikeout per inning arm rather than just below. His usually consistent pitch arsenal hasn’t been despite ranking 60 across the board (Fastball, Curve, Slider, Change). He has the makings of a true No. 1 starter but needs to figure out his mechanics before he gets his call as he has been wild. He is currently dealing with a blister issue, so maybe this has been underlining.
LHP: John Doxakis, Charleston RiverDogs (Low-A; Rays No. 30)
- 3-1, 6 GS, 26.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 BB, 38 SO, 0.71 WHIP
- Overview: Doxakis dropped a spot in the team’s ranking list after making two impressive outings to begin the year. As he has built up and increased his workload, the results have been mixed. However, the strikeouts continue to shadow the innings pitched, and the WHIP is mighty impressive in limited work. He’s given up some runs, but the ERA is a tidy 2.43 (1.95 FIP, 2.31 xFIP). Tampa Bay’s second-round pick in 2019 out of Texas A&M has a bright future, but a long path to the bigs awaits.
RHP: Luis Medina, Hudson Valley Renegades (High-A; Yankees No. 5/MLB No. 97)
- 2-1, 7 GS, 32.2 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 19 BB, 50 SO,1.13 WHIP
- Overview: Medina has moved into MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 since I wrote about him. ::Pause for a moment while Pov pats himself on the back… what an asshole:: The 22-year-old has electric stuff, as I described last time we took this trip down to the farm. He is missing bats with regularity and garners weak contact on the ground. In the five starts since, Medina has averaged 4.2 innings per start, compiled a 2.76 ERA, posted a .162 BAA, and recorded 1.44 ground outs to air outs.
Other Notables Who Have Been Hot (Past Seven Days):
- C: Dillon Dingler, West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A; Tigers No. 5) – .500/.577/.955, 6 G, 22 AB, 5 R, 11 H, 4 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K
- 1B: Lewin Díaz, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A; Marlins No. 5) – .320/.393/.760, 6 G, 25 AB, 7 R, 9 H, 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
- 2B: Kaden Polcovich, Everett AquaSox (High-A; Mariners No. 24) – .409/.435/1.136, 5 G, 22 AB, 6 R, 9 H, 1 2B, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 CS
- SS: Anthony Volpe, Tampa Tarpons (Low-A; Yankees No. 11) – .435/.519/1.000, 6 G, 23 AB, 6 R, 10 H, 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K, 3 SB
- OF: Tyler Gentry, Quad Cities River Bandits (High-A; Royals No. 22) – .389/.520/.889, 6 G, 18 AB, 6 R, 7 H, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB, 6 K
- OF: Cody Thomas, Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A; A’s No. 23) – .450/.522/1.050, 6 G, 20 AB, 8 R, 9 H, 3 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K
- OF: Carlos Cortes, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A; Mets No. 17) – .391/.462/.826, 5 G, 23 AB, 9 R, 9 H, 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K
- LHP: Ethan Small, Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A; Brewers No. 4) – 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 10 2/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 19 K, 0.84 WHIP
- RHP: Graham Ashcraft, Dayton Dragons (High-A; Reds No. 18) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 G, 1 GS, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 0.43 WHIP
- RHP: Matt Frisbee, Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A; Giants) – 2-0, 2.25 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 12 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 14 K, 0.75 WHIP
- RHP: Albert Abreu, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A; Yankees No. 18) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 0 GS, 4 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 0.43 WHIP
Baty vs. Medina
As always, if there are any requests for information I can provide or a player/team you would like me to cover in this section of the MLB Weekly Preview, drop a line in our VIP Chat Room or hit me up on Twitter, @Rob_Povia.
MLB GAME BREAKDOWN GRID
NOTES: Plethora of games this week to make up for a light past week – 18 teams with seven or more games. Texas Rangers are the only team to draw the short end with five games. Further, matchups with a returning Lance McCullers Jr., Zack Greinke, José Berríos and Michael Pineda all pose issues as they all have a sub-4.00 ERA.
Washington plays seven but really 6.78 games with the doubleheader against the Mets. Speaking of New York, they embark on an epic journey for the next two weeks. They play eight games both weeks, have three scheduled doubleheaders in seven calendar days, and close out the month with 19 games in 17 days. Is that all? If all play as scheduled, the Mets will be caught up in games played and have an extended pitching staff bathing in ice. But the offense will have a great opportunity to extend their hot ways by playing a ton. Specifically, Francisco Lindor could raise his average 30 to 40 points if he keeps driving the ball as he has the past 10 days along with getting his counting numbers back towards where we expected at the beginning of the season.
A Few Areas to Target
Coors Banquets Are on the Menu for the Brew Crew
Milwaukee is one of two teams getting the Coors Field effect, and the Brewers are scheduled for a four-day stay. Throughout the week (vs. CIN as well), they’ll see upward to six right-handed starters. Christian Yelich will be “pounding ‘em back” this week! Omar Narváez should see the strong side of the catching platoon over Manny Piña, and this also gives the edge to deep-league streamer options such as Daniel Vogelbach and Jackie Bradley Jr. Cheers!
Slam Diego
The other team to visit Coors this week is the Pads, who open Week 12 with a three-game set in Denver. San Diego’s offense has been in slumber but may have broken out on 6/13 with Fernando Tatís Jr.’s grand slam, who along with the team has been scuffling as of late. Tommy Pham and Manny Machado got going with home runs, as well. Padres return home to finish the week with the visiting Reds for four, and the pitching matchups are mild at best (Wade Miley, Tony Santillan, Vladimir Gutierrez & the inconsistent Luis Castillo)… Additionally (stating the obvious), Rockie hitters will be home all week. They have the fourth-highest wOBA (.343) at home. Lock & load, mofos!
#FreeShohei
The Angels have concluded their run of NL Parks for the moment and play seven games all in the AL. Shohei Ohtani will return to his normal at-bat flow in the DH and won’t be relegated to pinch-hitting duties unless on the mound. He is scheduled to pitch against Detroit this week, which creates the wonderful conundrum in weekly-lock leagues of whether to start Shohei the hitter or Ohtani the pitcher. It’s a good problem to have. The start comes 6/17 (Thursday), which further complicates matters in bi-weekly lock leagues – four games of ABs or one good-looking start in the first half. My rule of thumb has been, unless he has a two-start, he’s in my utility for weekly locks. I would hit him all week in bi-weeklies, as Detroit struggles more against lefties and his walk rate is still elevated. Daily leagues? GFY… I mean, enjoy!
Ain’t No Party Like a Nats House Party
Finally, stepping back to Washington, the Nats are home all this week as they take on the visiting Pirates and Mets. Nationals Park may not be Coors Field, but it still plays up to the hitters. According to the EliteData MLB Park factors, the ballpark has the fourth-highest park factor for runs (1.101 ) and second-highest mark for homers (1.267), where the latter is actually higher than Coors by .001.
WEEKLY INTERLEAGUE OUTLOOK
With the lack of a universal DH in 2021, American League teams will once again lose their designated hitter when traveling to National League parks. Only two interleague series this week, but unfortunately, both fall under this scenario. Let’s begin in Atlanta where the Braves host the visiting Red Sox for two games. We’ve seen Boston handle the lack of DH in a multitude of ways due to the flexibility of their roster. However, what’s good for the goose isn’t necessarily good for us fantasy managers. We know J.D. Martinez will be in the lineup at a corner outfield position (unless they opt for a rest day, but he was just out of lineup 6/5-7). We’ve seen Renfroe sit and Verdugo slide to right (or JDM playing right). We’ve also seen Verdugo play center, Kiké Hernández shift to second base, and Arroyo hit the bench.
Luckily, it’s only for two games. In game one, Boston will see lefty Tucker Davidson, which presents an opportunity for the uncovered option. I see the Sox resting Verdugo to create a righty-dominant lineup (leaving only Rafael Devers). Game two will have righty Ian Anderson going for the Bravos. Verdugo will return to the lineup to play center, shifting Kiké to second and Arroyo to the pine. And then, there’s Danny Santana to fuck this plan all up, but this is how I see it playing out.
On to the other series featuring Cleveland and Pittsburgh. This one is a lot simpler to break down. Two of Ramirez, Bradley and Naylor will play, while the third is out. The Pirates will throw three right-handers at Cleveland, which should keep Bradley’s left-handed stick in the lineup along with Naylor in right field. However, since it’s a three-game set to conclude the week, Harold and/or Bradley may trump Naylor on get-away day.
*Rivalry Series: None
TOP TWO-START PITCHERS
IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE
- Yu Darvish2 (@COL,
CIN) ← Both Lamet and Davish have been pushed for an extra day of rest. Yu will get two next week. - Tyler Glasnow6 (@CHW,
@SEA) ← MRI reveals partial UCL tear & flexor strain; 10-day IL for now ::sad face emoji:: - Lance Lynn14 (TB, @HOU)
- Hyun Jin Ryu19 (NYY, @BAL)
- Trevor Rogers32 (@STL, @CHC)
- Taijuan Walker33 (CHC, @WSH)
- Alex Wood40 (ARI, PHI)
- Nathan Eovaldi42 (TOR, @KC)
- Lance McCullers Jr.43 (TEX, CHW) ← McCullers will be activated on 6/15 but will initially work in tandem with Jake Odorizzi.
- Sean Manaea47 (LAA, @NYY)
- Luis Castillo48 (@MIL, @SD)
- Dylan Bundy55 (@OAK, DET)
- Matthew Boyd56 (@KC, @LAA)
- Jordan Montgomery58 (@TOR, OAK)
- Tony Gonsolin63 (PHI, @ARI)
- Kenta Maeda64 (@SEA, @TEX)
- Shane McClanahan66 (@CHW, @SEA)
- Patrick Corbin68 (PIT, NYM)
- Casey Mize70 (@KC, @LAA)
Other Options: Alek Manoah80 (@BOS, @BAL), JT Brubaker83 (@WSH, CLE), Marco Gonzales88 (MIN, TB), Austin Gomber90 (SD, MIL), Vladimir Gutierrez91 (@MIL, @SD), Dinelson Lamet93 (@COL, CIN), Adam Wainwright101 (MIA, @ATL), Dallas Keuchel117 (TB, @HOU)
Danger Zone: Brad Keller120 (DET, BOS), Eric Lauer123 (CIN, @COL), David Peterson128 (CHC, @WSH), Spencer Howard130 (@LAD, @SF), Jon Lester138 (PIT, NYM), Jake Arrieta149 (@NYM, @MIA), Jean Carlos MejíaNR (BAL, @PIT), Braxton GarrettNR (@STL, @CHC), Chi Chi GonzálezNR (SD, MIL), Matt PeacockNR (@SF, LAD), Dean KremerNR (@CLE, TOR), Matt HarveyNR (@CLE, TOR) ← Should be a new category “No Chance” for Harvey, who has been getting lit up with piss-poor location. Just threw him here cause velo has been good and the breaking ball has bite, but that straight fastball middle-middle oughta be on a tee.
For a detailed breakdown of two-start pitchers who may be available on your waiver wire, check out Vlad’s FAAB Values!
STARTING PITCHER RANKINGS FOR JUNE 14 – 20
MLB WEEKLY PREVIEW | INJURED LIST REPORT
Besides names that may already be listed, here is the latest injury news on a few of your fantasy studs. I will update you early in the week.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – Acuña exited the Braves’ series finale against the Marlins in the bottom of the fifth as a precaution with right pectoral tightness.
Yankees – Aaron Judge was held out of the lineup against the Phillies due to back spasms, manager Aaron Boone said. Luis Severino had an MRI after the right-hander injured his right groin delivering a pitch in a Minor League rehab start for High-A Hudson Valley. The results are still pending. Lastly, Luke Voit (right oblique strain) began his Minor League rehab assignment on 6/13 with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Max Scherzer (right groin inflammation) played catch before the Nationals game on 6/13. He will take part in a bullpen session on 6/14. If all goes well, he should make his scheduled start vs. Pittsburgh (6/16). *UPDATE: Scherzer’s BP session was cut short by some discomfort after ten pitches. He has been scratched from his start vs. PIT. However, with treatment, the injury has shown improvement, and the team is hopeful he’ll avoid an IL stint. Max is not concerned about any long-term issues, but it looks as though he’ll miss at least one turn in the rotation. Paolo Espino is the top candidate to make a spot start in his absence.
Max Muncy (right oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list shortly before the Dodgers game on 6/12. The first baseman exited the game prior against the Rangers in the second inning after experiencing tightness in his right side. The severity of the strain isn’t known after Muncy went through a series of tests. Unfortunately, oblique injuries can take multiple weeks to heal.
Javier Báez was scratched from the lineup on 6/13 against the Cardinals due to a right thumb issue, per manager David Ross.
Mitch Haniger (left knee contusion) fouled a ball off the inside of his left knee during a contest on 6/13. As of this writing, it is unknown if the 30-year-old outfielder will need to go on the IL.
Mets – Jacob deGrom (right flexor tendinitis) played catch before each game of the weekend series against San Diego after prematurely leaving his start on 6/11. The team and deGrom are supremely confident he will start on 6/16 vs. CHC. A bullpen session on 6/14 will confirm. Jeff McNeil began a Minor League rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on 6/13. The Mets expect to have him back in a week.
POV SPECIAL – SP STREAM OF THE WEEK
→ Alec MillsNR, RH CHC (@NYM, @MIA; 28% owned) – Mills’ second start is up in the air based on how Cubs reintegrate Trevor Williams & Adbert Alzolay from the IL. Remember, Mills fired a no-hitter last season against the Brewers and is capable of dominant stuff.
Honorable Mention: Tucker DavidsonNR, LH ATL (BOS, STL; 45-48% owned) – Davidson has allowed just three earned runs in 17.2 innings this year, including two back-to-back scoreless outings.
For more streaming options on the mound AND at the plate, visit Vlad’s FAAB Values!
PITCHING MATCHUPS
Sunday, June 20, 2021
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Taijuan Walker (RHP, NYM) | 6-2 | 2.12 | 3.84 | 3.92 | 3.40 | 26.9% | 9.0% | 41.2% | 37.9% | ||||||||
Patrick Corbin (LHP, WSH) | 4-5 | 5.60 | 4.43 | 4.74 | 6.01 | 18.0% | 8.8% | 42.8% | 29.4% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Hyun Jin Ryu (LHP, TOR) | 5-4 | 3.43 | 3.79 | 3.97 | 3.84 | 21.1% | 5.2% | 39.2% | 32.9% | ||||||||
Matt Harvey (RHP, BAL) | 3-8 | 7.76 | 4.79 | 4.75 | 5.60 | 17.6% | 7.2% | 39.4% | 35.0% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Sean Manaea (LHP, OAK) | 6-2 | 2.99 | 3.82 | 3.93 | 3.90 | 23.1% | 5.6% | 40.6% | 36.2% | ||||||||
Jordan Montgomery (LHP, NYY) | 3-1 | 4.20 | 3.96 | 3.98 | 3.82 | 23.6% | 6.5% | 32.2% | 37.5% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Sam Hentges (LHP, CLE) | 1-1 | 7.57 | 4.45 | 4.24 | 6.99 | 24.4% | 11.1% | 44.8% | 36.8% | ||||||||
JT Brubaker (RHP, PIT) | 4-5 | 3.88 | 3.73 | 3.76 | 4.29 | 22.7% | 5.4% | 37.0% | 29.4% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Nathan Eovaldi (RHP, BOS) | 7-3 | 3.76 | 3.70 | 3.90 | 3.50 | 22.3% | 5.4% | 35.2% | 30.2% | ||||||||
Mike Minor (LHP, KC) | 5-4 | 4.63 | 4.03 | 3.82 | 4.06 | 26.3% | 7.3% | 36.7% | 43.3% |
GM 1* | W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | ||||||||
Adam Wainwright (RHP, STL) | 4-5 | 3.95 | 3.92 | 4.00 | 3.74 | 22.1% | 6.6% | 36.2% | 30.0% | ||||||||
Bryse Wilson (RHP, ATL) | 2-2 | 4.38 | 4.79 | 5.05 | 4.41 | 14.4% | 6.7% | 41.5% | 35.4% |
GM 2* | W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | ||||||||
Kwang Hyun Kim (LHP, STL) | 1-4 | 3.72 | 4.25 | 4.42 | 4.50 | 20.7% | 8.4% | 37.3% | 31.0% | ||||||||
Drew Smyly (LHP, ATL) | 3-3 | 5.63 | 4.92 | 4.67 | 5.67 | 19.9% | 8.1% | 44.9% | 44.4% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Dallas Keuchel (LHP, CHW) | 6-1 | 3.78 | 4.16 | 4.48 | 5.82 | 14.1% | 6.7% | 38.3% | 22.0% | ||||||||
Lance McCullers Jr. (RHP, HOU) | 3-1 | 2.89 | 4.00 | 4.24 | 3.58 | 26.4% | 12.3% | 45.7% | 29.3% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Zach Thompson (RHP, MIA) | 1-1 | 2.25 | 4.20 | 4.07 | 4.09 | 21.2% | 3.0% | 48.0% | 44.0% | ||||||||
Alec Mills (RHP, CHC) | 2-1 | 6.11 | 4.69 | 4.51 | 4.66 | 16.5% | 9.4% | 35.6% | 23.6% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Kenta Maeda (RHP, MIN) | 2-2 | 5.01 | 3.94 | 4.10 | 4.66 | 22.1% | 6.7% | 43.4% | 30.8% | ||||||||
Dane Dunning (RHP, TEX) | 2-5 | 4.57 | 3.41 | 3.70 | 3.92 | 25.0% | 8.0% | 44.3% | 26.3% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Eric Lauer (LHP, MIL) | 1-3 | 5.18 | 3.60 | 3.93 | 5.14 | 24.7% | 8.9% | 38.1% | 28.7% | ||||||||
Chi Chi González (RHP, COL) | 2-4 | 5.76 | 4.76 | 5.08 | 6.69 | 12.9% | 6.3% | 44.1% | 30.3% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Zach Eflin (RHP, PHI) | 2-5 | 3.99 | 3.34 | 3.56 | 3.50 | 23.5% | 3.1% | 41.0% | 32.4% | ||||||||
Sammy Long* (LHP, SF) | 0-0 | 5.00 | 3.75 | 2.98 | 1.75 | 29.4% | 5.9% | 40.9% | 50.0% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Casey Mize (RHP, DET) | 4-4 | 3.49 | 4.25 | 4.31 | 4.82 | 19.9% | 7.4% | 40.1% | 29.6% | ||||||||
Dylan Bundy (RHP, LAA) | 1-7 | 6.98 | 4.31 | 4.14 | 4.53 | 22.4% | 6.6% | 36.1% | 39.0% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Tony Gonsolin (RHP, LAD) | 0-0 | 3.38 | 5.61 | 6.49 | 4.75 | 30.0% | 26.7% | 38.5% | 30.8% | ||||||||
Alex Young (LHP, ARI) | 2-4 | 3.86 | 4.23 | 4.29 | 4.69 | 22.7% | 11.3% | 38.7% | 31.5% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Luis Castillo (RHP, CIN) | 2-9 | 5.83 | 4.02 | 4.37 | 3.95 | 20.9% | 9.4% | 36.1% | 25.2% | ||||||||
Dinelson Lamet (RHP, SD) | 1-2 | 3.33 | 4.05 | 3.92 | 4.09 | 25.9% | 8.6% | 42.7% | 38.7% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Shane McClanahan (LHP, TB) | 2-2 | 4.42 | 3.20 | 3.58 | 4.04 | 27.9% | 7.9% | 45.3% | 29.8% | ||||||||
Marco Gonzales (LHP, SEA) | 1-4 | 5.44 | 4.83 | 4.72 | 8.52 | 20.3% | 8.5% | 44.8% | 42.4% |
And finally, the more things change, the more they stay the same…
STOLEN BASE TARGETS
If you have been paying attention to the new rule changes for minor league baseball, you can see the commissioner’s office desires a return of a long-lost element to the game… the stolen base. Let’s get ahead of the curve while also maximizing on the few pilferers of the dirt in 2021. Jack Kitchen (@JAXvicious), a long-time sub, reached out this offseason, asking if I could add a section on stolen base targets. As I have said from Day One of this column, your wish is my command!
So, I have imported one of the many fine tools we offer on our sister site, Elite Fantasy. Along with stolen base targets, our DFS MLB package offers daily articles and livestreams, a 24/7 chat, ownership projections and Fantasy Cruncher optimizer, BvP data, batter splits, park factors, umpire factors, weather reports and cheat sheets. The data alone is worth well over $1200! These weapons of mass destruction aid fantasy success in all formats, DFS and seasonal. JOIN TODAY!