MLB Weekly Preview: August 1 – 7

In the following MLB weekly preview, you will find a game breakdown for all 30 teams, two-start and overall pitching rankings and the latest IL info to dominate Fantasy Baseball…

---

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.
Check back daily for updates!!!

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: BOS shifts to 2 L / 5 R; MIN shifts to 1 L / 6 R

NOTES: The dog days of the season are here. Everything is subject to change this week with the August 2 Trade Deadline arriving. We need to be on our toes this week, more than ever! Follow the advice below if you so choose, but don’t be married to ANY play. If you haven’t checked out our MLB Discord chat, now would be the week to do it! Ray Flowers is phenomenal at dropping all of the latest updates and MLB news, and when coupled with my Discord insights, this dynamic duo has you covered. For starters, Mark Feinsand’s article is an interesting read for what hitters may be on the move.

Five-Game Week: OAK… that’s it! This week, the “Vegas strip flyers” (aka seven-game weeks) are simply being jammed in our pockets (13). Thirteen teams also play the standard six, while three teams get the bonus eight (see Targets below).

A Few Areas to Target

ShoTime
Los Angeles does play seven games this week, but they will go down in six days with a scheduled doubleheader on 8/6. So, while we have been playing Shohei Ohtani the hitter in most voluminous weeks, he could only see six games (or fewer) at the plate due to rest. With the Halos’ other big star out for the foreseeable future and a huge deficit in the standings, there’s little reason to push their other big ticket-seller in Ohtani. Furthermore, he has been slumping a bit at the plate beside three long flies since the All-Star break, yet he has been straight filth on the mound. As a result, most weekly-lock leaguers should utilize him on the mound this week with a potential matchup vs. the lowly Oakland Athletics. Even if the Angels adjust their rotation mid-week, the worst-case scenario is he faces the Mariners in Seattle.

Redemption Song
Our beloved South Siders have underperformed this season. No two ways about it. This week, however, can “emancipate” our White Sox hitters and reward our patience. Cause that is what fantasy baseball is all about, patience. This isn’t fantasy football where decisions need to be made on a player at a moment’s notice. It’s a long season, and we all forget that at times. Anyway, back to the ChiSox. Their schedule is conducive to fantasy success this week. They play seven games this week versus some suspect starting pitching.

• Brad Keller (RH)
• Brady Singer (RH)
• Kris Bubic (LH)
• Glenn Otto (RH)
• Dane Dunning (RH)
• Jon Gray (RH)
• Spencer Howard (RH)

Additionally, the Royals pen has the fourth-highest ERA (4.52) this year, per FanGraphs. All of this makes starting Tim Anderson, José Abreu, Eloy Jiménez and Andrew Vaughn a good idea. However, when we think about underperforming White Sox, Yoán Moncada (53% rostered in redraft, 85% dynasty) comes to mind. Yet, he’s batted .247 with 2 HR, 14 R and 15 RBI since 6/28 (103 PA). Now healthy, the numbers have been pointing up, and with a 24.3% strikeout rate and 8.7% walk rate, more positive results are on the way. Perhaps, this week?

Los Submarinos
Twins play seven games this week (DET – 3, TOR – 4), providing volume to a hot lineup. Minnesota will have to take it up another notch against an even hotter Toronto lineup. Most Twinkies worth their “sugar” are more than likely owned in your league, but a few loose “singles” may be out there. Alex Kirilloff^DTD (26%, 81%) is a fringe bat worthy of consideration. Furthermore, Jose Miranda (17%, 74%) has been added in 5.2% of ESPN leagues, and for good reason. After a rough stretch to begin the season, he’s hit .347 with 8 HR, 19 R and 34 RBI in his last 159 PA. Go add him now… the rest of the article can wait!

Back in Business
Ok, you got Miranda? Good. Moving on, the Mets had a short week last period. Despite the playoff-like excitement of the Subway Series, I hope their hitters used the time to get some rest because business picks up this week. New York is one of three teams with eight games on the docket. This busy week includes a vital five-game series versus Atlanta with the NL East on the line (also WSH – 3). In that series, they’ll face challenging starters Kyle Wright, Max Fried and Spencer Strider. However, other scheduled starters are far weaker, giving Mets hitters the ability to maximize their hot streaks. Furthermore, they will see at least five right-handed starting pitchers. It will be as good of a time as any to utilize newly-acquired Daniel Vogelbach (3%, 25%). In 215 PA against righties this year, he has 24 XBH with a .271 batting average.

Three if by Land, Five if by Sea
Rockies are the next team that plays eight games this week. None are at Coors Field (@SD – 5, @ARI 3). Serious bummer. If your league values batting average, a wise move would be to sit most of your Rockies hitters despite the busy week. Let’s face facts; you’re starting Kris Bryant and his .279 road batting average. He missed too many games this year for us to miss more. I’d even be willing to start Brendan Rodgers despite his .234 road batting average. I’m a mark, so what of it? Other than my NFBC teams that have other robust batting average threats, more of my leagues favor counting stats for their point values. So, makes more sense to start Rodgers, Connor Joe (.247 road), Charlie Blackmon (.238), C.J. Cron (.219) and Ryan McMahon (.205) in those types of leagues. 

Holier-Than-Thou
San Diego is the last team with a week-high eight games (COL – 5, @LAD – 3). Furthermore, they have some cream-puff pitching matchups. Jam your Friars into your lineups! If your teams are not as holy as others, don’t fret. Luke Voit (30%, 72%) is an option off the waiver wire who can aid your power numbers. Additionally, Eric Hosmer (50%, 66%) is swinging a sweet stick, slashing .368/.429/.632 over the last seven days.

---

IMPORTANT PARK FACTORS

2022 Statistics

*As of 7/23/22; Statcast data via Baseball Savant

---

TOP TWO-START PITCHERS

IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE – SUPERSCRIPT NUMBER IS OVERALL RANK

1. Corbin Burnes¹ (@PIT, CIN)
2. Max Scherzer⁶ (@WSH, ATL)
3. Yu Darvish¹⁶ (COL, @LAD)
4. Kevin Gausman¹⁷ (@TB, @MIN)
5. Logan Webb²⁵ (LAD, @OAK)
6. Tyler Anderson²⁷ (@SF, SD)
7. Zac Gallen²⁹ (@CLE, COL) ⬅️In a surprise & bewildering move, ARI will activate Zach Davies¹¹⁷ on 8/1, and he will get the two-start week. This after spending over a month on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, resuming mound work on 7/23, and facing live batters for the first time three days later. In the immortal words of Dr. Evil, “RIIIIIIGHT!” I can see myself removing the strikethrough next to Gallen’s name later this week.
8. Spencer Strider³⁴ (PHI, @NYM)
9. Mike Clevinger³⁵ (COL, @LAD)
10. Luis Garcia³⁶ (BOS, @CLE) ⬅️Cristian Javier⁴³ could also pick up the same two-start week with the trade of Jake Odorizzi to ATL.
11. Lucas Giolito⁴⁵ (KC, @TEX)
12. Jon Gray^IL (BAL, CHW) ⬅️Out 4-6 weeks with strained oblique; likely won’t be able to stretch out before end of season.
13. Tarik Skubal⁴⁹ (@MIN, TB)

Other Options: Jacob deGrom⁵² (@WSH, ATL), Adam Wainwright⁵⁸ (CHC, NYY), Drew Rasmussen⁵⁹ (TOR, @DET), Nathan Eovaldi⁶³ (@HOU, @KC), Triston McKenzie⁷¹ (ARI, HOU), Michael Kopech⁷⁶ (KC, @TEX)

*DeGrom will finally return on 8/2. If he proves he can stay healthy, he will move up the ranks. For now, I don’t blame you if you’re hesitant, nor do I blame you if you jam him into your starting pitchers. Kopech’s second start could be filled by Davis Martin (RH) if CHW manages his innings. As Kopech hits “the wall,” his performance has precipitously gone down. Yet, these are good matchups, keeping him out of the Danger Zone.

Danger Zone: Marco Gonzales⁸³ (@NYY, LAA), Jesús Luzardo⁸⁵ (CIN, @CHC), Cole Irvin⁸⁷ (@LAA, SF), Cal Quantrill⁹³ (ARI, HOU), Andrew Heaney¹¹⁰ (@SF, SD), Rich Hill¹¹⁵ (@HOU, @KC), Chris Archer¹¹⁶ (DET, TOR), Hunter Greene^IL Graham Ashcraft¹³¹ (@MIA, @MIL), Patrick Corbin¹³⁹ (NYM, @PHI), Brad Keller^NR & Daniel Lynch¹⁴⁹ (@CHW, BOS), Spencer Howard^NR (BAL, CHW), Matt Manning^NR (@MIN, TB), Domingo Germán^NR (SEA, @STL), Antonio Senzatela^NR & José Ureña^NR (@SD, @ARI), Bryse Wilson^NR (MIL, @BAL)

*Manning will return from the injured list on 8/2, netting a two-start week and with a ton to prove. If Michael Wacha is ready to return in short order later this week, BOS could divide Hill’s two starts to ease both back from the injured list. Germán likely to lose second start with additional of Montas. Hill may be eased in with a piggyback role before making traditional start later in the week.

FWIW Jesús Luzardo was in the clubhouse this morning.

He last pitched on Wednesday, throwing 75 pitches for Triple-A Jacksonville in his third rehab start.

Tomorrow is listed as TBA in #Marlins game notes. That would give him regular four days' rest between starts.

— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) July 31, 2022

---

STARTING PITCHER RANKINGS FOR AUGUST 1 – 7

---

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.

Julio Rodríguez – 10-day IL, Right Wrist Contusion
Rodríguez picked up the injury in the eighth inning on 7/30 when he struck out on a pitch that hit him in the wrist area. He departed the game in the ninth inning, but X-rays show good news as there was no fracture present. The M’s hope it’s a minimum stay on the injured list. Ty France, Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty also left this costly game. France should avoid an IL trip for now; Haggerty is DTD, and Moore was placed on the 10-day IL, as well. What does this mean?

Hearing Kelenic will not arrive until around game time.

Tough to tell who's available today. Haggerty received 8 stitches over his left eyebrow. Moore is feeling a bit better but I'd be surprised if he was in the lineup. Could see Frazier in CF again. Julio in training room.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 31, 2022

Alek Manoah – DTD, Right Elbow Contusion
Luckily, Manoah avoided major injury when he was struck by a comebacker on 7/29. Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports he was already feeling better the following day. Manoah’s precautionary X-rays came back negative, and it’s unlikely he will have to miss a start. 

Corey Seager – DTD, Lower Right Leg Contusion
Seager has missed the last three games due to a contusion he picked up after fouling a pitch off his leg. At first thought to avoid an IL trip, the Rangers are now not ruling it out. Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News speculates Seager could be available as a DH to begin the week. Continue to monitor.

Trevor Story – 10-day IL, Bruised Right Hand, and now…
A follow-up exam on 7/29 found a hairline fracture in Story’s left wrist. He will be shut down from swinging for 10 days. As for his ailing teammate, Rafael Devers (right hamstring inflammation), he continues to make encouraging strides, with all signs pointing to his return on 8/2, the first day he is eligible to come off the injured list.

Dustin May – 60-day IL, Tommy John Surgery Recovery
May threw three scoreless innings while giving up two hits, walking none, and striking out six during a rehab start on 7/28. Manager Dave Roberts said May will need at least one more rehab outing before rejoining the Dodgers.

Kenley Jansen – DTD, Back

Kenley Jansen had what Snit called a "catch in his back" at the end of last night's game. They will likely stay away from Jansen today.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 30, 2022

Josh Naylor – DTD, Ankle
Naylor was scratched from the starting lineup on 7/30 due to right ankle soreness. He fractured and dislocated that ankle in a gruesome collision last season. He won’t play before undergoing tests on 8/1.

Max Kepler – 10-day IL, Toe (Retro 7/27)
Kepler hits the IL with a fractured right fifth toe. He suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch during the Twins’ 7/24 series finale in Detroit.

Eduardo Rodriguez – Restricted List (Personal)
Detroit and the rest of the free world have heard from ERod. Hallelujah! This man has been through a lot over the past two years. Gets COVID pretty bad – Has a bout with myocarditis – Avoids oblique injury early in the season but still misses more time with a rib injury – Goes through a divorce (supposably). And you thought you had a bad pandemic?! Anyway, he is back with the Tigers at the extended spring training facility, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. We could see him back on a big-league mound as soon as the third week of August.

POV SPECIAL – SP STREAMS OF THE WEEK

→ Keegan Thompson⁹⁶, RH CHC (@STL, MIA; 38% rostered in redraft, 63% dynasty) – Ok, let’s try this again. If you followed my advice and added Thompson last week, keep a hold of the young lad. He should get the two-step this week after dominating against Pittsburgh (7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER (2 R), 0 BB, 7 K, W). If you need more explanation, see last week’s writeup. 8/3 PPD nixes Thompson’s two-step, again! CHC will use a 27th man in doubleheader on 8/4 and push Justin Steele to 8/5, along with rest of the rotation. I hate rain, but I guess it helps manage Thompson’s innings. Doesn’t help this week, however. ??‍♂️

Honorable Mentions: Spenser Watkins^NR, RH BAL (@TEX, PIT; 5%, 20%) – Watkins is a risky stream with high expected numbers, but these matchups are juicy, and he’s been pitching well of late. It’s a move for those who have little to lose in an attempt to gain ground.

Solo Start: Brady Singer⁶⁹, RH KC (@CHW; 23%, 77%) – Singer’s rostership has increased 11.8% on ESPN over the last week, and with good reason. CHW’s lineup has been up and down and doesn’t impose a serious threat in my eyes. Singer is coming off a dominant performance in Yankee Stadium, pitching seven glorious scoreless innings of one-hit baseball with one walk and ten strikeouts! And here’s the bonus. He could gain a second start versus BOS at home if Daniel Lynch does not return from the IL as expected. Red Sox are another lineup that has been up and down and could be minus some pieces come the Trade Deadline. Lynch did return on 8/1, so Singer will be a solo start.

For more streaming options on the mound AND at the plate, visit Ray’s FAAB Values!

DAILY PITCHING MATCHUPS

Saturday, August 6, 2022
*Not Confirmed