-
Todd ZolaImagination
Now that we are finally out of the trade deadline frenzy, the focus is mainly on the players who have changed teams. However, in leagues with liberal pitching streaming, they know how to take advantage of lineups that have weakened in the wake of all these changes. The best examples are the Cubs, Marlins, Nationals, Twins and Pirates. Rangers, Diamondbacks, Tigers and Orioles are also vulnerable, as are the Rockies on the move.
That said, there are actually more hits with a better chance of playing time over the last two months, although they do not happen to be in places worth taking on Sunday. Some examples are Andres Gimenez (Cleveland), Brent Rooker (Minnesota), Carter Kieboom (Washington), Sergio Alcantara (Cubs) and Rodolfo Castro (Pittsburgh). Sunday’s pitching slate is overwhelming, with a match of AL West rookies being the most exciting of the bunch. The angels have promoted Reid declines for his debut against Daulton Jefferies and athletics.
Here’s Sunday’s suggestions to help you win for yourself in head-to-head formats, or to put your categories into rotisserie points.
Pitching
Erick Fedde (R), listed in 3% of ESPN leagues, Washington citizens vs. Chicago Cubs: Fedde is a good example of a mediocre pitcher in a very favorable matchup, as the diluted Cubs series is now devoid of its three biggest stars. Fedde’s season has been inconsistent as he logged on seven excursions that did not allow more than one race and six more where he has given at least three races.
Daulton Jefferies (R), 1%, Oakland Athletics on Los Angeles Angels: Of the two beginners, Jefferies gets a nod here even though Detmers has been better on the farm. The main difference is, despite the fact that there are two bad frames, Jefferies got a taste of The Show last season. More importantly, the Oakland rookie faces a weaker lineup than his 22-year-old counterpart since both Mike the trout and Anthony Rendon remain sidelined - as it is Jared walsh, not to mention Shohei Ohtani handle a broken thumb.
Austin gomber (L), 51%, Colorado Rockies on San Diego Padres: Since returning from IL, Gomber has picked up right where he left off - and hit well. This is reflected in the fact that the roster tips just past the usual 50% interruption, but let’s bend this unwritten rule since Sunday ends the scoring period. In addition, Gomber may still be available in shallower leagues. Maybe scare someone against Padres, but be aware of that Fernando Tatis Jr.. did sore shoulder again on Friday night.
Spenser Watkins (R), 8%, Baltimore Orioles on Detroit Tigers: While it is true that the Tigers led the league in races per game in July, there is still no fear of their offense. That said, although Watkins has not been proven, Comerica Park is an upgrade over Camden Yards, and the right-hander has limited walks and homers - two crucial elements to success. Since starting in the Baltimore rotation, Watkins has made a quality start (over four excursions) as he limited the beams to one race in six frames, spreading four hits with seven strikeouts.
Bullpen: The staff did a fantastic job of updating the closer chart linked below, as a bunch of teams have new shutters, so check it out. A few names that are most interesting to me are Demarcus evans (Rangers), Anthony Bender (Marlins) and Paul Sewald (Mariners). They are currently listed as the next in line, but everyone has a chance to acquire the power closer to the latter part of the season.
For the latest team-by-team closer situations, please contact our Detailed diagram.
Meeting
Catcher - Reese McGuire (L), 1%, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals (RHP Brad Keller): Keller has been quiet better late, but he is still an arm that the Blue Jays should thrive on. Most Toronto battles are listed, with the catcher as a channel to a piece of the action. Alejandro kirk gets most of the action behind the dish, but with a 1,083 OPS over the past week and the split edge, McGuire will likely be in the lineup on Sunday.
First base - Rowdy Tellez (L), 13%, Milwaukee Brewers on Atlanta braves (RHP Charlie morton): Morton is an effective veteran, but Tellez has crushed the ball. He carried a seven-game series into Saturday’s game, which he hit .448 / .500 / .931 over. Most telling is that Tellez has only waved four times on 32 record appearances during this stretch, which indicates that he is locked inside.
Second base - Cesar Hernandez (S), 44%, Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland (RHP Cal Quantrill): I know, Hernandez populates this place so much that he should have the mail delivered here. With the trade, it is worth pointing out that he may come lower in the White Sox order, but he is in a more potent series in a better hitter place, so overall, production should have an advantage.
Third base - Brian Anderson (R), 23%, Miami Marlins vs. New York Yankees (LHP Jordan montgomery): Through Friday’s slate, Anderson has hit safely in all five games since being activated from IL, posting a .368 / .478 / .684 line. It may seem like he’s a reverse splitter, but he’s not had enough playing time to ignore when playing with the split edge.
Shortstop - Jonathan wants to (S), 23%, New York Mets vs. Cincinnati Reds (RHP Vladimir Gutierrez): It’s a little disturbing that Villar last stole a base way back on June 16th. Still, he must be considered an SB threat, and the Reds are one of the better matches for base stealers. Furthermore, Gutierrez’s 5.3% K-BB% has driven with a high 1.43 whip, which facilitates Villar’s chances of getting to base.
Corner Infield - Ji-Man Choi (L), 6%, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox (RHP Nick Pivetta): It took a while, but Choi’s power play has finally shown itself as he has pulled three homers and a couple of doubles in the last week. Pivetta has given up 16 homers in 107 2/3 innings, including allowing a long ball in three straight games.
Middle Infield - Shed Long Jr.. (L), 1%, Seattle Mariners on Texas Rangers (RHP Mike Foltynewicz): Speaking of homer-prone hurlers, Foltynewicz has been the most generous arm this season after writing 31 dingers in his 106 innings. He is particularly prone to left-handed swingers, and while Long is not a slugger, he has swatted four homers in his limited playing time and has the pop to take advantage of Foltynewicz’s philanthropy.
Utmark - Rafael Ortega (L), under 1%, Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals (RHP Erick Fedde): Ortega’s playing time had already been on the rise when he played midfield for the strugglers Ian happ, but after the last cleaning of the house, Ortega should play almost every day. He is in a good place on Sunday, and enjoys the dividing edge in a very hitter-friendly place.
Utmark - Ben gamel (L), 3%, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia phillies (RHP Kyle Gibson): With Adam frazier After being handed out to Padres, Gamel has led with his right hand on the ground. Especially since he is guaranteed maximum stroke flags per game, Gamel and the line .325 / .413 / .550 July gives a nice addition to the points series.
Utmark - Austin Hays (R), 40%, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers (LHP) Tyler Alexander): To paraphrase Earl Weaver’s saying about momentum, downturns are only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. Hays is in a mess, but he faces one of the dock’s lowest ranked starters. In addition to the fact that although he has been kept safe in the three matches that led to Saturday, he only waved once on 12 record appearances, a speed that is usually a warning of improved outcomes.