It’s a brand new week in the second half of the season. In ESPN’s standard leagues, that means a brand new matchup in the head-to-head leagues. The Forecaster has been updated We will provide detailed projections and analysis for the July 25-31 games, but let’s take this opportunity to discuss the add/drop aspect.
Gavin Lux, SS/2B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (36.7% available for ESPN leagues): The Forecaster mentions that the Dodgers are Far Three home games against the worst in the majors will provide the most favorable set for hitting matchups and competitive all-around perspectives during the next seven-day scoring period. Washington NationalsThis is followed by four games at Colorado’s Coors Field. The Dodgers pitchers’ matches are degraded by the Coors games. Additionally, the fact that they will use a six-man rotation during the week reduces the starters’ appeal both from a volume perspective and clouds. Who Unfortunately, Coors will assign them to the wrong team. However, things are much better for the team’s hitters. Freddie Freeman A huge part of why the team entered All-Star break on such a hot streak was because of this. Then, they exited the All-Star breaks with a four-game sweep over the division-rivals. San Francisco GiantsThis is true, but there are still some benefits to being on the waiver wire.
This schedule calls for Lux to be an add-and-start universal player. He has started 15 of the 18 team’s previous games, including five of seven against lefty starters. In addition, he moved up to fifth/sixth in batting order for two of his past three. He is a.308/.419/.577 hitter over the 18-game span. He also made late-game appearances in three of those games he did not play.
Randal Grichuk, OF, Colorado Rockies (55.2%): The Rockies’ matchups aren’t as good as the Dodgers’, despite six out of seven of their games at Coors Field. This may be because the Dodgers simply have the better team, while the Rockies also have to contend with some really talented pitching.Michael Kopech, Julio Urias And Clayton KershawMost notably. Still, Rockies hitters The week will be heavy on Coors games. This is especially true for their leftymashers who include Kris Bryant (.345/.397/.621 rate against lefties in this year’s). Brendan Rodgers (.330/.393/.547) &, yes, Grichuk (3.313/.343/.525)
Grichuk may be having a disappointing first year in Colorado. However, he is excelling at these types of matchups: home games and lefties. He has started 35 of 38 Rockies games against lefties. Grichuk and all regular Rockies must be available everywhere during Week 15.
George Kirby SP Seattle Mariners (78.9% Available): Kirby will be recalled by the Mariners from Triple-A Tacoma Tuesday. This sets him up for a week of two-starts, including matches at home against The Texas Rangers And on the road against Houston Astros. The second assignment can be challenging — the Astros average above-average runs per games, are a top five offense at making contact, and started the second half with a five-game winning streak. Kirby’s additional volume makes Kirby an attractive addition-and-start pitcher. He has had just as much success in his rookie year with his fastball as his rotation mate. Logan Gilbert He did his last season and was able to show some great control. His walk rate was only 3.3%.
Kirby’s innings will be capped at 140 after he only threw 67 2/3 in high-class A and Double A ball in 2021. Still, that would give him roughly another 49 this season over the Mariners’ final 66 games, meaning that slowing-/shutting-down process is probably still a few weeks off. The Mariners have no other ideal time in their schedule to make him unavailable for another month. This is the perfect time to grab him.
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Drew Rasmussen’s fantasy value was put into doubt before the All-Star break. However, both right-handers are on track to deliver strong second halves. Video by Tristan H. Cockcroft
Additional Week 15 notes The St. Louis Cardinals Without both Nolan Arenado And Paul Goldschmidt For their opening, two-game series in Toronto on Tuesday & Wednesday. It is a disadvantage for the offense of the team, especially since it is a five-game schedule. This should be considered in your weekly-league decision. All You can trust your Cardinals hitters. Brendan DonovanAlthough he has multiple spots in the lineup, he is most likely the hitter who will take advantage of the expanded opportunities. However, even though he is a.184/.328/.184 hitter in 15 July games, he isn’t a great pick.
Leody Taveras Although it took him some time to understand the big-league game, which isn’t surprising given his swing-and-miss style of play, he seems to be improving at a great time in the Texas Rangers schedule. His zone contact rate has increased by more than 6 percent this season. He is now batting.420 (21-for-50), in his 14 previous games. Statcast reports that he is still performing well above his head. His xBA is still at.256 but that’s still a nearly-30 point bump and he continues showing some of the fastest speed in the game. His Rangers are currently in the middle of an 18-day span (14 remain) and 34 of 35 without a day off, so now is a great time to join him in mixed leagues.