Fantasy Baseball Weekend Preview: Get Ready for Some Attack

Fantasy Baseball managers could see a lot of offensive production this weekend. Many teams are mobilizing their weakest starters in the coming days, which is evidenced by the fact that there are far more matchups to aim for than to avoid in this week’s article.

On the pitching side, there aren’t many attractive starters other than Christian Scott, who has the potential to make a big impact in the coming weeks.

Combinations to target

Rangers @ Rockies

There should be offensive fireworks at Coors Field this weekend, as none of Texas or Colorado’s starting six can be classified as a top pitcher. Wise coaches will aim to include players from this series in their lineup, which could include the Rangers’ Josh Smith (45%) and Leody Taveras (5%) and Brenton Doyle (28%), Charlie Blackmon (6%) and Brendan Rodgers ( 3%) from the Rocky Mountains. In deeper leagues, Rockies rookie outfielder Jordan Beck (5%) is an intriguing option.

Red Sox x Nationals

The Red Sox could score a lot of runs at their home park against Washington right-hander Jake Irvin and two lefties (MacKenzie Gore, Patrick Corbin), each with a WHIP above 1.45. Targeting right-handed hitters Vaughn Grissom (29%), Ceddanne Rafaela (27%) and Connor Wong (30%) is the best move.

Guardians @ White Sox

Cleveland’s offense should continue its solid start to the season when it faces three White Sox starters who each have an ERA above 5.00. Estevan Florial (0%) is a sneaky option as he should hit the edge against righties on Saturday and Sunday. Others to consider include left-handed hitters Bo Naylor (27%) and Will Brennan (2%).

Dodgers @ Padres

The Dodgers are predictable in their lineup choices, which makes it easier to determine who will start against a trio of right-handed starters this weekend. James Outman (39%) and Gavin Lux (10%) continue to fight, but should start every game. And those who are on the fence about starter Andy Pages (70%) should put him in the lineup.

Brewers vs. Cardinals

Milwaukee’s offense is off to a great start this season and should stay hot against St. Louis’ three mediocre right-handers (Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Miles Mikolas). Anyone who has had Christian Yelich in an IL spot should know that he returned yesterday and can be activated immediately. There are also two outfielders to consider in deeper formats, Sal Frelick (14%) and Blake Perkins (10%).

Phillies @Marlins

While the opposing starters are solid, some matchups could be taken advantage of based on the fact that the Phillies face three left-handed starters this weekend. First of all, those in shallow leagues who benched Nick Castellanos should put him back in the lineup. In deeper leagues, Johan Rojas (6%) can be a source of steals. On the other hand, left tackle Brandon Marsh should be on the bench everywhere.

Fights to avoid

A’s @ Mariners

Few Oakland hitters get much fantasy attention, but they are all poor options against three talented Seattle righties this weekend. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that every Oakland hitter should be out of every mixed league lineup.

Blue Jays @ Gemini

Toronto’s unproductive offense is unlikely to get on track this weekend against a trio of Twins right-handers who have a strong track record or exciting potential. The Blue Jays lineup is loaded with right-handed bats, and this could be a good weekend to sit their struggling stars. In fact, there isn’t a single Blue Jays hitter I can highly recommend for this weekend.

Looking for Salvages

Trevor Megill (Milwaukee Brewers, 23%)

Fantasy managers have been slow to adjust to the fact that Megill is the Brewers’ closer. The right-hander has thrown five scoreless innings since returning from the IL and during that time has earned all three of the team’s saves. Megill could make a save or win during a home series against the Cardinals this weekend.

Looking for robberies

Johan Rojas (Philadelphia Phillies, 6%)

Although Rojas has even splits, he is in an advantageous position on paper as a right-handed hitter facing three left-handed starters this weekend. And if he gets on base, the speedster could steal a sack against Marlins catcher Nick Fortes, who has allowed more steals this year than all but one catcher.

Streaming Beginners

In order, here are the weekend’s best streamers, with start date and Yahoo! escalation rate in parentheses.

• Christian Scott x ATL (Saturday, 36)

• Cole Irvin x ARI (Friday the 22nd)

• Luis Gil @TB (Sunday, 47)

• Jameson Taillon @PIT (Friday the 49th)

• Logan Allen @CWS (Sunday 21)

• Zach Littell x NYY (Saturday 38)

• Braxton Garrett x PHI (Sunday, 50)

• Simeon Woods Richardson @TOR (Saturday 10)

• Paul Blackburn @SEA (Friday the 39th)

• Dean Kremer x ARI (Sunday, 36)

• Clarke Schmidt @TB (Friday the 39th)

• Taj Bradley x NYY (Friday the 32nd)

• Patrick Sandoval x KC (Sunday, 6)

• Bryse Wilson x STL (Sunday 9)

• Cooper Criswell x WSH (Saturday 10)

• Tyler Anderson x KC (Saturday, 38)