Many players could help managers in the coming days, and that’s all we care about at this point in the season. In fact, most of the players in this article probably won’t be drafted in standard drafts next year. But they have the favorable upcoming matchups needed to carry their fantasy teams.
JT Ginn (SP, Oakland A’s, 8%)
While Ginn sports an unimpressive 4.58 ERA, he does deserve some fantasy attention due to his 20:6 K:BB ratio through his first 19.1 major league innings. To be fair, Ginn doesn’t need to be the next Pedro Martínez to shut down the White Sox, one of the worst teams in baseball history. He’s playing that game tomorrow. For that reason alone, he should be streamed in most leagues.
As Ginn noted, fantasy managers should start almost any pitcher who is scheduled to start against the White Sox. Such is the case with Detmers, who will be among the most sought-after two-start pitchers next week due to the fact that he is scheduled to face Chicago on Monday. Detmers has not lived up to expectations this season, but has returned to the majors with a bang, striking out 18 batters in two starts.
Joey Estes, SP, Oakland A’s, 12%)
Managers who can land Detmers next week could switch to Estes, who has been outstanding (3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 39:9 K:BB ratio) in nine second-half starts. The biggest difference between Estes and Detmers is that Estes has tougher games next week, with a Monday start at Wrigley Field and a weekend home game against the Yankees. Still, managers in head-to-head championships and those chasing wins and strikeouts in roto leagues should certainly consider the 22-year-old.
Heaney rarely goes deep in games, but he’s produced solid ratios (3.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) and posted a healthy 9.2 K/9 rate. He could lead those weekly games to a win on Sunday against a Seattle offense that ranks 25th in runs scored and has been struck out more than any other team.
The buzz about Erceg died down when he was hit by a comebacker on August 29, but the right-handed pitcher returned a few days later and resumed his role as the Royals’ closer. Managers should be thrilled with the addition of a capable reliever (64:15 K:BB ratio) as the full-time closer on a postseason team.
I’m not ashamed to include Amaya in this article for the third straight week, as he should be added this weekend in most leagues. The Cubs should score a lot of runs at Coors Field against a Rockies pitching staff with a 5.43 ERA, meaning fantasy managers should want as much stock in this offense as possible.
This is too good to be true. An Arizona offense that leads the majors in runs scored heads to Coors Field next week to open against baseball’s worst pitching staff. Managers could win a head-to-head matchup by using D-backs, which would mean grabbing Perdomo and Josh Bell (37%).
Edman has been effective in 21 games since returning from the IL, posting a .300 batting average with four homers, five steals and an .821 OPS. The Dodgers likely have the best schedule next week, as they play seven games, three against the Marlins (28th in ERA) and three against the Rockies (last in ERA). Those in deeper leagues may want to consider Miguel Rojas (5%).
Jasson Domínguez (OF, New York Yankees, 39%)
The Yankees’ top prospect, Dominguez, finally made his debut on Monday. And this is a good time to add the 21-year-old, as he faces a Boston pitching staff this weekend that ranks 29th in ERA since the All-Star break. With a .314 batting average with 11 homers and 16 steals in 58 Minor League games this year, Dominguez has the diverse skill set that roto managers crave.
Laureano has found new life since joining Atlanta, batting .304 with seven homers and four steals in 53 games. Along with Orlando Arcia (10%), Laureano is a prime target for those looking to get shares of this offense for their favorable matchups next week. The Braves play seven games, with three against the Marlins (28th in ERA) and three at homer-happy Great American Ball Park.
