2021 continues to be the year of the pitcher. Last week, we saw another no-hitter, this time John Means from the Baltimore Orioles. It was an impressive outing and if not for a dropped third strike, it would have been perfect. Means is scheduled two starts this week, vs the Mets and the Yankees. Make sure to lock him in your week long fantasy leagues.
Week 6 brings an uptick in interleague games, with 20 games on the schedule. BAL, SEA, TEX, and TOR will each play a series in a National League park, without a DH again after last season’s mockery. Each of these team should be able to move their DH into the field, but be careful with the Mariners this week after their recent no-hit performance against Means. We usually point out teams with big weeks ahead, but with a series against both of the Dodgers and the Indians, SEA will be a team to avoid.
Speaking of teams we project to do well, this week our attention is on Reds, who benefit from a series at Coors Field and another against a weak Pirates team. We will be targeting Jesse Winker, 90% owned, Mike Moustakas, 85% owned, and Tyler Naquin, who is available in more than half of leagues. Notably, the Rockies play seven games at home this week. Although the team has struggled on the road bats such as Garrett Hampson, available in 25% of leagues, and Ramiel Tapia, available in 35% of leagues, should be considered.
Another team we want to highlight this week is the Phillies, who are scheduled to play against four lefty starting pitchers. The Phillies have mashed lefties all season and bats such as Andrew McCutchen, Rhys Hoskins, and Alex Bohm should be targeted, although high owned, and started in all formats.
There are a number of other low owned hitters and pitchers who we are targeting this week. This list will continue to grow throughout the week, but for now we are keeping a close eye on the following players/situations:
- J.T Brubaker, available in over 40% of leagues, may the only bright spot for the Pirates right now. He has not allowed more than three runs in any start. This week, he will get two starts, both at home against some weak lineups in the Reds and Giants.
- Finally, the Marlins have moved Miguel Rojas, only 20% owned, to the top of the lineup where he belongs and into fantasy relevance. The Marlins shortstop can help lineups in category leagues that play BA or OBP.
- Others are starting to catch up on Andrew Benintendi, owned in about 68% of leagues, but his ownership is still below what it should be. This is the third straight week we are putting him here. If you need OF help, don’t be the guy who misses out.