Those with formats that differentiate between starting shortstop and reliever in the lineup (which are essentially point leagues) can rejoice this week, as there are three skilled starters who can combine great percentages with plenty of innings and strikeouts from the reliever lineup slot.
On the hitting side, there are few obvious strength options available, but many men can combine a strong batting average with a stolen base or two.
While I’m not satisfied with the Lion as a permanent fixture, I would have to recommend it for a decent week from the start that includes encounters against Tigers (29 in OPS) and Buccaneers (30 in OPS). The right-hander rarely dominates opposing formations, but has only allowed three earned runs over 13 innings in his previous two starts. A lion can be especially valuable as an SP/RP in points tournaments, where they can get twelve rounds from managers from their RP position.
Littell is a better option than the Lion, having posted a 2.78 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 15:1 K:BB ratio since becoming a permanent member of the Rays rotation on July 30. An effective shooter, Littell has the potential to be a fantasy asset for the rest of the year.
Of course, managers don’t have to make a permanent decision right now; They just need to add Littell to a starting week that includes favorable home runs against a Rockies offense that ranks last in road OPS and a Yankees lineup that puts 24 in the same stat.
The third choice for SP/RP in this week’s article, Ragans are a great target for those looking to hit. The left-hander has collected 33 batters in his past four starts, heading into a favorable game on Wednesday against the A’s lineup that ranks last in OPS baseball. And the Ragans could be held next week, as their subsequent outing comes against an offense only marginally better than Oakland (Pirates, 24 in OPS).
Available in nearly every league, Holton (1.65 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) ranks 36th among pitchers in roto production so far this season. The left fielder’s superior results were clearly noted by Tigers management, who used him in close games often enough for Houlton to get two wins and a save in August. Those with deeper formats who struggle to fill their final presentation slots might consider adding this dwelling in the high floor.
I can’t believe I’m writing this paragraph in 2023, but Andrus has been a top 70 roto player over the past 14 days and deserves to be added to most leagues in the current scoring period. Chicago is scheduled to play seven games this week, with the final four games going to be against the A’s batting team who ranks last in baseball with a 5.81 ERA. At the very least, Andros gets seven more days to prove the August surge is viable.
I need to recommend Taylor as a one-on-one addition to his showdown against Noah Syndergaard tomorrow night. In addition to being a poor pitcher (6.57 ERA), Thor allowed an absurd 31 steals in 76.2 innings pitched. Taylor has collected five hits since Aug. 5, making him the Dodgers’ leading favorite to steal a sack before Syndergaard left Tuesday’s contest.
After displaying a versatile skill set (. 288 BA, 18 HR, 17 SB) in Triple-A this year, Winn made his major league debut last Friday. The 21-year-old should play regularly on a Cardinals team that still has a quality lineup (5th in MLB in OPS). At the very least, managers in the 12-team leagues can use Winn between now and Wednesday against a Pirates team that ranks 26th in second-half ERA before assessing his future value during the team’s day off Thursday.
Bader adds a great player between now and Thursday who has a chance to shine in a three-game series against a Washington team that ranks last in ERA during the second half. The right-handed batsman has always fared better against the left, which puts him in a prime position against a pair of Southern ball debutants on Wednesday and Thursday. And Bader has the wheels to pass a base against catcher Keibert Ruiz, who has allowed more steals than any other catcher this year.
I’ve been waiting a few years to see Garrett get this kind of opportunity. The energy speed threat hit .276 with 53 homers and 32 steals in the minors through 2021-22 but couldn’t convince the D linebacker or the Nats to give him regular playing time. Washington finally acquiesced, and the results are impressive (1,026 OPS in August). Some setbacks are sure to come, but Garrett is a talented player who can contribute in multiple ways.
Tommy Pham (24% of the Arizona Diamondbacks)
Those who followed my advice and added Pham for a series at Coors Field last week could have an essential roster on their hands. The veteran plays every day and reaches third for an Arizona team desperately trying to stay in the Wildcard race. With 13 home runs and 14 steals this season, Pham has the diverse skill set to contribute in different ways.