- Both the Royals and White Sox are slated to start right-handers in both ends, putting left-handed swingers in the spotlight. They may not play both, but it's still worth deploying them, just in case. It's tough finding Kansas City batters to recommend as most are struggling, but Nicky Lopez(8%) is an option for steals. Gavin Sheets(3%) is the best option to see extra action for the White Sox. In terms of closers, it's worth checking to see if Kansas City's Scott Barlow(75%) is available but, if not, Josh Staumont(3%) could be summoned in the unlikely event Kansas City has a chance to sweep. Kendall Graveman (9%) is in play for the White Sox in case Liam Hendriks works in the opener.
- Tuesday marks Reid Detmers (12%) first start since tossing the season's first "solo" no-hitter. His low roster percentage is a bit surprising but picking him up for Tuesday's tilt in Arlington feels like a trap. On paper, the matchup isn't daunting, though Texas doesn't fan much facing southpaws. It's more about Detmers getting by with smoke and mirrors as his .174 BABIP is artificially suppressing his 0.84 WHIP. Plus, a pedestrian 16.8% strikeout rate isn't going to help mitigate the impending correction. Additionally, the Angels will likely cut Detmers' outing short after being extended last time out. This all serves to render the Rangers bats as targets, especially Eli White(15%) who is a perfect 7-for-7 on steals. Andy Ibanez (1%) and Nick Solak (1%) should also see action with a lefty on the hill.
- One of the more intriguing matchups features Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners visiting Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays. Both starters are rostered in more than 95% of ESPN leagues, which usually indicates an automatic start. However, there is risk for both. Starting with Gilbert, while he's fanned 27 over his last four starts (spanning 21 1/3 innings), he's also issued 13 free passes -- and you don't want to be giving the Blue Jays any extra baserunners. Berrios is known for consistency, but this season he's been consistently mediocre with a career-low 15.3% strikeout rate, around 10% lower than expected. He's also administered an unusually high six homers in 34 frames. The catch is, there isn't anything in Berrios' underlying metrics to portend a rebound. That is, he hasn't been unlucky. He's simply pitched poorly. That said, a multi-year track record is more telling than six starts, so not only is Berrios safe to start on Tuesday, he's actually a solid buy-low target. Gilbert, on the other hand, is best left on reserve as Toronto's lineup is formidable, especially at home.
What you need to know for Tuesday
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date
o-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reported Sunday that Buxton is continuing to a manage knee issues, and while he was able to play all nine innings of Monday's 3-1 win, the outfielder will get some maintenance for the second game of the series. Provided he isn't dealing with any sort of setback with either of his knees coming out of Monday's start, Buxton should be back in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale.
