Dodgers Dominate Braves While Key Hitters Shine in Week 25

0:00

Updated on: October 12, 2024 9:00 am GMT

With playoff season heating up in fantasy baseball, who you choose to start can make all the difference between winning and going home early. This week, we focus on the hitters who can lead you to victory and those you might want to bench as you strategize for Week 25 (September 16-22).

Key Matchups to Leverage

As teams enter the final stretch of the regular season, analyzing upcoming matchups is crucial. Here are some hitters worth your attention this week:

Arizona Diamondbacks Hitters

  • The Diamondbacks have a full seven-game schedule.
  • They start with three games at Coors Field against the Rockies, who have the worst Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) in baseball.
  • Following that series, they’ll face the Milwaukee Brewers, currently ranked eighth-worst in team FIP.

Notable performances from the past two weeks include:

  • Pavin Smith: Hitting .286/.385/.905
  • Randal Grichuk: An impressive .385/.429/.923

Both players are widely available and could provide valuable contributions to your lineup this week.

Los Angeles Dodgers Hitters

  • The Dodgers also play seven games this week, starting with one against Atlanta.
  • This matchup features Max Fried, a pitcher you may want to avoid.
  • After Atlanta, the Dodgers will face the Miami Marlins, who have the fifth-worst FIP this season.
  • Their series wraps up against the Rockies, another opportunity to capitalize on weak pitching.

Highlighted players to consider include:

  • Tommy Edman: Strong performance with a .326/.356/.628 line.
  • Miguel Rojas: Solid stats with a .290/.371/.387 slash line, great for average or on-base percentage (OBP).

Chicago Cubs Hitters

The Cubs are also gearing up for a seven-game week. Here’s a breakdown of their matchups:

  • Starting with three games against the Oakland Athletics, holding the 12th-worst FIP.
  • Following that, they will face another weak pitching lineup from the other teams they encounter this week.

Look out for middle-of-the-road players who may not shine against better pitchers but could excel against these matchups. Monitor performances closely to make the most of these opportunities.

Hitters to Avoid This Week

While some matchups are favorable, certain players might face tougher challenges. Here are hitters to consider removing from your lineup this week:

Players to Bench

  • Hitters facing ace pitchers like Max Fried from Atlanta, who can dominate games.
  • Players matched up against teams with strong bullpens, limiting scoring chances.
  • Anyone riding a cold streak—look for alternatives who are hitting better recently.

Catcher Streaming Options

Finding a reliable catcher can be tricky in fantasy baseball. Streaming options could be your best bet, especially if your current catcher isn’t delivering results.

José Herrera—A Viable Option

  • Herrera has a batting line of .278/.263/.333 in two weeks.
  • While not offering much power, he can contribute significantly in matchups that allow hitters to shine.

If you’re in a deep league, consider adding Herrera to provide some stability to your catcher position this week.

Conclusion

As the fantasy baseball playoffs get closer, it’s really important to choose the right players to start and sit on your team. Keep an eye on how players are doing lately and who they will be playing against next. Changing your lineup can really help you do better in the playoffs. Remember, it’s all about giving yourself the best chance to win!

Brashna Kasi is a dedicated Sports Journalist with a background as a Fulbright Scholar and expertise in digital production. With a strong passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Brashna brings a dynamic approach to sports journalism, combining her academic experience and digital skills to produce compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.