Be sure to check out our daily rankings of starting pitchers, hitter upgrades, and downgrades to help you make informed decisions for your fantasy baseball lineups, along with MLB betting tips. Game odds are provided by ESPN BET, and the fantasy advice is tailored for ESPN 10-team leagues that use standard scoring.
Note: This document will be periodically updated to reflect any overnight pitching changes or game postponements due to weather, in addition to the latest MLB game odds at the time of publication.
Get Ready for Championship Sunday
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Unfortunately, the most crucial slate for fantasy managers is the least significant for many major league managers. Last-minute roster changes can disrupt our decisions regarding hitters and pitchers, and even the players we select correctly may find themselves taken out early from the game.
A few games hold considerable importance as the final two spots in the National League remain uncertain and may not be resolved by Sunday. In that scenario, the Atlanta Braves will face the New York Mets on Monday. Should either of these matchups occur, they will count towards standard ESPN leagues.
Relevant matchups for Sunday include the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the San Diego Padres, the Mets taking on the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Braves playing against the Kansas City Royals. Interestingly, each team competing for a playoff spot is up against squads that have already secured postseason positions. The Padres, Brewers, and Royals are all set to begin their respective wild-card series on Tuesday, so if they field their regulars, it is likely for less than the full nine innings. As of now, Royals LHP Cole Ragans is scheduled to start on Sunday, but this is expected to change as Ragans is anticipated to be reserved for the wild-card opener.
Another pitcher expected to be removed or limited in his outing is Philadelphia Phillies RHP Aaron Nola. As the Phillies prepare for the National League Division Series next Saturday, Nola is likely to pitch in Game 2 on October 6. Consequently, he may only pitch a few innings to maintain his sharpness, which could exclude him from fantasy considerations.
Additional Information for Sunday
Fantasy Baseball Essentials
• Pitching projections: Next 10 days
• Hitter ratings: Next 10 days
• MLB depth charts for every team
• Player news wire with fantasy implications
Continuing the recent trend, all 15 games are scheduled to start between 3:05 p.m. ET and 3:20 p.m. ET. Make sure to check in.
Be sure to check this space on Sunday morning. All the changes made public on Saturday will be reflected in the pitching grid and discussed in the notes.
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Two pitchers who are unlikely to be scratched from the lineup are Mets LHP David Peterson (23.9% rostered in ESPN leagues) and Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (24.6% rostered). Both are pitching for their teams’ playoff aspirations. It is anticipated that they will each face weakened lineups, as the Brewers and Padres focus on their playoff opener on Tuesday. Peterson is favored over Pfaadt, as the Brewers struggle against left-handed pitchers even when healthy. However, Pfaadt also remains a viable option since he will be up against a Padres lineup featuring several veterans who may benefit from a rest before Tuesday.
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New York Yankees RHP Clarke Schmidt (35.1%) ranks as the top streaming option. With the Yankees having secured a first-round bye, some of their regular players might see limited plate appearances, but Schmidt is set to pitch without restrictions. He is lined up as the team’s fourth starter and will not pitch again for more than a week. Schmidt will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose offense has recorded the third-fewest runs per game in September, largely due to a high strikeout rate.
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Ranking just below Schmidt is Tampa Bay Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (45.6% rostered), who will be starting at home against the Boston Red Sox. Both teams are merely fulfilling the remainder of the season, with the Red Sox likely sending RHP Quinn Priester to the mound, having shut down both RHP Brayan Bello and RHP Tanner Houck. Pepiot is particularly attractive for fantasy managers in need of strikeouts, having tallied 137 strikeouts in 126 innings, while the Red Sox have been among the league leaders in strikeouts throughout the season.
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Next are two rookies competing at Oracle Park: San Francisco Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (6.0% rostered) and St. Louis Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy. Birdsong has the advantage due to his greater major league experience and home-field advantage, but McGreevy faces a lineup with a higher strikeout rate. Thus, the choice between these two pitchers depends on specific needs: Birdsong offers more safety in ratios, while McGreevy has a higher strikeout potential.
Starting pitcher rankings for Sunday
Pitchers are ranked according to their projected fantasy points (FPTS) in the Forecaster/Daily Notes, which uses ESPN’s standard scoring system (2 points for a win, -2 for a loss, 3 points per inning, 1 point per strikeout, -1 point for each hit or walk allowed, and -2 points for each earned run allowed).
T: The pitcher’s handedness. OPP: Opposing team. RST%: The percentage of ESPN leagues in which the pitcher is rostered. W% indicates the team’s win probability using ESPN projections, IP represents innings pitched, ER shows earned runs allowed, and K signifies strikeouts.
If a team
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Ezequiel Tovar (COL, SS — 27%) facing Landon Knack
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Charlie Blackmon (COL, RF — 10%) up against Knack
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Gavin Lux (LAD, 2B — 11%) going against Ryan Feltner
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Brenton Doyle (COL, CF — 43%) matched against Knack
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Andy Pages (LAD, CF — 3%) competing with Feltner
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Wyatt Langford (TEX, LF — 50%) taking on Jack Kochanowicz
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Ryan McMahon (COL, 3B — 41%) facing off against Knack
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Enrique Hernandez (LAD, SS — 2%) challenging Feltner
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Michael Toglia (COL, 1B — 8%) up against Knack
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Giancarlo Stanton (NYY, RF — 28%) set to face Bailey Falter
Underperforming Hitters Over 50% Rostered for Sunday
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Brent Rooker (OAK, RF — 89%) facing Logan Gilbert
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Isaac Paredes (CHC, 3B — 79%) going against Hunter Greene
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Brice Turang (MIL, 2B — 67%) matched up with David Peterson
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Dansby Swanson (CHC, SS — 64%) against Greene
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Seiya Suzuki (CHC, RF — 76%) set to face Greene
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Maikel Garcia (KC, 3B — 56%) up against Charlie Morton
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Nico Hoerner (CHC, 2B — 91%) competing with Greene
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Spencer Steer (CIN, 1B — 93%) facing Caleb Kilian
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Jeremy Pena (HOU, SS — 54%) going against Nick Sandlin
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Triston Casas (BOS, 1B — 51%) matched up with Ryan Pepiot
THE BAT X’s Top Stacks for Sunday
Navigating the Final Fantasy Baseball Weekend: Key Pitching and Hitting Insights for Championship Sunday
Understanding the Landscape of Championship Sunday
As the final weekend of fantasy baseball approaches, the pressure intensifies for managers vying for a championship. The last few days of the regular season can determine the outcome of your fantasy league, making it crucial to optimize your lineups with the right pitching and hitting strategies. In this article, we’ll delve into essential insights to help you navigate Championship Sunday successfully.
Pitching Insights for Championship Sunday
Pitching is often the cornerstone of fantasy baseball success. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Matchup Analysis
Examining pitcher matchups is critical. Look for favorable alignments where your pitchers face weaker offensive teams. Utilize the following factors:
- Opponent’s Batting Average: Target teams with low batting averages against right or left-handed pitchers.
- Strikeout Rates: Favor pitchers with high strikeout rates, especially against teams that strike out frequently.
- Home/Away Splits: Some pitchers perform significantly better at home or on the road. Analyze these trends.
2. Starting Pitching Choices
On Championship Sunday, starting pitching decisions can make or break your lineup. Consider these top options:
| Pitcher | Matchup | Fantasy Projection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Scherzer | vs. Weak Offense | 30 points | High strikeout potential |
| Gerrit Cole | vs. Average Offense | 25 points | Consistent past performance |
| Shane Bieber | vs. Low Strikeout Team | 20 points | Solid ERA at home |
3. Relievers and Closers
Don’t overlook the value of relievers and closers who might secure saves over the weekend:
- Look for potential save opportunities: Teams close to clinching playoff spots may lean on their closers more heavily.
- Check for health updates: Ensure your selected relievers are not dealing with injuries or fatigue as the season wraps up.
- Spotlight on Workload: Relievers who have had lighter workloads recently may be more reliable than those who have been overworked.
Hitting Insights for Championship Sunday
While pitching is paramount, hitting plays a crucial role in scoring. Here’s how to optimize your lineup:
1. Targeting Matchups
Just like pitchers, hitters thrive against certain matchups. Consider the following:
- Pitcher Handedness: Analyze your hitters based on whether they’re facing left or right-handed pitchers.
- Ballpark Factors: Some stadiums favor hitters, particularly those known for high home run rates.
- Recent Performance: Hot hitters can continue their streak against weaker pitching, so prioritize players on a hot streak.
2. Lineup Construction
Strategically constructing your lineup is essential. Here are some tips:
- Balance Power and Contact: Include players with both power (home runs) and those who can consistently get on base.
- Use Streaming Options: If you have available roster spots, consider streaming players who have favorable matchups.
- Pay Attention to Injuries: Check for last-minute injury updates that might affect your lineup, especially on Championship Sunday.
Benefits of Researching Matchups
Investing time in researching matchups can yield significant benefits for your fantasy team:
- Informed Decisions: Knowledge of player performance against specific teams can guide your lineup choices.
- Increased Performance: Strong matchups often translate to higher fantasy points, boosting your chances of winning.
- Competitive Edge: Understanding trends provides a competitive advantage over your league mates.
Case Studies: Successful Championship Sundays
Looking at past performances can provide valuable insights:
Case Study 1: The Power of the Stream
Last season, one fantasy manager won their league by streaming a lesser-known pitcher facing a weak offense. This pitcher exceeded expectations, securing a win and a high strikeout total, leading to a championship victory.
Case Study 2: Hot Hitters
Another manager clinched the title by leveraging hot hitters. By picking up players who had been performing well, even in the final weekend, they maximized their scoring potential and outperformed the competition.
First-Hand Experience: Lessons Learned
As a fantasy baseball manager, I’ve learned that the final weekend can be unpredictable. Here are some personal insights:
- Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy based on last-minute news about injuries or lineup changes.
- Enjoy the Process: Remember to have fun; the thrill of Championship Sunday should be an exciting culmination of your hard work throughout the season.
- Engage with the Community: Interacting with other fantasy players can provide additional insights and tips that you might not have considered.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Chances on Championship Sunday
By focusing on key pitching and hitting insights, analyzing matchups, and learning from past experiences, you can navigate the final weekend of fantasy baseball with confidence. Utilize these strategies to optimize your lineup and secure that championship win!
