RADIO
It's now Week 15 in the fantasy baseball world. We took a week off last week as I went on a trip to golf a full 90 holes in three days while battling the Phoenix heat (and my insatiable need to slice every single drive of mine to incredible lengths until it rolled into the desert and became snake food). Much like my purple-pinstriped baseball team, I never really stood a shot. But I'm still here. I'm still standing, I'm still strong!...sort of. But let's get to it.
In this article, we'll go over some of the trends we're seeing with platoon hitters, notable playing time changes, and batting order notes. We'll focus on a couple of players for each section and provide some added depth and insight to help you build your lineup.
If there are players who you'd like to see covered or discussed that fit any of the criteria below, feel free to hit me up! Now, let's get to it.
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Platoon Player Updates for Fantasy Baseball
Dominic Canzone - OF, Seattle Mariners
Lefties who platoon vs. righties. This is the formula we're looking for. Canzone fits the bill as he platoons strictly vs. righties, never starting a game against a left-handed starter. This lefty was solid for the Mariners in June, hitting for a 123 wRC+ in 64 PA.
Dominic Canzone goes deep and the Mariners have a 7-0 lead in Miami pic.twitter.com/I6jZVDVxE0
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 22, 2024
On the season, his .303 wOBA and .316 xwOBA tells us there's a little positive regression heading his way, too, giving him some more upside. Fantasy managers should consider picking him up and adding him to their bench. DFS players should target Canzone on the road against righties, a situation where he's hitting for a 153 wRC+.
Willie Calhoun - DH, Los Angeles Angels
Thanks to a delayed debut this season, Calhoun has been a solid contributor for the Angels with a 113 wRC+ against righties. He'll get a start against lefties every now and then for some left-on-left action, but he's significantly better in his platoon role against righties.
when there's a Will(ie) there's a way!#RepTheHalo pic.twitter.com/GSZFBqJKCm
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 28, 2024
Calhoun is not a guy you're expecting to leave the yard consistently with only two bombs on the season, but he's been consistent. And when it comes to the luck factor, his .319 wOBA and .327 xwOBA point toward a slight bit of positive regression heading his way. He's worth stashing on the bench for fantasy managers in a pinch. DFS managers should target Calhoun in home games against righties where he has a 148 wRC+ on the season.
Other platoon names to keep an eye on:
Ryan O'Hearn - 1B, Baltimore Orioles
Tyler Soderstrom - 1B, Oakland A's
Playing Time Updates for Fantasy Baseball
Kody Clemens - 1B, Philadelphia Phillies
It's big shoes to fill when a perennial MVP candidate goes down, but that's what Kody Clemens is attempting to do after Bryce Harper strained his hamstring. It's expected to be a short stint for Harper, but there may still be some short-term value with Clemens. The lefty has a hit in four of the five games he's filled in for Harper with two doubles.
Kody Clemens is mashing pic.twitter.com/6B54Qaviaw
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 19, 2024
At a 131 wRC+ on the season, Clemens has been hitting effectively in rather limited time. However, his .352 wOBA is paired with a .285 xwOBA and negative regression will hit him hard. Clemens should be worth the add in Harper's absence, but once Harper is back, Clemens will be relegated back to being a bench option for the Phils. Add him if you're in a pinch, but otherwise you may find other options on the waiver wire that will have a lengthier stay on your roster.
Daniel Schneemann - SS, Cleveland Guardians
It's not every day that you're likely scrambling to find a replacement in your lineup for Will Brennan after he goes down with a rib injury, but here we are. Schneemann has been very solid at the plate this season, hitting for a 145 OPS+ in 76 PA.
DANIEL SCHNEEMANN SAID GOODBYE. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Y75hOgiwXP
— BIGPLAY (@BIGPLAY) July 2, 2024
With a .369 wOBA and a .352 xwOBA on the season, there's a little negative regression coming Schneemann's way. But a .352 xwOBA still puts him in the 81st percentile and is very, very respectable. Find a way to add Schneemann into your lineup to capitalize on his hot streak. DFS managers should look at targeting Schneemann against righties on the road.
Other names to keep an eye on who are now receiving more playing time:
Miguel Rojas - SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ildemaro Vargas - 3B, Washington Nationals
Batting Order Changes for Fantasy Baseball
Jorge Soler - DH, San Francisco Giants
After spending most of the season hitting in the middle of the order for the Giants, Soler has started to heat up for the Giants. With an .845 OPS in June, Soler got bumped into the leadoff spot starting on June 28.
Jorge Soler solo shot to cut into the Braves' lead! pic.twitter.com/oswpAxtvwS
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 3, 2024
With a .314 wOBA and a .319 xwOBA, Soler's results are fairly true with a touch of potential positive regression coming. Fantasy managers that are able to snag Soler off the waiver wire should snag him immediately. If he's on your bench, find a way to get him in your lineup. DFS managers should target Soler against lefties at home, a situation where he's hitting for a 152 wRC+.
Wilyer Abreu - OF, Boston Red Sox
With Boston's lineup finally starting to get healthy again, there's been some toggling of the lineup. Generally, Abreu has been hitting in the two hole, but on Thursday, he was placed into the five hole. He's had spot starts in the middle of the lineup, but there may be a chance he's going to stay lower as he's hit for a .656 OPS since he's come back from injury, well below his .806 OPS on the season.
You don't need to worry about him from a fantasy perspective if he's on your roster. The AL Rookie of the Year candidate is still a solid fantasy option, but he does have a concerning gap between his wOBA (.349) and his xwOBA (.312). Negative regression is coming, just be prepared for it.
Other players to keep an eye on for batting order changes:
Andy Pages - OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Michael Toglia - 1B, Colorado Rockies
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