Mallex Smith Is Hero Monday Versus Oakland; Brad Miller Is Fine
Mallex Smith was the offensive hero Monday versus the Athletics. In a 0-0 game in the 13th inning, he would drive in the only run of the game. Before the game, he had been moved up into the leadoff spot when Brad Miller was taken out of the starting lineup. Miller had been hit in the left eye off a ricochet off a batting net. He would come in off the bench later in the game, so he is likely fine going forward. He may have very little power, but Smith is batting .297 with 11 steals in 2018. Smith is a speedster who is batting well. Smith is not a major asset in shallow leagues, except as someone to rotate in if you need a fighting chance of a steal over the weekend to win a weekly head-to-head matchup. His value is going up very quickly, though.
Source: ESPN.com
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Source: ESPN.com
Brad Miller Goes Hitless In Rehab Outing Tuesday
Brad Miller (oblique) went 0-for-2 while playing first base in a rehab outing for Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday night. Despite the hitless effort, Tuesday marked a positive step for Miller after he injured his right oblique taking swings in the batting cage on June 2, which led to an injured-list stint, retroactive to May 31. Prior to his injury, Miller scuffled to a .208 average with one homer and a .637 OPS across 56 plate appearances on the season. The lefty-swinging Miller usually makes for a solid streaming/DFS option against right-handed pitching but owns a .635 OPS against right-handers this season.
Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers designated hitter Source: MLB.com
Brad Miller Out Of Lineup Sunday
Brad Miller will sit on Sunday against Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starter Bailey Falter. Miller was the DH and was the No. 8 hitter in the lineup in the first two games of the season. Those games were against right-handers Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. Miller will likely sit against most lefties this season and doesn't have a strong grip on the DH spot against righties, either. He should only be owned in deepest of leagues or AL-Only
Source: Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers outfielder Source: Texas Rangers
Brad Miller Expected To Play Against Right-Handers
Brad Miller, who hits left-handed, is expected to start in either left field or at designated hitter against right-handed pitchers in 2023. Miller dealt with several injuries last year, which likely contributed to his poor performance at the plate. The 33-year-old veteran slashed .212/.270/.320 with a .590 OPS, seven home runs, 32 RBI, 20 runs scored and four stolen bases in 241 plate appearances and 81 games in his first year in Texas. Six of his seven homers came against right-handers, though, and he's hit .243 with 106 of his 122 long balls in his career. Miller should have some usefulness in AL-only leagues if he's playing regularly against righties, but if he struggles early, the Rangers probably won't have a very long leash.
Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Texas Rangers outfielder Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Brad Miller Remains Out Against Tigers
Brad Miller remains on the bench on Friday against the Detroit Tigers. It will be Miller's third straight game starting on the bench for the Rangers. The 32-year-old veteran utility man has gone 8-for-33 (.242) with no home runs, three RBI, two runs scored and 11 strikeouts in 14 games this month. He'll take a seat against a left-hander in Tyler Alexander on Friday. In 79 games for Texas in 2022, Miller is slashing .212/.271/.323 with seven home runs, 32 RBI, 20 runs scored and four stolen bases as an option in much deeper fantasy leagues. Mark Mathias will serve as the designated hitter and will bat seventh against Alexander. Mathias has 31 plate appearances with the Rangers and Brewers this year, going 8-for-30 (.267) with two homers and 10 RBI.
Source: Baseball Press
Texas Rangers first baseman Source: Baseball Press
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