Outlook Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales battles knee soreness ahead of a demanding road trip
The third-place Pirates (32-28) are currently monitoring Nick Gonzales, who remains day-to-day after exiting a game late last week with left knee discomfort. When healthy, he is entrenched as the everyday starter at third base and has been a reliable contributor, though his bat has cooled slightly to a .255 average over his last 12 games.
While his current .303 season average represents a massive step forward from previous seasons, our models expect some regression toward his projected .259 baseline. His power has also dipped recently, with only one home run over his last 24 games, suggesting his hot start is beginning to level out.
Pittsburgh faces a tough six-game road trip against Houston and Atlanta, featuring matchups against tough arms like Spencer Arrighetti (1.34 ERA) and Spencer Strider. With Gonzales battling knee soreness and facing a gauntlet of premium pitching on the road, it is wise to keep him benched. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras is on fire at first base and enters a week of highly favorable matchups.
Willson Contreras is swinging an incredibly hot bat for the fifth-place Red Sox (25-33), carrying a superb .405 batting average over his last 14 days. With Triston Casas sidelined on the 60-day injured list, Contreras has fully locked down the everyday role at first base. Despite a routine rest day on Sunday, he remains healthy and acts as the undisputed focal point of Boston's offense.
Contreras is currently hitting .286 with 11 home runs, a noticeable step forward from his career .250 average. Our models project a rest-of-season pace closer to a .253 average and 18 homers. While his recent .405 surge is bound for regression, he should easily clear his pre-season expectations and remain a highly valuable corner-infield asset.
The Red Sox have a six-game slate ahead, opening with a highly favorable home series against Baltimore. Contreras will face vulnerable starters Shane Baz (4.50 ERA) and Trevor Rogers (6.84 ERA) before heading to New York to battle a tougher Yankees rotation. Given his current hot streak and the initial soft matchups, he is a locked-in option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 3 days ago
