Outlook Jonathan Aranda
Jonathan Aranda's elite season hit a speed bump last week, but his secure everyday role in Tampa Bay's lineup keeps him firmly in play.
The first-place Rays (37-25) lead the AL East despite a two-game skid. Aranda has been a catalyst, batting .279 with four homers over his last 30 days. He slumped to a .091 average last week with 10 strikeouts, but his starting role at first base is completely secure.
This recent slump shouldn't panic managers. Aranda's overall .270 average and 11 homers in 62 games align well with his breakout .316 mark from 2025. Backed by an excellent .389 OBP and a projected .257 rest-of-season average, his plate discipline ensures his power-hitting profile remains sustainable.
The Rays play six games this week, facing Boston at home before visiting the Angels. While he faces tough matchups early against Payton Tolle (2.66 ERA) and Connelly Early (3.26 ERA), a weekend date with Grayson Rodriguez (10.00 ERA) offers a soft landing. Our model projects a .301 average this week, making him a recommended Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee seeks to bust out of an average slump as a defensive shift to third base keeps his bat in the daily lineup.
Lee is in a deep funk at the plate, batting just .107 over the last seven days and .176 over the last 14 days. Despite his struggles, he remains a fixture in the lineup for the third-place Twins (30-37) while transitioning defensively from shortstop to third base.
While his recent .186 batting average over the last 30 days is discouraging, his power has spiked with four home runs over his last 14 games. Our models project him to settle near a .245 batting average with 10 home runs by season's end, suggesting his current contact issues are a temporary slump rather than a permanent regression.
Minnesota has six games scheduled, including matchups against Detroit's Troy Melton (1.74 ERA) and St. Louis's Kyle Leahy (4.42 ERA). Because of his current cold streak and a mix of difficult matchups, he is best left on fantasy benches this week. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
