Outlook Maxwell Muncy
Maxwell Muncy remains sidelined with a hand fracture but approaches a mid-June return window
Maxwell Muncy has not played recently while recovering from a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand, an injury that has kept him out since late April. The third-place Athletics (31-34) have had to adapt, deploying Zack Gelof as the primary option at third base in Muncy's absence.
Prior to landing on the injured list, the 23-year-old infielder was batting .239 with two home runs over 26 games. Our models project a solid .250 average with eight home runs and five steals the rest of the way, which would represent a nice step forward from his .214 rookie campaign in 2025.
The Athletics are scheduled for six home games this week against the Brewers and Rockies. However, because Muncy is still completing his rehabilitation and targets a mid-June return, fantasy managers must leave him on the bench or in an IL slot for now. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Michael Busch
Michael Busch's bat is heating up at the perfect time as the Cubs embark on a crucial road trip.
Busch has been swinging a hot bat, hitting .306 with a sterling .414 OBP over his last 14 days, which recently featured a dramatic walk-off hit. The fourth-place Cubs rely heavily on him as their primary first baseman, especially with Tyler Austin currently sidelined on the injured list. He is locked into everyday playing time and producing solid run-production numbers.
While Busch's six home runs this year show a drop in power compared to his career-high 38 last season, his outstanding walk rate and recent surge suggest his luck is turning. Our projections call for 18 homers by season's end, and this recent hot streak looks like a genuine step toward that mark. Expect his underlying power metrics to continue correcting upward.
Busch is lined up for six road games this week, starting with three incredibly friendly matchups at Coors Field against Colorado pitchers, including Michael Lorenzen and his 8.33 ERA. With three more games in San Francisco against highly vulnerable arms, Busch's RBI potential is sky-high. Lock him in as a strong start this week.
Updated 1 day ago
