Outlook Troy Johnston
Troy Johnston is hitting for a high average and showing decent speed, making him a solid option in deeper leagues.
Johnston has been red-hot of late, batting .348 over his last seven days with two runs and four RBI. He is locked into an everyday outfield role for the last-place Rockies, who are currently on a four-game losing streak. With Tyler Freeman dealing with a head injury, Johnston's playing time remains highly secure.
While his current .314 batting average is impressive, our models project some regression toward a .257 mark rest-of-season. His lack of over-the-fence power—having hit only two home runs this year—caps his fantasy ceiling. However, his elite contact skills and speed chip-ins make his high-average profile sustainable for now.
Colorado has a six-game slate this week, featuring three home matchups against Cubs pitchers with ERAs over 4.70. Over the weekend, he faces Oakland's staff, including a tough Gage Jump but a friendlier matchup against Jeffrey Springs. Given his hot hand and favorable matchups, he is a solid play in deeper leagues. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead's recent power surge has secured him everyday playing time, making him an intriguing starting option.
Curtis Mead is swinging a hot bat, hitting .279 with four home runs and 11 RBI over his last 14 days. His excellent performance against right-handed pitching has earned him everyday playing time, slotting in as the primary starter at third base while providing depth at first and second. This offensive surge is a massive lift for a Washington club that currently sits at 33-33 and third in the NL East.
While Mead only hit five home runs total over his first three major league seasons, his 2026 campaign features a sudden breakout with nine home runs in 51 games. Our rest-of-season models project him to add another 10 long balls with a solid .307 on-base percentage. Given his stellar minor league track record, the power jump looks legitimate, even if his batting average eventually regresses toward his projected .238 mark.
The Nationals play six games this week, starting with a road trip to San Francisco before returning home to host Seattle. Mead enjoys excellent matchups against struggling starters Adrian Houser (5.71 ERA) and Luis Castillo (5.53 ERA), though matchups against Bryce Miller (1.33 ERA) and Emerson Hancock (2.80 ERA) will test him. With his everyday role locked in, he remains an excellent lineup option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
