Outlook Michael McGreevy
Injuries Cloud Season-Long Playing Time and Draft Value for Díaz
Aledmys Díaz enters the season facing significant uphill battles regarding health and guaranteed playing time. Now on the injured list with a severe calf strain, the veteran infielder has no firm timeline for a return to a rebuilding Oakland squad. Prior to his injury, he was projected to slot in as a primary bench option and utility infielder behind the team's younger infield core. At 33 years old, his defensive versatility remains his primary path to the field, but physical durability has increasingly limited his ability to secure a consistent role.
When healthy, our models project Díaz to receive a modest 225 at-bats, yielding around five home runs, 23 runs, and 24 RBI. Historically a contact-oriented hitter, his projected .239 batting average and .290 on-base percentage reflect substantial degradation from his prime career numbers. Díaz is virtually a non-factor in the speed department, with our data projecting just one stolen base over his limited action. Fantasy managers should view his offensive profile as a batting average risk with minimal power upside, making him highly dependent on volume that may never materialize.
Given his current injury status and backup role on a projected bottom-tier team, Díaz does not warrant a selection in standard mixed-league drafts. His path to fantasy relevance requires both a full recovery and multiple injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. He should be left on the waiver wire in all but the deepest AL-only formats where utility depth is at an absolute premium.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Michael McGreevy
Outlook Zac Gallen
Struggling Gallen gets a two-start week to get back on track
Zac Gallen continues to search for his ace-level form for the second-place Diamondbacks, who currently sit at 34-31 in the NL West. Over his last 14 days, the staff anchor has struggled, posting an 8.10 ERA and 2.00 WHIP across 10 innings. Gallen remains the top option in Arizona's rotation, though a right shoulder contusion suffered in late April might still be lingering in terms of his overall command and velocity.
While Gallen's 5.89 ERA and 1.58 WHIP through 13 starts this year are highly concerning, our models project a rest-of-season rebound with a 4.14 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. His strikeout rate is the biggest red flag, as he is averaging just 6.17 strikeouts per nine innings this season compared to his career average near 9.0. However, given his track record as a ratio stabilizer, fantasy managers should preach patience rather than selling low on their former star.
Gallen is slated for a two-start week on the road, beginning Tuesday against Max Meyer and the Marlins before wrapping up Sunday against Andrew Abbott and the Reds. While both Miami and Cincinnati present decent matchup opportunities, our models project a tough week with an expected 6.71 ERA and 1.64 WHIP across 10.1 projected innings. Despite the risks, the two-start volume keeps him active as a fantasy Start.
Updated 2 days ago
