Outlook Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton Shakes Off Injury with Historic Power Surge
Byron Buxton is back in action as the primary center fielder and leadoff hitter for the third-place Twins after a brief scare with a shoulder injury. He has not missed a beat since returning on June 9, launching two home runs in his first two games back. Over his last 30 days, the dynamic outfielder is slashing .260/.341/.589 with seven home runs and three stolen bases, helping spark a Minnesota squad looking to climb out of a six-game division deficit.
Buxton's 20 home runs through 57 games represent an elite power pace that vastly outstrips our modest 17-homer projection. While his historic slugging rate might see minor regression, his career-best 2025 season of 35 homers and 24 steals proves his ceiling remains sky-high when healthy. Fantasy managers should ride this hot streak, as his underlying metrics suggest he is locked in as a premier power-speed threat.
For the remainder of the week, the Twins play four games, starting with a road matchup in Detroit before returning home to face St. Louis. Buxton draws highly favorable matchups against back-end starters Kyle Leahy and Matthew Liberatore, who both carry ERAs over 4.40 and WHIPs above 1.50. Despite a tougher Sunday matchup, his locked-in leadoff role makes him an elite option. Start him with confidence.
Updated 11 hrs ago
Latest News Byron Buxton
Outlook Casey Schmitt
Casey Schmitt's power surge makes him a must-roster utility asset
Schmitt has been on a tear, swatting three home runs and driving in five runs over his last seven games for the fourth-place Giants. His elite defensive versatility has kept his bat in the lineup daily, especially with outfield injuries locking him in as an everyday starter.
While our models projected a modest eight home runs for the season, Schmitt has already blown past that with a career-high 15 longballs in 2026. His current .276 average is a substantial leap from his career mark of .237 in 2025, suggesting minor regression may lie ahead, but the breakout is largely legitimate.
The Giants finish their week at home against the Cubs, offering a mixed bag of matchups. Schmitt will face a tough test Friday against Ben Brown and his stingy 1.74 ERA, but Sunday brings an excellent opportunity against Colin Rea's 5.37 ERA. Weekly Verdict: Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
