Outlook Brayan Rocchio
Rocchio's recent slump makes him a risky play despite secure everyday role
Brayan Rocchio remains the everyday shortstop for the second-place Guardians, who are looking to snap a four-game losing streak with a 37-33 record. While Gabriel Arias remains sidelined on the injured list, Rocchio has secure playing time but has struggled lately, hitting just .179 over his last 14 days with only one home run.
Although Rocchio's overall season numbers look strong with a .276 average and 11 stolen bases, his recent slump aligns closer to our modest season projection of a .236 average and .290 on-base percentage. Given his career .216 average in 2024, fantasy managers should expect some regression, as his hot start to the year appears to be cooling off.
For the remainder of the week, the Guardians host three home games against the Tigers starting Friday. Rocchio has a favorable matchup against Jack Flaherty and his 5.52 ERA, but faces a tougher test on Sunday against Troy Melton's tidy 2.81 ERA. With the bat cold and mixed matchups ahead, the smart move is to Sit him in standard formats.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Jordan Lawlar
Jordan Lawlar Nears Return as Rehab Shifts to Triple-A
Sidelined since early April with a broken right wrist, Jordan Lawlar has no recent major league games played. However, the elite shortstop prospect is making rapid progress, shifting his rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno as he targets a mid-June return. In his absence, the third-place Diamondbacks (34-33) have leaned on Geraldo Perdomo as their everyday shortstop.
Before the injury, Lawlar flashed his dynamic potential in six games, batting .333 with a home run and a steal. Our projections expect a rest-of-season line of eight home runs, seven stolen bases, and a .232 average over 151 at-bats. While the power-speed pedigree is elite, fantasy managers should anticipate some initial contact struggles upon his return.
Arizona wraps up a series in Miami before visiting Cincinnati this weekend to face Nick Lodolo and Rhett Lowder. Lawlar remains out of the major league lineup this week as he finishes his minor league ramp-up. Keep him stashed on your injured list for his high second-half upside. Verdict: Hold.
Updated 3 days ago
