Outlook Brayan Rocchio
Rocchio provides steady defense and speed for the first-place Guardians, but a recent slump at the plate limits his weekly appeal.
Rocchio has cooled off considerably over the last 14 days, batting just .171 with only six hits. Despite this slump, he remains the everyday shortstop for the first-place Guardians (39-33) and could see increased offensive pressure with star teammate Jose Ramirez recently landing on the injured list.
While his recent slide is disappointing, Rocchio's overall 2026 campaign has been a step forward, featuring a .274 average and 12 steals over 69 games. This is an improvement over his career baseline, though our season projection expects him to settle closer to a .236 average, indicating some regression is coming.
Cleveland plays six road games this week against Milwaukee and Houston. Rocchio faces several vulnerable starters like Robert Gasser (6.38 ERA) and Tatsuya Imai (6.43 ERA), but must also navigate tough matchups like Spencer Arrighetti (2.57 ERA). Given his current slump, he is a Sit in most formats.
Updated 12 hrs ago
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Outlook Nico Hoerner
Nico Hoerner's bat is ice-cold, but highly favorable home matchups offer bounce-back hope.
Nico Hoerner remains locked in as the Cubs' everyday second baseman, but his bat is freezing. Over his last 14 days, he has struggled to a .171 batting average with just one stolen base. His slump comes as the third-place Cubs (37-35) look to gain ground in the division.
Do not panic-sell, as this cold streak is a massive outlier. Our models project Hoerner to rebound toward his career norms, finishing with a .281 average and 30 stolen bases. His track record, including a .303 average last year, suggests positive regression is right around the corner.
The Cubs play six home games this week, starting against Colorado's vulnerable staff, including Michael Lorenzen and his 7.82 ERA. However, late-week matchups against Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease are much tougher. Given his deep slump, we advise you to Sit him until his timing returns.
Updated 12 hrs ago
