Outlook Dalton Rushing
Dalton Rushing Set for Busy Week Behind the Plate with Will Smith Sidelined
With starting catcher Will Smith currently on the injured list with a neck strain, Rushing has assumed the primary backstop role for the first-place Dodgers (45-27). Though he has cooled off to a .167 average over the last week, his strong .313 mark and .421 on-base percentage over the last 14 days highlight his high-ceiling potential. Backup Chuckie Robinson will occasionally spell him, but Rushing remains the clear lead option for now.
Under the hood, Rushing's current season line of .269 with eight home runs in 40 games far outpaces our modest projection of a .227 average and 10 total home runs. While his elevated strikeout rate invites some regression, his excellent plate discipline and status in a potent lineup suggest he can sustain a much higher fantasy floor than his career baselines indicate.
The Dodgers host a six-game slate this week, starting with a challenging three-game series against Tampa Bay's tough arms, including Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan. However, things open up over the weekend against Baltimore, where Rushing will face highly vulnerable starters Trey Gibson (5.91 ERA) and Trevor Rogers (6.40 ERA). Given the guaranteed volume at a scarce position, Rushing is a clear Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Taylor Ward
Ward Offers Elite OBP Floor with Room for Power Rebound
Taylor Ward enters his debut season with the Baltimore Orioles in an enviable fantasy position. Settling in as the team's everyday starting left fielder, the 32-year-old veteran is locked into a prominent role in a highly productive lineup. After several solid seasons with the Angels, Ward's transition to a competitive Baltimore roster should afford him plenty of run-scoring opportunities, especially if he continues to secure plate appearances near the top of the batting order.
According to our projections, Ward is expected to log 554 at-bats, yielding a .240 batting average, 17 home runs, and 44 RBIs. While these power numbers represent a step back from his career-high 36 homers in 2025, his underlying metrics remain highly encouraging. Ward is projected to draw 72 walks, supporting a solid .328 on-base percentage. If his game power corrects closer to his historical standards, his slugging potential could easily exceed our baseline .440 expectation.
With an ADP sitting around 128, the fantasy market is pricing Ward as a reliable, mid-tier starting outfielder. Given his outstanding plate discipline and secure everyday role, he serves as an exceptionally safe floor play for managers, particularly in leagues that favor on-base percentage over standard batting average.
Updated 1 day ago
