Outlook Lars Nootbaar
Lars Nootbaar's return from the injured list provides immediate outfield power for the Cardinals.
Since being activated from the 60-day injured list, Nootbaar has reclaimed his everyday role in left field for the second-place Cardinals (38-31), who currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League. Over his first nine games back, he has hit two home runs with five runs scored, showing he is healthy and ready to produce despite a modest .219 batting average over that span.
While his brief 14-day sample has featured a low average, his .324 on-base percentage highlights his trademark plate discipline. Looking at his career metrics and our projection of a .331 OBP, Nootbaar's patient approach remains highly sustainable, and his batting average is expected to normalize closer to his established career baseline as he finds his rhythm.
The Cardinals have a six-game slate this week, starting at home against San Diego before traveling to Kansas City. Nootbaar draws several highly favorable matchups, including dates with Lucas Giolito and Griffin Canning, both of whom have struggled with elevated ERAs this season. Given his premium lineup slot and everyday playing time, Nootbaar should be locked into fantasy lineups.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Troy Johnston
Troy Johnston's red-hot bat makes him a must-play option for the upcoming week.
Johnston has been absolutely tearing it up over the last 14 days, posting a sparkling .348 batting average with one home run, seven runs, and 10 RBI for the last-place Rockies, who currently sit at 27-45. With outfielder Tyler Freeman sidelined on the injured list with a back issue, Johnston has solidified his role as the everyday starter in right field and is seeing consistent playing time.
While his current season average of .317 is a massive jump from his projected .257 rest-of-season mark, his elite approach against non-fastballs suggests a good chunk of this breakout is legitimate. However, expecting him to maintain a near-1.000 OPS is unrealistic; fantasy managers should prepare for minor regression toward his projected 4.1% home run rate and .311 OBP over the remaining months.
This week, Johnston has six games on tap, splitting time on the road against Chicago before returning home to Colorado. He draws several favorable matchups against vulnerable starters like Edward Cabrera (4.86 ERA) and Jared Jones (4.73 ERA), though he will have to face ace Paul Skenes (2.85 ERA) on Saturday. Given his elite form and excellent volume, he is a recommended weekly Start.
Updated 2 days ago
