Outlook Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales looks to snap out of a minor slump with an extremely favorable weekend series ahead at Coors Field.
Nick Gonzales has cooled off recently, batting just .212 over his last 14 days without a home run. However, he remains the primary third baseman for the 38-37 Pirates, who are riding a two-game win streak. With shortstop Oneil Cruz currently sidelined on the injured list, Gonzales's everyday role in the Pirates' lineup remains secure.
Despite the recent cold spell, Gonzales's overall 2026 performance is impressive, as he carries a .293 batting average that outpaces our projected .259 mark. While his power has dried up with only two home runs on the season, his career-best contact rates suggest that this current slump is a temporary bump in the road rather than a permanent regression.
With the early-week games in Oakland behind us, Pittsburgh heads to Colorado for a three-game weekend series. Gonzales will face highly vulnerable Rockies starters, including Kyle Freeland and Michael Lorenzen, who both carry ERAs over 7.00. This premier hitting environment makes him an excellent option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez remains an elite contact engine in San Francisco, posting stellar averages and driving the Giants' offense.
Playing as the everyday starter at second base, Arraez is absolutely locked in at the plate. Over his last 14 days, he is batting .346 with 18 hits and an impressive .910 OPS, helping the fourth-place Giants build a three-game winning streak despite several key injuries to the outfield. He continues to provide elite contact ability at the top of the lineup, completely undisturbed by recent trade rumors.
This hot streak is entirely real and fits perfectly with Arraez's career profile as a multi-time batting champion. While our models project a rest-of-season average of around .301, his current season mark sits at an outstanding .326. While he will never provide significant power—our models project just five home runs—his microscopic strikeout rate and elite on-base skills make him a premier source of batting average and runs.
The Giants finish their road trip with a tough matchup against Atlanta's Martin Perez (2.90 ERA) before heading to Miami for a three-game set, which includes facing Max Meyer (2.75 ERA). Despite facing these tough, low-ERA arms, Arraez's elite contact skills make him virtually matchup-proof. He remains a must-start option in all formats.
Updated 1 day ago
