Outlook Kyle Manzardo
Manzardo's Power Surge Offers Safe Haven for Short-Handed Guardians
Manzardo has flashed intriguing power over the last 14 days, batting .250 with two home runs, three runs, and four RBIs as Cleveland's primary first baseman. His steady presence in the lineup is vital for the first-place Guardians (41-37), who are currently trying to hold their division lead without superstar third baseman José Ramírez.
While his current .233 batting average and nine home runs on the year are a step back from his impressive 27-homer campaign in 2025, his plate discipline remains excellent. Our models project him to stabilize with a .236 average and nine more home runs over 475 projected at-bats, making his recent power stroke look like a real step forward rather than a fluke.
Cleveland has a six-game slate this week, starting with a highly favorable three-game road trip against Chicago's vulnerable pitching staff, including high-ERA starters Anthony Kay (4.76 ERA) and Erick Fedde (4.61 ERA). With prime matchups on the horizon and guaranteed playing time, he is in an ideal spot to produce. Verdict: Start.
Updated 10 hrs ago
Latest News Kyle Manzardo
Outlook Jacob Gonzalez
Rookie Jacob Gonzalez Slumping Heavily as Fill-In First Baseman
The second-place White Sox (39-37) continue to slot Jacob Gonzalez in as their primary first baseman with Munetaka Murakami sidelined by a hamstring strain. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old rookie has hit a major wall, going hitless over his last 12 at-bats and batting a dismal .071 over his last 14 days.
Through 17 career big-league games, Gonzalez is batting just .167 with a lone home run, failing to replicate his dominant Triple-A form where he hit .344 in May. While the underlying power that produced 19 minor-league home runs is real, his 15 strikeouts in 48 at-bats indicate he is struggling mightily with major-league breaking stuff.
Chicago faces a six-game homestand against Cleveland and Kansas City, drawing tough opposing starters like Parker Messick (2.77 ERA) and Tanner Bibee (4.03 ERA). Given his deep freeze at the plate and the impending early-July return of Murakami, the definitive verdict is to sit Gonzalez in all fantasy formats.
Updated 10 hrs ago
