Outlook Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. is battling a mild knee sprain amidst a spectacular offensive run.
Witt has been scorching hot, batting .395 with five steals over his last 10 games, but a Grade 1 MCL sprain suffered last week leaves his immediate status questionable. Although he remains the everyday shortstop on the active depth chart for the fifth-place Royals (32-46), his availability for the upcoming series is up in the air.
Our projections expect Witt to continue his stellar pace toward a .298 batting average with 27 home runs and 36 steals. While his high-end contact and power skills are entirely sustainable, fantasy managers should expect a temporary dip in stolen-base attempts once he returns to protect his knee.
The Royals travel for a seven-game road trip, starting with a challenging series against Tampa Bay's tough pitching—including Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan—before visiting the White Sox. Because his Grade 1 MCL sprain makes his playing time highly uncertain this week, the safest play in weekly locking leagues is to sit him.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Alec Burleson
Power-hitting first baseman Alec Burleson remains a locked-in fantasy option amid a career year.
Alec Burleson continues to anchor the offense for the second-place Cardinals, who currently sit at 41-34. Over his last 30 days, the primary first baseman has hit .280 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. Secure in his role as the everyday starter at first base, Burleson has remained healthy and highly productive, recently earning significant All-Star support.
Burleson's power output this year is much realer than conservative projections anticipated, as he has already slugged 13 home runs through 74 games. This puts him well on pace to surpass his career-high mark of 21 homers from 2024. Backed by a career-best .353 on-base percentage, his offensive gains are supported by outstanding plate discipline.
The Cardinals embark on a seven-game homestand, featuring matchups against Arizona and Miami. Burleson gets several favorable matchups, specifically facing vulnerable starters Merrill Kelly (5.81 ERA) and Zac Gallen (6.44 ERA). With our weekly projection forecasting a .295 average and nearly two homers, he remains an absolute must-play. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
