Outlook Matt McLain
McLain relegated to utility role amid deep mid-season slump and contact struggles
Matt McLain is currently mired in a deep slump, batting just .077 over the last seven days while racking up seven strikeouts in limited action. The fifth-place Reds are struggling as a whole, riding a three-game losing streak into the weekend series. This poor form has coincided with a shift in the team hierarchy, as McLain is now primarily serving as the backup at both second base and shortstop.
Looking under the hood, McLain’s season-long .196 batting average is significantly lower than our .239 projection and his previous career levels. While his three home runs and four steals over the last 30 days showcase his enticing power-speed potential, his lack of contact is a major concern. Without a clear path back to everyday at-bats, it is unlikely he will return to being a reliable five-category asset.
The remainder of the week features a difficult matchup against Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and his 2.86 ERA on Friday, followed by softer dates against Jared Jones and Mitch Keller. Although Jones and Keller both carry ERAs north of 5.20, McLain's sporadic playing time and high strikeout rate make him an impossible start in most fantasy formats. He is best left on the bench until his role stabilizes. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Cooper Pratt
Rookie Infielder Ignites Brewers' Offense with Elite Speed
State of the Union: Since his mid-June call-up, Cooper Pratt has established himself as a spark plug for the first-place Brewers, who currently lead the NL Central with a 49-29 record. While the official roster data lists him among a crowded group of middle infielders, recent activity confirms he has taken over as the primary shortstop. Over his first nine games, Pratt has hitting at a .259 clip and showcased league-winning wheels by swiping four bases, helping Milwaukee maintain a four-game winning streak.
Under the Hood (ROS): Our projection expected a .250 average with modest power, and Pratt has largely played to that script, though his speed has been far more aggressive than anticipated. He has yet to record an extra-base hit in the majors, which aligns with his career baseline as a contact-first hitter who relies on BABIP and his legs. While the lack of slugging limits his ceiling in points leagues, his elite sprint speed and 33.3% on-base percentage make him a legitimate 25-plus stolen base threat if he maintains this volume of playing time.
The Week Ahead & Verdict: The Brewers finish the week at home with a three-game set against the Cubs. The first-place Crew will face Colin Rea on Friday, a favorable matchup considering Rea’s 5.14 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Given that the remaining starters for Chicago have struggled with base-runner prevention, Pratt is in a prime position to pad his stolen base totals through the weekend. He is an immediate target for managers needing categorical help in speed. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
