Outlook Lars Nootbaar
Nootbaar Heating Up Since Returning From IL
Since his activation from the 60-day injured list, Nootbaar has been a spark for the Cardinals, batting .324 over the last two weeks with an elite .419 on-base percentage. He is locked in as the everyday left fielder for a St. Louis squad that holds a 42-36 record and sits third in the NL Central. His health appears fully restored, evidenced by both his spectacular defensive highlights and a significant uptick in his contact rates since his return.
Our data anticipated a .242 average for the season, but his recent .288 mark over the last 17 games suggests he is finding a much higher gear. While he has not homered in the last fortnight, his career-best walk rates and 10 free passes over the last 30 days are proof that his plate discipline remains an elite fantasy asset. Expect his power to return toward our 10-homer projection, but his high floor makes him a stabilizer for rosters in need of batting average and runs.
Looking at the remainder of the week, Nootbaar faces a tough challenge tonight against Max Meyer and his stingy 2.80 ERA. However, the matchup becomes much more favorable on Sunday against Tyler Phillips, who carries a 1.43 WHIP that plays right into Nootbaar's ability to reach base. Given the seven-game week and his current hot streak, he is a priority lineup option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Lars Nootbaar
Outlook Dominic Canzone
Dominic Canzone reaches career-high power milestone while anchoring Mariners lineup
Canzone continues to serve as the primary designated hitter for the first-place Mariners, who currently hold a 41-41 record despite a recent two-game losing streak. While he has hit a cold spell over the last seven days with just a .083 batting average, he recently swatted his 12th home run of the season to set a new career high. He remains a fixture in the heart of the order, benefiting from a relatively healthy Seattle roster that has avoided major blows to its primary hitting core.
Under the hood, Canzone's recent month-long surge of a .338 average and 1.121 OPS has been a massive boost to fantasy managers, though the recent cooling off suggests a return to his season baseline. Our data indicates his current home run pace has already doubled his preseason expectations, and while his .275 season average is an asset, his high strikeout rate and career history suggest he may settle closer to a neutral .250 hitter as the summer progresses.
The week concludes with a three-game series against the Guardians. Canzone draws favorable matchups against Joey Cantillo, who carries a 4.28 ERA, and Slade Cecconi, who has struggled with a 1.44 WHIP. While the finale against Gavin Williams is a tougher test, the everyday volume and the chance to exploit high-ERA starters in Cleveland make him a viable option for those needing power. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
