Outlook Ian Happ
Ian Happ continues to provide elite table-setting value for the surging Cubs, pairing high on-base numbers with significant run-scoring potential.
Happ remains the everyday left fielder for the second-place Cubs, who are riding a four-game win streak with a 44-37 record. Over the last week, he has been a master of patience, posting a .417 on-base percentage and crossing the plate six times. Although the home runs have dipped lately, his role as a primary table-setter is secure.
While his .229 season average is low, his .263 mark over the past month is a much better indicator of his form. With 16 home runs already, Happ is set to easily surpass our 18-homer projection. His elite walk rate and historical consistency suggest he will remain a top-tier source of runs and OBP regardless of occasional power droughts.
The Cubs finish the week with a tough road series in Milwaukee. Happ faces a trio of aces in Jacob Misiorowski (1.45 ERA), Kyle Harrison (2.50 ERA), and Brandon Woodruff (2.50 ERA). Despite facing these high-start percentage pitchers with elite ratios, Happ’s ability to reach base and the volume of a three-game set keep him in fantasy lineups. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Elly De La Cruz
Game-Changing Talent Returns to the Lineup Following Hamstring Recovery
Elly De La Cruz was officially activated from the 10-day injured list on June 23 after recovering from a right hamstring strain. While his early return stats show a .143 average over his first two games back, this is a clear small-sample-size result as he shakes off the rust. The fifth-place Reds are currently riding a three-game losing streak, and his return to the everyday shortstop role is vital for their offensive production.
Under the hood, De La Cruz was enjoying a breakout before the injury, slashing .276 with 12 home runs and 10 steals in 60 games. Our models remain highly optimistic for the rest of the season, projecting him to finish with roughly 25 home runs and over 30 stolen bases. Given that his strikeout rate has improved since his rookie campaign, his current production levels appear sustainable provided his hamstring issues don't resurface.
The Reds finish the week with a three-game road series against the Pirates. While facing Paul Skenes and his 2.86 ERA tonight is a daunting task, the remaining matchups against Jared Jones (5.75 ERA) and Mitch Keller (5.20 ERA) are extremely favorable for a power-speed threat of his caliber. Despite the slow few days since his return, his ceiling is too high to ignore. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
