Outlook Ryan Kreidler
Kreidler Surges with Elite Batting Average as Every-Day Starter
Kreidler has emerged as a massive bright spot for the third-place Twins, who are currently 38-44 and looking to snap a frustrating three-game losing streak. Over his last seven days, he has torched opposing pitching for a .421 average with six RBI and a .450 OBP, solidifying his role as the everyday shortstop and primary backup in center field. His ability to limit strikeouts recently has allowed his contact skills to finally translate into consistent run production.
This breakout 2026 campaign is a complete reversal of his previous career trajectory; he currently sports a .281 average and four home runs after years of struggling to hit above .150. While his recent .421 clip is an unsustainable peak, his significant improvement in plate discipline and power—highlighted by a 438-foot blast earlier this season—suggests he has finally evolved into a reliable fantasy contributor. We expect some regression, but his floor is much higher than in previous seasons.
The remainder of the week offers a goldmine of matchups against a Colorado rotation struggling with immense consistency issues. He faces Michael Lorenzen and his bloated 7.33 ERA on Saturday, sandwiched between matchups against Tomoyuki Sugano and Ryan Feltner, both of whom carry ERAs above 4.60. With three games at home against these vulnerable arms and a lack of high-velocity threats in the opposing bullpen, he is a primary fantasy target for the weekend. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Ryan Kreidler
Outlook Chase DeLauter
Chase DeLauter remains sidelined on the injured list as the first-place Guardians navigate a difficult stretch without their rookie spark plug.
DeLauter is currently out of action due to a right rib contusion that has kept him on the shelf since mid-June. Before the injury, the young outfielder was cooling off from his historic season-opening power surge, though he still managed a respectable .288 batting average over his last 14 active appearances. The first-place Guardians are also currently dealing with the absence of Jose Ramirez, leaving the lineup significantly thinner during this important divisional stretch.
While the buzz surrounding the rookie was deafening in April, our models suggest a period of stabilization was already underway before the injury. After matching rookie home run records early, DeLauter failed to go deep in his last 52 at-bats, resulting in a modest .308 slugging percentage over the last 30 days. Our season projection of 15 home runs indicates that while his power is legitimate, he is settling into a more realistic role as a productive mid-tier outfielder.
Looking at the remainder of the week, Cleveland faces a formidable Seattle rotation featuring Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, who both boast sub-1.35 WHIPs. Since DeLauter remains on the 10-day injured list and has not yet been cleared to return to his role in right field, he will provide no value in active lineups for the upcoming weekend set at Progressive Field. Keep him stashed in an IL spot, but he belongs on the bench for now. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
