Outlook Nasim Nunez
Nasim Nunez provides elite category-winning speed for the surging Nationals
Nunez has been electric on the basepaths lately, recently becoming the first player in the majors to reach 30 stolen bases this season. Over his last 30 days, he has ignited the fourth-place Nationals—who currently hold a 45-43 record—by hitting .324 with 10 steals in 25 games. As the everyday starter at second base, his role is fully secure, and he continues to provide spectacular defensive value to a team fighting for a Wild Card spot.
While his season average of .229 is a near-exact match for our projection of .227, his recent .282 mark over the last two weeks suggests he is finding a much better rhythm at the plate. Our models expect his power to remain minimal, as he has just one home run on the year, but his 32 actual steals have already surged past our original season projection of 24. While his batting average may eventually settle closer to his career baseline, his elite speed makes him a high-floor asset in that specific category.
The Nationals conclude the week with a three-game home stand against the Pirates, offering several opportunities to run. Nunez faces a favorable matchup on Friday against Mitch Keller and his 5.15 ERA, and another exploitable game on Sunday against Bubba Chandler, who enters with a 1.38 WHIP. While Saturday's game against Braxton Ashcraft is more difficult, Nunez’s ability to change a game with one walk and a stolen base makes him an essential lineup piece for speed-needy managers. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
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Outlook Lawrence Butler
Lawrence Butler flashes power-speed upside while anchoring injury-depleted Athletics lineup
Butler has been a significant bright spot for the 41-46 Athletics lately, slashing .279 over his last 30 games with two home runs and two stolen bases. While the fourth-place Athletics have been decimated by injuries to cornerstone bats like Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom, Butler has stepped up as the everyday starter in right field. His presence has been a vital catalyst for an offense currently riding a one-game win streak while trying to climb the AL West standings.
Though his .201 season batting average is still a drag on his overall fantasy value, his recent performance is much more in line with our expectations and his 22-homer breakout from 2024. His .773 OPS over the last month indicates that his early-season slump is likely behind him. With our models projecting a rest-of-season average closer to .241, Butler remains a prime candidate for continued statistical growth as his contact quality normalizes.
The Athletics have a three-game weekend set at home against Miami remaining this week. Butler will face Tyler Phillips on Friday, who carries a solid 3.13 ERA but a hittable 1.36 WHIP, followed by matchups against Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, who both enter with ERAs over 4.20. With his everyday role secured following the Rooker injury and his power-speed mix starting to manifest, he is a strong deep-league streamer. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
