Outlook Zach Neto
Zach Neto's scorching power-speed tear cements him as an everyday must-start
Neto is in the middle of a scorching hot streak, slashing .326/.408/.581 with three home runs over his last 14 days, including back-to-back monster games at Fenway Park. Even as the fifth-place Angels (56-90) sit eliminated from playoff contention, Neto is an undisputed centerpiece as the everyday starting shortstop. His run-producing form near the top of the order makes him indispensable.
With 25 home runs and 19 stolen bases on the year, Neto has shattered our season projection of 20 homers and five swipes. While his blistering .340 average over the last month will naturally regress toward his .244 career mark, his power-speed blend is completely genuine. He has firmly established himself as a reliable multicategory contributor down the stretch.
Following a Thursday off day, the Angels wrap up their road trip with three games in Washington. Neto faces a stiff test against Cade Cavalli (3.17 ERA) on Friday before capitalizing on softer matchups against Andrew Alvarez and Jake Irvin (5.42 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). Ride the hot hand and keep him locked into lineups. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Heriberto Hernandez
Heriberto Hernandez offers legit power amid batting average slump and brutal weekend matchups
Hernandez continues to serve as Miami's everyday left fielder, though his bat has cooled significantly during the third-place Marlins' (72-75) current three-game slide. Over his last 14 days, he is batting just .163, although he has managed four home runs and eight walks to sustain some fantasy value. Despite hitting his 24th homer on September 6, his all-or-nothing approach has resulted in 16 strikeouts across his past 13 contests.
Hernandez has blown past our models' season projection of five home runs, delivering 24 homers and 10 stolen bases through 115 games. However, his .225 season batting average and recent contact woes show that regression is taking a toll on his floor. His heavy strikeout tendencies mean the power output will always come with prolonged slumps, making him a volatile category specialist.
Looking ahead after going 1-for-12 against the Mets, Hernandez faces a difficult remaining three-game home set against the Dodgers. He draws formidable starters in Blake Snell (1.97 ERA) and Tyler Glasnow (3.12 ERA, 0.88 WHIP), who both excel at generating whiffs. Given the stifling pitching matchups and his current slump, keep him on the bench for the weekend. Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
