It’s Sunday, so you know what that means! It’s time to take a look at the interleague matchups for the upcoming week and determine how it will affect our fantasy lineups. Which players are gaining or losing fantasy value this week? You’ll find that and more here at Fantasy Alarm!
We have a very light interleague schedule this week, with just two series and a total of five games. Both contests feature an American League team heading to a National League stadium, meaning that Boston and Cleveland will lose that luxury when they head to Atlanta and Pittsburgh respectively. Without further ado, let’s dive in to see who gains/loses any fantasy value in this week’s Interleague Impact!
Red Sox @ Braves (6/15-6/16)
No designated hitter for Boston in this two game set means that JD Martinez will play the outfield, left field specifically, meaning one of the Boston outfielders will be forced to the bench. Typically, Martinez serves as the DH, and then it’s commonly Alex Verdugo, Kike Hernandez and Hunter Renfroe in the outfield. Now, with Atlanta scheduled to throw one righty and one lefty, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hernandez sit against the righty, with Verdugo sliding over to center, and then Verdugo sitting against the southpaw.
Winners: No Major Winners
Losers: Alex Verdugo and Kike Hernandez (since they both likely sit one game)
Indians @ Pirates (6/18-6/20)
Cleveland should do whatever they can to get, and keep, Bobby Bradley in the lineup, but who knows if they’ll actually do such a thing. Bradley should play first base for at least two of these games, and then Josh Naylor can handle right field. However, Cleveland will likely rotate Bradley, Naylor and Owen Miller at first base, as well as Harold Ramirez and Naylor in right field. Bradley is mashing right now, but don’t be surprised if he acts more as a pinch-hitter, which is ludicrous by the coaching staff.
Winners: No Winners
Losers: No Losers