Monday's MLB slate offers limited pitching options for fantasy managers, with the Cardinals-Reds doubleheader standing out as a key opportunity to maximize lineup value and gain an edge in standard 10-team leagues
Fantasy baseball managers face a challenging Monday with a shortened MLB schedule and few reliable pitching options. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds doubleheader at Great American Ball Park stands out as the day's most significant opportunity for those looking to gain an edge in standard 10-team leagues. With limited streaming choices, the focus shifts to maximizing at-bats and targeting players likely to see increased playing time.
Among available pitchers, Brandon Young of the Baltimore Orioles is the highest-ranked streaming candidate, but his underlying metrics suggest caution. While Young's 3.33 ERA appears strong, advanced stats such as a 4.42 xFIP and 4.50 SIERA indicate potential regression. Facing the Tampa Bay Rays, who tend to put the ball in play rather than strike out, Young's lack of strikeout upside and risk of home runs against the top of the Rays' lineup make him a speculative play. Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers is another option, largely due to the lack of alternatives. He faces a New York Mets team that, despite recent improvement, still ranks near the bottom of the league in weighted on-base average (wOBA) against right-handed pitching for the season.
Andre Pallante of the Cardinals may offer the most upside among streaming pitchers, even though his 17.1% strikeout rate is modest. The Reds have struggled against right-handed pitching, posting the highest strikeout rate and second-lowest wOBA in the majors in those matchups. With the doubleheader format, there's also a chance the Reds rest regulars in one of the games, potentially improving Pallante's outlook. Still, the overall lack of strong pitching options means fantasy managers may be better served by prioritizing a full lineup of hitters and seeking pitching upgrades later in the week.
On the hitting side, the Cardinals are closer to a playoff spot and more likely to use their regulars in both games of the doubleheader. This increases the appeal of streaming St. Louis bats, especially those widely available in ESPN leagues. Joshua Baez, who recently hit three home runs in his major league debut, remains unclaimed in over half of leagues. Ivan Herrera, Nathan Church, and Masyn Winn are also worth monitoring for potential double-duty. For the Reds, the likelihood of facing both a righty and a lefty starter reduces the odds that any one hitter will play both games, but JJ Bleday, Eugenio Suarez, Dane Myers, and Noelvi Marte are among the best bets for increased playing time.
According to MLB data for the 2024 season through June, the Cincinnati Reds have struck out in 27.2% of their plate appearances against right-handed pitchers, the highest rate in the majors. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have averaged 4.3 runs per game, ranking in the middle of the National League, but have shown improved offensive production in recent weeks as they push for a wild card berth.
Doubleheaders in Major League Baseball present unique challenges and opportunities for fantasy managers. Teams often rotate lineups to manage player fatigue, which can lead to unexpected starts for bench players and rest days for regulars. For fantasy purposes, targeting hitters likely to appear in both games can provide a significant boost in counting stats, while streaming pitchers in doubleheaders carries added risk due to variable matchups and bullpen usage. Understanding team motivations-such as playoff positioning-can help managers make more informed lineup decisions on days with limited options.
