• Table of Contents

  • Cubs vs Guardians Players to Avoid in Fantasy This Week
  • Understanding the Matchup
  • Cubs Players to Avoid
  • Guardians Players to Avoid
  • Key Statistics to Consider
  • Conclusion

Cubs vs Guardians Players to Avoid in Fantasy This Week

As the MLB season progresses, fantasy baseball managers are constantly evaluating their rosters to maximize their chances of success. With the Chicago Cubs facing off against the Cleveland Guardians this week, it’s crucial to identify which players may not be worth the investment in your fantasy lineup. In this article, we will explore key players from both teams that you might want to avoid, backed by statistics and recent performance trends.

Understanding the Matchup

The Cubs and Guardians are both vying for playoff positions, making this series particularly competitive. However, not all players are performing at their peak, and some may be more of a liability than an asset in your fantasy lineup. Here are some players to consider avoiding this week:

Cubs Players to Avoid

• Ian Happ (OF)

Happ has had a rollercoaster season, and his recent performance has been underwhelming.



. Over the last two weeks, he is batting just .200 with a .250 on-base percentage. His struggles against right-handed pitching, particularly against pitchers with high strikeout rates, make him a risky start this week.

• Patrick Wisdom (3B)

Wisdom has shown flashes of power but has been inconsistent at the plate. He is currently striking out in over 30% of his at-bats, which is concerning against a Guardians pitching staff that excels at limiting free passes. With a batting average hovering around .220, he may not be worth the risk this week.

• Marcus Stroman (SP)

Stroman has been a reliable pitcher for the Cubs, but he faces a tough matchup against the Guardians’ lineup, which has been hitting well lately. His ERA has ballooned to over 4.50 in his last five starts, and he has struggled to go deep into games. This week, it might be wise to bench him in favor of a more favorable matchup.

Guardians Players to Avoid

• Josh Naylor (1B/OF)

Naylor has been a solid contributor for the Guardians, but he is currently dealing with a minor injury that could limit his effectiveness. Additionally, he has been struggling against left-handed pitching, which could be a concern if the Cubs deploy their lefty starters. Monitor his status closely before making any lineup decisions.

• Amed Rosario (SS)

Rosario has been a consistent presence in the Guardians’ lineup, but his recent performance has dipped significantly. He is batting just .180 over the past two weeks, with minimal power numbers. Given the Cubs’ strong pitching staff, Rosario may not be the best option for your fantasy team this week.

• Triston McKenzie (SP)

McKenzie has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but he has also been prone to giving up home runs. Facing a Cubs lineup that can hit for power, he may struggle to keep the ball in the park. With an ERA over 5.00 in his last few starts, it might be best to look for alternatives in your pitching rotation.

Key Statistics to Consider

When evaluating players to avoid, it’s essential to consider various statistics that can impact their performance:

• Strikeout Rate: Players with high strikeout rates are often less reliable, especially against pitchers who excel at generating swings and misses.
• Recent Performance: A player’s last 10 games can provide insight into their current form. Look for trends in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
• Matchup History: Some players perform better or worse against specific teams or types of pitchers. Historical data can be a valuable tool in making lineup decisions.

Conclusion

As the Cubs and Guardians face off this week, fantasy managers must carefully consider which players to include in their lineups. By avoiding players like Ian Happ, Patrick Wisdom, and Marcus Stroman from the Cubs, as well as Josh Naylor, Amed Rosario, and Triston McKenzie from the Guardians, you can minimize risk and enhance your chances of success. Always keep an eye on player performance trends and matchups to make informed decisions. For more insights and updates, check out resources like FantasyPros.

In summary, staying informed and making strategic choices is key to navigating the complexities of fantasy baseball. Good luck this week!