Two games have been postponed as a major storm works its way to the Northeast. Wily Peralta (R), 14%, Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals: On one hand, there's not much exciting to be found in Peralta's profile. Good luck as well to season-long rotisserie and points leagues as Sunday provides an opportunity to fortify you lineup while competitors may be focused elsewhere. FREE to play! The Globe Life Field roof projects to be closed today, making conditions in this contest -8 colder than the average outdoor game on the slate - favorable for pitching. While Great American Ball Park is not kind to pitchers, the Reds have been the worst team in the National League against left-handed pitching this season, so the matchup overall is quite favorable. Fun. The speedy outfielder is prone to hot and cold stretches, but he's batting .333/.371/.583 in September, with multi-hit efforts in three of his past four games. Emmanuel Clase is Cleveland's primary closer, but he's available in only 20% of ESPN leagues. Note: Expected Value is a measure of how good a bet is, factoring the probability that it will win versus the odds the book is providing. Sunday offers the usual parade of matinees, topped off by Cleveland visiting the Los Angeles Angels in the ESPN primetime affair. Not only is the streaming pool deeper than normal but the top end is devoid of frontline aces, so your opponent doesn't have an ace in the hole. He doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify among the league leaders, but his 117 wRC+ is 11th among backstops with at least 90 trips to the dish. The 27-year-old southpaw doesn't have overpowering stuff, as his heater sits at just 90.5 mph, but he's shown solid control and has done a good job limiting hard contact. This was mentioned in Friday's notes, then the rookie launched two over the fence that evening. The Cubs are fanning at a 28% clip against righthanders over the second half so Hernandez should complete more whiffs on Sunday. You've come this far; don't let football take away from all your hard work. Glenn Otto has been unlucky with his strikeouts this year, putting up a 7.36 K/9 despite THE BAT estimating his true talent level to be 8.55 - a 1.18 K/9 deviation. As always, we'll be here for you through the end of the regular season. For the latest team-by-team closer situations, please consult our Closer Chart. Spencer Torkelson (49% rostered), Jonathan Schoop (43%), Jeimer Candelario (42%), Robbie Grossman (36%), Riley Greene (31%), Miguel Cabrera (7%) and Eric Haase (2%) are all in play against the veteran lefty. Player news wire with fantasy spin. Not only has Jax been hammered for a 6.13 ERA in the second half, but he's surrendered a .370 wOBA to left-handed batters. It's good to see September has been kinder to the freshman as Gilbert's 2.35 ERA and 1.11 WHIP this month indicates. Earlier in the week, the Rockies' Kyle Freeland took advantage of the league's weakest offense against southpaws with seven solid frames in loanDepot Park. In the ensuing 32 games, he picked things up, recoding a .325/.358/.474 line. Steven Brault (L), 3%, Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals: If Brault began the season by recording a 1.84 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in his first three starts, his rostership would be much higher. Fantasy baseball rookie report: Who deserves a cup of coffee? Outfield -- Jesus Sanchez (L), 15%, Miami Marlins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (RHP Max Kranick): Sanchez, on the other hand, is just 23-years-old, so his September exploits are helping him towards an everyday spot in the 2022 Marlins lineup. Fantasy baseball forecaster for Week 20: Aug. 23-29, How the weather should factor in your fantasy baseball lineup decisions, Writing on fantasy baseball game theory and player analysis since 1997, Winner of the 2013 Fantasy Sports Writer's Association Best Baseball Article. Sunday marks the last day of a Rockies homestand before they head out on a road trip, so it's your last chance to take advantage of Coors Field for a week. Shortstop -- Jose Iglesias (R), 6%, Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles (LHP Alexander Wells): Bobby Dalbec and Enrique Hernandez have shared the Daily Notes spotlight when the Red Sox face a lefty. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. Weighted on-base average (wOBA) is the primary statistic used in the calculation. Calculating Bill James game scores: A pitcher starts with 50 points, gets a point for each out, two points for each inning completed after the fourth, and one point for each strikeout. Andy Fletcher profiles as a Hitters Umpire and is expected to be behind the plate in this game. Pitchers are ranked in order of their Forecaster/Daily Notes projected fantasy points, using ESPN's standard scoring system (5 points per win, minus-5 per loss, 3 per inning, 1 per K, minus-1 apiece per hit or walk allowed, minus-2 per earned run allowed). The Blue Jays' righty appeared to be back on track, but surrendered three homers to the White Sox earlier this week. The Oakland Athletics have scored the second-fewest runs in the league, while the Kansas City Royals check in with the fourth fewest. Sunday marks the end of Playoff Round One in standard ESPN head-to-head leagues. The Oakland Athletics projected offense ranks as the worst on the slate today. Scott Barlow has been the main ninth-inning man for the Royals lately, collecting two saves over the past week. Thompson, one of the lowest-ranked hurlers on the slate, will have his hands full on Sunday. And of course, those needing stolen bases may still be able to grab Jon Berti (38%), who began July with a two-steal effort. Luzardo has a bright future, but this has been a lost season for the 23-year-old. Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. There isn't much by way of fantasy implications, though Royals starter Brady Singer (13% rostered in ESPN leagues) is in play for those trying to make up ground on the last day of the head-to-head week. Once regarded as one of the top hitting prospects in the minors, Lux finds himself in a great spot on Sunday, facing off against Mejia, who sports a 7.20 ERA over three starts this season. The lefty has a dozen whiffs with only two free passes in 14 2/3 innings. On Sunday, the clubs square off with Royals starter Brady Singer (11% rostered) having the edge on the Athletics' James Kaprielian (2%). Bullpen: Given, the primary focus should be on nailing down a win on Sunday, but if you're comfortably able to look ahead there is a doubleheader on Monday. T: The pitcher's handedness. Paolo Espino (R), 6%, Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies: Like Lauer, Espino is ending the season with a strikeout surge. MLB game odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is geared towards ESPN 10-team leagues with standard scoring. Fourteen of the day's 15 games are daytime affairs, with only the Yankees and Red Sox playing under the lights. THE BAT X expects Glenn Otto to have a pitch count in this matchup, projecting a maximum of 70 pitches. A couple of solid efforts in the Arizona Complex League do not erase Dallas Keuchel's struggles over the last couple of seasons, but they're enough to earn a start for the Diamondbacks against the Tigers. Wells facing the Twins on the road isn't ideal, but he's coming off a June with a 2.42 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, albeit with only 15 strikeouts in 26 innings. Consider Kaprielian only if you're desperate to make up ground in a head-to-head league. If you were to wager $1.00 100 times on a bet with an Expected Value of $25, you would win some and you would lose some, but in the end you would expect to come away with $25 in profit on your $100 investment. Pitchers are ranked in order of their Forecaster/Daily Notes projected fantasy points, using ESPN's standard scoring system (5 points per win, minus-5 per loss, 3 per inning, 1 per K, minus-1 apiece per hit or walk allowed, minus-2 per earned run allowed). Sign up for free! Brieske is in a great spot to rebound with a road date against the Diamondbacks on the Sunday docket. Beau Brieske, Kole Calhoun (TEX, RF -- 6%) vs. Jackson Tetreault, Mitch Garver (TEX, C -- 15%) vs. Tetreault, Andrew McCutchen (MIL, LF -- 30%) vs. Berrios, Gavin Sheets (CHW, DH -- 1%) vs. Jordan Lyles, Nathaniel Lowe (TEX, 1B -- 42%) vs. Tetreault, Alex Kirilloff (MIN, 1B -- 25%) vs. Ryan Feltner, Oneil Cruz (PIT, SS -- 55%) at Shane McClanahan, Bryan Reynolds (PIT, CF -- 94%) at McClanahan, Chris Taylor (LAD, CF -- 81%) at Spencer Strider, Brendan Rodgers (COL, 2B -- 54%) at Joe Ryan, Thairo Estrada (SF, SS -- 63%) vs. Tyler Mahle, Sean Murphy (OAK, C -- 64%) at Brady Singer, Cody Bellinger (LAD, CF -- 92%) at Strider, Jeremy Pena (HOU, SS -- 59%) at Nestor Cortes. Over his prior five efforts, Espino has fanned 31 in 25 2/3 frames. Third Base -- J.D. Outfield -- Brandon Marsh (L), 5%, Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics (RHP Frankie Montas): Marsh was promoted just after the All-Star break, struggling to a .155/.259/.211 line over his first 24 games. Another sneaky course of offense is the Chicago Cubs facing rookie Connor Seabold as the Red Sox wrap up a weekend visit to Wrigley Field. Jake Odorizzi (R), 22%, Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics: Odorizzi is scheduled to come off the injured list on Sunday after missing nearly two weeks with a mid-foot sprain. In addition to doing nearly all of his damage against right-handed pitching this season, he's also put up a .363 wOBA so far in September. Player news wire with fantasy spin. Note: This file has been updated with any overnight pitching changes or weather-related game postponements, along with the addition of the latest MLB game odds as of the indicated time of publication. "LH" and "RH" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. Christopher Morel (25%), Patrick Wisdom (43%), Nico Hoerner (18%) and Rafael Ortega (2%) are the chief targets. Anthony Rizzo's replacement continues to thrive, pounding six two-baggers and three round-trippers in his prior eight games heading into Saturday's action. Best and worst hitters from the day are generated by THE BAT X, a projection system created by Derek Carty using advanced methods like those used in MLB front offices, accounting for a variety of factors including player talent, ballparks, bullpens, weather, umpires, defense, catcher pitch-framing, and lots more. Still, it's tough to ignore the young right-hander in a matchup against the Marlins, who have been a bottom-five offense since the All-Star break, posting an 86 wRC+ and an inflated 26.1% K rate. On such an important day, he's in play for those in shallower leagues. Prior to the injury, the right-hander posted a 2.90 ERA over his six previous starts. The 23-year-old is making the most of it, batting .444/.535/.639 with a homer and nine RBIs in 11 games. Expect Diaz's playing time to remain more than a typical reserve, especially against lefthanded pitching. ML: Caesars Money Line. This time, it's Peralta's turn as he's been making solid, and frequent contact lately, fanning just 12% of the time. henery Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. Meanwhile, Weathers has pitched poorly lately, registering an unsightly 14.36 ERA and 2.23 WHIP over his last four starts, featuring a whopping eight long balls in those 15 2/3 innings. Shane Baz (R), rostered in 19% of ESPN leagues, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins: Baz, one of the game's top pitching prospects, was as advertised in his big-league debut on Monday versus Toronto, firing five innings of two-run ball against perhaps the most dangerous lineup in baseball. Closer Chart: Latest bullpen intel Calculating Bill James game scores: A pitcher starts with 50 points, gets a point for each out, two points for each innings completed after the fourth inning, and one point for a strikeout. For the latest team-by-team closer situations, please consult our Closer Chart. Two more arms to ponder for a spot start are Rich Hill (6%) and Beau Brieske (3%). David Price (L), 33%, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets: Price has not lasted the requisite five frames to be eligible for the victory in his prior two outings. On the other hand, Peralta continues to have success on the mound. THE BAT sees Otto putting up 3.1 Strikeouts for this matchup on average, while projecting him to exceed his player prop total 41.8% of the time. Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. "LH" and "RH" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. Another Sunday ritual in head-to-head formats is chasing saves. Vladimir Gutierrez (R), 55%, Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins: Count Gutierrez as the other exception to the 50% rule. OPP: Opposing team. If a team is planning on using an "opener" to start their game, but will rely on a "bulk pitcher" to follow him on the mound after 1-2 innings, we will list the bulk pitcher and indicate with an asterisk. First Base -- Miguel Cabrera (R), 8%, Detroit Tigers at Toronto Blue Jays (LHP Steven Matz): Is today the day Cabrera launches number 500? Hill has been solid in June with a 3.43 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, fanning 21 while issuing just four free passes in 21 frames. Ray's fastball velocity has decreased 1.7 mph this year (92.5 mph) below where it was last season (94.2 mph). While most playing in head-to-head leagues are looking to make up ground on Sunday, sometimes it's necessary to play defense, especially with ERA and WHIP. Note: This file will be updated with any overnight pitching changes or weather-related game postponements, along with the addition of the latest MLB game odds as of the indicated time of publication. He owns a 2.41 ERA over his past eight starts, which includes seven shutout frames against a tough Rays lineup his last time out. If you were to wager $1.00 100 times on a bet with an Expected Value of $25, you would win some and you would lose some, but in the end you would expect to come away with $25 in profit on your $100 investment. He's batting .311/.373/.457 over 49 games with the Marlins, and based on his availability in 94% of ESPN leagues, most fantasy managers haven't noticed. The Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals are the participants. The Nationals signed Hernandez out of Cuba in 2017. Widener misses bats, but he also is generous with the long ball, authoring 12 in just 51 stanzas. However, posting a .435/.500/.652 line has earned Iglesias regular playing at the keystone. Other batters to fortify your Sunday lineup are Jarren Duran (4%), Alex Kirilloff (25%), Gavin Sheets (1%), Jake Meyers (less than 1%) and Luis Garcia (9%). His OPS is only .706 the past week, but he's blistered seven batted ball over 95 mph, five eclipsing the century mark in this span. This is curious since his average exit velocity on fly balls, which drives power, is well up from last season. Lauer isn't especially dominant, but he's racked 23 punch outs over his previous 24 frames, fueling a 1.50 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in that span. Weighted on-base average (wOBA) is the primary statistic used in the calculation. MLB game odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is geared towards ESPN 10-team leagues with standard scoring. While some others (Aledmys Diaz, Abraham Toro) have faded, Wisdom is surging, with a .353/.421/.706 line over the past week. Brieske yielded four runs in five stanzas to the Red Sox in his latest outing, but he posted a 2.22 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in his previous four efforts, which included the potent Blue Jays and Yankees lineups. Although the A's present a somewhat difficult test on Sunday, they are less dangerous against right-handers, and the Oakland Coliseum is much more favorable to pitchers than Minute Maid Park. Easy. It will be tough as Matz has been stingy with the long ball lately, but historically the southpaw has been generous in that department. Touki Toussaint (R), 39%, Atlanta Braves at Baltimore Orioles: Using a young arm in Camden Yards may appear risky, but Truist Park has the same runs index so other than losing the intrinsic skills bump from working at home, it isn't as egregious a move as some may intuit. All players from the Twins, Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox have been replaced. The 30-year-old has raked against lefties this season, putting up a .297/.376/.459 triple slash against them. Outfield -- Sam Hilliard (L), 5%, Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (RHP Taylor Widener): Call it a hunch, but with managers often playing their reserves on Sunday, Hilliard is a good bet to play.