Outlook Alec Burleson
Alec Burleson's Red-Hot Power Surge Makes Him an Obvious Must-Start
Burleson is completely locked in, slugging five home runs over his last six games with a massive 1.138 OPS and eight RBIs. Over the last 14 days, he is batting .314 with 13 runs scored, anchoring the first base position as the everyday starter. He has been a driving force for the second-place Cardinals, who currently hold a 38-31 record in the NL Central.
While this extreme power peak is bound to cool down, his overall progress is legitimate. He is already batting .287 with 13 home runs, nearly eclipsing our model's rest-of-season projection of 16 homers. This performance aligns nicely with his .290 average from last season, proving that his elite bat-to-ball skills and run-producing role are highly sustainable.
This week features six games, opening with a home series against San Diego before visiting Kansas City. Burleson gets to face highly exploitable starters like Griffin Canning (7.17 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (1.74 WHIP), though Michael King (3.35 ERA) offers a tougher challenge. Lock him into your lineups as an elite weekly Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
Latest News Alec Burleson
Outlook Dalton Rushing
Dalton Rushing Set for Busy Week Behind the Plate with Will Smith Sidelined
With starting catcher Will Smith currently on the injured list with a neck strain, Rushing has assumed the primary backstop role for the first-place Dodgers (45-27). Though he has cooled off to a .167 average over the last week, his strong .313 mark and .421 on-base percentage over the last 14 days highlight his high-ceiling potential. Backup Chuckie Robinson will occasionally spell him, but Rushing remains the clear lead option for now.
Under the hood, Rushing's current season line of .269 with eight home runs in 40 games far outpaces our modest projection of a .227 average and 10 total home runs. While his elevated strikeout rate invites some regression, his excellent plate discipline and status in a potent lineup suggest he can sustain a much higher fantasy floor than his career baselines indicate.
The Dodgers host a six-game slate this week, starting with a challenging three-game series against Tampa Bay's tough arms, including Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan. However, things open up over the weekend against Baltimore, where Rushing will face highly vulnerable starters Trey Gibson (5.91 ERA) and Trevor Rogers (6.40 ERA). Given the guaranteed volume at a scarce position, Rushing is a clear Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
