American League Lineup Analysis

Angels

• It hasn’t changed much once Shohei Ohtani became the designated hitter.
• There is a first base platoon with Jose Fernandez facing righties and Jefry Marte against lefties.

Astros

• It’s set with the exception of Marwin Gonzalez playing more since he’s heated up (.268/.316/.563 over the last 28 days).

Athletics

• Ramon Laureano is now batting leadoff. He’s a must-own in all leagues at this point.
• Mark Canha doesn’t face right-handed pitchers. When he starts against lefties, Matt Olson (1B) or Chad Pinder (LF) head to the bench.

Blue Jays

• The lineup has completely turned over the last two weeks. Billy McKinney is leading off with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. batting second. Rowdy Tellez is playing almost every day at first (Justin Smoak’s stock is down).
• Russell Martin is done catching this season.

Indians

• Set except Greg Allen sits against LHP and Brandon Guyer replaces him.
• Josh Donaldson could be going the team any day now. I expect Jose Ramirez to move over at second base and Donaldson to play third.

Mariners

• It has been set for weeks with the only daily change being Denard Span facing righties and Cameron Maybin facing lefties.

Orioles

• The Orioles are giving everyone a chance.
• Adam Jones has sat three straight days and Joey Rickard had played left field and batted second.
• John Andreoli (vs LHP) and Tim Beckham (vs RHP) seem to be in a shortstop platoon.
• The top five in the lineup has been the following over the last three games

1. Cedric Mullins II (0-2 on SB attempts, was 21-22 in the minors)
2. Joey Rickard
3. Jonathan Villar
4. Trey Mancini
5. Chris Davis (sits at times vs LHP)

Rangers

• The lineup is set in stone with everyone healthy.

Rays

• They have two lineups based on pitcher handedness. Ji-Man Choi and Carlos Gomez face lefties and Jake Bauers and Brandon Lowe are in against lefties.
• I haven’t noticed how much Bauers is struggling by hitting .194/.315/.373 with nine homers and four stolen bases (caught five times). He probably wouldn’t be playing much but Choi just can’t hit lefties (.067/.176/.067)

Red Sox

• Steve Pearce (vs LHP) and Mitch Moreland (vs RHP) are in a first base platoon.
• Brandon Phillips, Rafael Devers, and Eduardo Nunez are each splitting time at third.
• Ian Kinsler is not splitting time with anyone at second.

Royals

• The Royals have set the top of the lineup as:

1. Whit Merrifield
2. Raul Mondesi
3. Alex Gordon
4. Hunter Dozier
5. Ryan O’Hearn

• Brett Phillips’s injury has put the outfield in a little bit of disarray.

Tigers

• I haven’t even heard of half these players.
• Jim Adduci is playing first base. He sometimes sits against LHP.
• Dawel Lugo is playing every day (2B) and should be a decent source of empty batting average.
• Christin Stewart just got promoted and looks to be taking over in left field.

Twins

• This lineup is tough to figure out with Miguel Sano, Tyler Austin, and Eddie Rosario hurt.
• Robbie Grossman has played in seven straight games.
• Jake Cave is a sneaky value. He’s started 13 of the last 14 games and has 10 homers in 230 plate appearances.
• Ehire Adrianza is playing third with Miguel Sano out.

White Sox

• The lineup looks to be set by Joe Maddon this past week. Just complete chaos.
• The outfield is the worst. The following six players have played in the outfield since September 1st: Avisail Garcia, Ryan LaMarre, Adam Engel, Daniel Palka, Ryan Cordell, and Nick Delmonico. Delmonico is the only regular since he can play also in the infield.
• Matt Davidson as turned it on in the last two months after struggling in June and July.

Month: OPS
Mar: .984
May: .736
June: .685
July: .686
Aug: .751
Sep: .782

He missed time in May because of back spasms which may have cost him some production.

Yankees

• All the regulars are generally playing but the infielders all seem to get a day off every week with Neil Walker (.221/.304/.340) stealing most of the playing time.
• Luke Voit has started 10 straight games at first base.