Week 22 Fantasy Hitting Planner

The Fantasy Baseball Hitting Planner is the essential guide to setting your lineup for the upcoming week. Every weekend, we provide you with favorable and unfavorable matchups as well as lineup changes for each team.

Weather planner: Taking into account all games with at least a 50 percent chance of precipitation according to Weather.com, no games are in danger of being rained out.

This week's news and notes for each team:

Arizona Diamondbacks
Schedule: @LAD4, @COL3
Heating Up: Ryan Roberts, now the starter at second base, is batting .464 (13 for 28) over his last seven games. With an .838 OPS, he looks just like Felipe Lopez, the man he replaced.
Cooling Off: No regulars are significantly underperforming right now.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Diamondbacks face one left-handed pitcher this week. Brandon Allen will likely sit that game in favor of Rusty Ryal.
Lineup Changes: Justin Upton (oblique) is back in the lineup and hitting third. He's batting .500 (8 for 16) in four games since returning from the DL, so you want to get him active again. Chris B. Young is also back, getting called up from the minors, but since he's batting only .192, he's not worth activating just yet.

Atlanta Braves
Schedule: @FLA4, CIN3
Heating Up: Matt Diaz has taken off with everyday at-bats, batting .633 (19 for 30) over his last seven games. He also has six home runs in August. He used to be just a lefty killer, but if he can keep hitting this way, he'll gain mixed-league appeal before too long. Brian McCann has broken out of his slump, hitting five home runs in his last 12 games.
Cooling Off: Chipper Jones' decline is in full force now. He's batting .091 (4 for 44) over his last 13 games and .277 for the season. You might not be able to do better than him at a weak position like third base, but he's no longer a must-start.
Injury Concerns: Adam LaRoche, one of the hottest players in baseball this August, left Saturday's game with an injured right hamstring. The Braves call the injury day to day, but they usually all start out that way. If he doesn't play Sunday, he's a big risk for the upcoming scoring period. Nate McLouth is set to return from a hamstring injury of his own -- one that started out as day to day -- on Monday. He's not the kind of player you absolutely have to activate right away if you have safer options, but he still has 20-20 potential.
Platoon Possibilities: The Braves face only right-handed pitchers this week, not that they don't have any lefty-righty platoons right now.
Lineup Changes: McLouth's return will bump one outfielder from the lineup, but with Diaz hitting so well right now, Ryan Church seems the more likely candidate.

Baltimore Orioles
Schedule: NYY3, TEX3
Heating Up: Felix Pie is finally beginning to show some of the potential that once made him a top prospect in the Cubs organization, batting .395 (17 for 43) with four home runs over his last 15 games. He's a must-own in AL-only leagues by now, and if this hot streak begins to take the shape of a breakout, he'll matter in mixed leagues as well.
Cooling Off: After a six-game stretch during which he hit five homers, Brian Roberts suddenly can't hit anything, batting .050 (1 for 20) over his last five games. He remains a must-start in Fantasy.
Injury Concerns: Pie missed Saturday's game after his leg cramped up on him Friday, but he should be fine for Sunday.
Platoon Possibilities: The Orioles face three left-handed pitchers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: The Orioles have begun to mix former prospect Michael Aubrey into their lineup, replacing any of Melvin Mora, Nolan Reimold, Luke Scott and Ty Wigginton. Wigginton's versatility allows the Orioles to give those five players even at-bats. Scott and Reimold have some mixed-league appeal, but the rest are just AL-only options.

Boston Red Sox
Schedule: @TB3, @CHW3
Heating Up: J.D. Drew is having one of his hottest stretches of the season, batting .444 (12 for 27) with five home runs over his last 10 games. He's worth using in mixed leagues. Jacoby Ellsbury is batting .440 (11 for 25) over his last six games and remains a must-start.
Cooling Off: Victor Martinez is batting .133 (2 for 15) over his last four games. He was terrible in June and July before heating up in August, which is nice to know but doesn't really affect whether or not you start him. He's one of the few good offensive catchers, after all.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Red Sox face two left-handed pitchers this week. Rocco Baldelli might replace Drew in those games, but the two aren't in a strict platoon.
Lineup Changes: None.

Chicago Cubs
Schedule: HOU3, CHW1, @NYM3
Heating Up: Milton Bradley has three hits or more in three of his last five games, batting .550 (11 for 20) with two home runs during that stretch. He faces some weak pitchers this week, making him an excellent sleeper.
Cooling Off: Geovany Soto continues to lose more and more at-bats to Koyie Hill, and for good reason. He's batting .140 (6 for 43) in August and is barely useable in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: Alfonso Soriano had an MRI on his sore left knee Saturday. He was playing through the soreness, so he probably doesn't have a serious problem, but with his struggles of late, he's less than a must-start anyway. Jeff Baker, who has recently become the team's everyday second baseman, missed Saturday's game after taking a ball off his right pinkie finger in batting practice. He's just an NL-only option when healthy, so continue to use him as you normally would.
Platoon Possibilities: The Cubs face only right-handers this week, which means Kosuke Fukudome should start every game. He's hitting well enough in August to have some sleeper appeal in mixed leagues.
Lineup Changes: None.

Chicago White Sox
Schedule: @MIN3, @CHC1, BOS3
Heating Up: Paul Konerko has multiple hits in four of his last 10 games, batting .353 (12 for 34) with two home runs during that stretch.
Cooling Off: Gordon Beckham's rookie slump is now two weeks running. He's batting .125 (6 for 48) over his last 12 games but is still too valuable to sit in leagues where he qualifies at shortstop. Jermaine Dye is batting .183 (15 for 82) for all of August and could be in danger of losing more at-bats to Alex Rios. Then again, Rios himself is slumping, batting .087 (2 for 23) over his last seven games.
Injury Concerns: Chris Getz (oblique) has begun a Triple-A rehab assignment and should return at some point this week. He'll contribute some stolen bases but remains a platoon player.
Platoon Possibilities: If Getz returns as expected, he'll play only against right-handers. The White Sox face two left-handers this week, so you can expect Jayson Nix to spell Getz in those games.
Lineup Changes: None.

Cincinnati Reds
Schedule: PIT4, @ATL3
Heating Up: Joey Votto is batting .423 (11 for 26) with two home runs over his last seven games, bouncing back from a cold stretch at the beginning of August. He's a must-start.
Cooling Off: Rookie outfielder Drew Stubbs hasn't demonstrated much of his potential yet, batting .200 (9 for 45).
Injury Concerns: Laynce Nix, who on Wednesday homered for the third time in two games, hasn't played since, sitting out his third straight game Saturday against the Dodgers because of a couple bulging disks in his neck. He should return to the lineup soon, but since he's just a platoon player, you can leave him for NL-only leagues.
Platoon Possibilities: The Reds face two left-handed pitchers this week, which means Nix, assuming he returns, will likely sit those games in favor of Wladimir Balentien.
Lineup Changes: With Chris Dickerson on the DL, Jonny Gomes has become an everyday player. He has enough power potential to make an impact in deeper leagues. Scott Rolen is off the DL and playing every day, but his lack of power limits his appeal in mixed leagues.

Cleveland Indians
Schedule: @DET3, MIN3
Heating Up: Don't look now, but Andy Marte has finally begun to live up to his potential. The former Braves prospect -- one rated higher than Brian McCann at the time -- homered for the third time in five games Saturday. He's batting .406 (13 for 32) over his last nine games and could become useful even in mixed leagues if the breakout continues. Matt LaPorta, a prospect in his own right, is batting .410 (16 for 39) with two home runs during a 10-game hitting streak. He deserves a look in mixed leagues as well.
Cooling Off: Kelly Shoppach has begun getting more playing time at catcher, but he has only one hit in his last 25 at-bats.
Injury Concerns: Travis Hafner is having problems in his other shoulder -- not the one that gave him fits last year. Actually, he says it's more in the pectoral muscle than the shoulder, but it's bad news either way. He hasn't demonstrated his past elite power this season, so you can play it safe and sit him.
Platoon Possibilities: The Indians face one left-hander this week. Jamey Carroll will likely start that game in place of Luis Valbuena.
Lineup Changes: None.

Colorado Rockies
Schedule: NYM3, ARI3
Heating Up: Troy Tulowitzki is 0 for 7 over his last two games, but he's coming out of an eight-game hitting streak during which he hit .394 (13 for 33). He's back to being one of the top shortstops in Fantasy.
Cooling Off: Tulowitzki's double play partner, Clint Barmes, hasn't fared as well lately, batting .130 (3 for 23) over his last six games. He has demonstrated surprising power this year, but he's a candidate to sit while struggling.
Injury Concerns: Carlos Gonzalez, still dealing with a puncture wound from a steak knife, was out of the starting lineup for the sixth time in seven games Saturday. He did appear as a pinch hitter, however, and is likely to return early in the upcoming scoring period. He was hot before the injury, but since he already tried returning once and ended up reopening the wound, you'll probably want to give him a week to prove his health before activating him.
Platoon Possibilities: The Rockies face two left-handers this week, so you can expect Seth Smith to sit twice in favor of Ryan Spilborghs. If Gonzalez returns, he might also sit twice in favor of Eric O. Young.
Lineup Changes: Young has manned center field in Gonzalez's absence. He's mostly just a speedster and likely won't get consistent at-bats once Gonzalez returns. Leave him for NL-only leagues.

Detroit Tigers
Schedule: TB1, CLE3, @TB3
Heating Up: Miguel Cabrera has gone hitless in his last two games, but he's still batting .444 (24 for 54) with four home runs over his last 13. Start him, as always.
Cooling Off: Carlos Guillen, who was hitting well when he first came off the DL, is batting .174 (4 for 23) over his last nine games. Don't bother with him in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Tigers face three left-handed pitchers this week, so you have to figure Aubrey Huff will sit three times in favor of Marcus Thames. In most Fantasy leagues, you can do better than half a week from Huff.
Lineup Changes: Magglio Ordonez started his fourth straight game Friday and has seemingly regained full-time at-bats in right field after platooning with Clete Thomas. He's still not hitting for enough power to matter in mixed leagues.

Florida Marlins
Schedule: ATL4, @WAS3
Heating Up: Chris Coghlan continues to have a breakout August, batting .391 (45 for 115) with four home runs. He's worth starting now in mixed leagues.
Cooling Off: Jorge Cantu, whose power has gone missing since he hit seven home runs in April, is batting .174 (4 for 23) over his last six games. He's still usable in Fantasy, but he's hopefully not your first option. Frankly, Coghlan is the better choice.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Marlins don't face a single left-handed pitcher this week, which means Jeremy Hermida should get a full week of at-bats, leaving Emilio Bonifacio on the bench. It also means Coghlan should continue to hit well.
Lineup Changes: None.

Houston Astros
Schedule: @CHC3, PHI3
Heating Up: Michael Bourn is batting .329 (23 for 70) over his last 17 games. With his elite number of stolen bases, he's a must-start in virtually all Fantasy formats.
Cooling Off: Miguel Tejada is having a miserable second half, batting .247 (40 for 162), including .140 (8 for 57) over his last 16 games. He's no longer a must-start. Neither is Hunter Pence, who's batting .174 (4 for 23) over his last eight games.
Injury Concerns: Geoff Blum missed his third straight game with a sore shoulder Saturday, but he's a light hitter with zero mixed-league appeal.
Platoon Possibilities: The Astros face three left-handers this week, which means Jeff Keppinger will get three starts in place of Blum, assuming Blum returns from his injury.
Lineup Changes: None.

Kansas City Royals
Schedule: @OAK3, LAA3
Heating Up: David DeJesus, who hit .316 in July, is now hitting .313 in August, including .382 (13 for 34) over his last eight games. He deserves a look in mixed leagues.
Cooling Off: Alberto Callaspo is batting .182 (4 for 22) over his last seven games. You should save him for the weeks he faces three or more left-handers.
Injury Concerns: Jose Guillen, out with a knee injury, will likely return from the DL on Monday, but considering his struggles at the plate this year, you can leave him for AL-only leagues.
Platoon Possibilities: The Royals face two left-handers this week. Mike Jacobs will probably sit out those games in favor of Brayan Pena.
Lineup Changes: None.

L.A. Angels
Schedule: @SEA3, @KC3
Heating Up: Torii Hunter had hit safely in every game since his return from the DL before going 0 for 4 on Saturday. He's batting .348 (16 for 46) over his last 11 games.
Cooling Off: Bobby Abreu is 1 for 14 (.071) over his last four games and batting .231 (24 for 104) in August. He remains a must-start, however, because of his combination of power and speed, not to mention his high on-base percentage.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Angels face one left-hander this week. Howie Kendrick will replace Maicer Izturis for that game, but he'll likely start some of the games against the righties as well.
Lineup Changes: None.

L.A. Dodgers
Schedule: ARI4, SD3
Heating Up: Matt Kemp has multiple hits in six of his last nine games, batting .400 (14 for 35) with three home runs and two stolen bases. He has emerged as an elite Fantasy outfielder this season and a must-start in all leagues.
Cooling Off: The always streaky Casey Blake is batting .118 (2 for 17) over his last five games. Sit him if you have adequate alternatives.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Dodgers face two left-handers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: None.

Milwaukee Brewers
Schedule: @STL3, SF3
Heating Up: Prince Fielder has homered in three of his last four games and has 11 in August. He's looking like first-round material for next year.
Cooling Off: Rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar has two hits in each of his last two games, but he's batting .235 (4 for 17) over his last five. He's not worth using in mixed leagues at this stage of his career.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Brewers face two left-handers this week, which means Craig Counsell will sit twice for Casey McGehee and Frank Catalanotto will sit twice for Jason Bourgeois.
Lineup Changes: None.

Minnesota Twins
Schedule: CHW3, @CLE3
Heating Up: Denard Span has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, batting .462 (18 for 39) during that stretch. He's not quite a must-start, but he should be starting in most leagues.
Cooling Off: Jason Kubel is batting .147 (5 for 34) over his last 10 games, dropping his season batting average below .300 for the first time since early July. You'd never bench Justin Morneau, but he's batting .083 (2 for 24) over his last seven games.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Twins face four left-handed pitchers this week, which might mean better numbers than usual for Delmon Young, who has an .861 OPS against lefties. It also means Kubel could sit as many as four times.
Lineup Changes: None.

N.Y. Mets
Schedule: @COL3, CHC3
Heating Up: Jeff Francoeur continues to swing a hot bat in August, his first full month with the Mets, batting .353 (12 for 34) over his last eight games and .321 (34 for 106) overall. He's worth using in mixed leagues. Fernando Tatis is batting .500 (10 for 20) over his last five games, but he likely will lose everyday at-bats once David Wright (concussion) returns.
Cooling Off: Coming off a streak of six straight multi-hit games, Luis Castillo is batting only .063 (1 for 16) over his last five.
Injury Concerns: Wright, on the DL with a concussion after getting hit in the head by a pitch Aug. 15, will return to the lineup Tuesday, but the Mets haven't committed to playing him every day. After the trouble they had with Ryan Church's concussion last year, you can bet they'll take it easy with their franchise player, especially during a lost season. Since he hasn't played like a first-rounder anyway, you should probably keep him reserved in standard mixed leagues. Gary Sheffield missed his fourth straight game with a sore back Saturday and isn't worth your trouble in mixed leagues.
Platoon Possibilities: The Mets face one left-hander this week but can't afford any lefty-righty platoons with all of their injuries.
Lineup Changes: Other than the potential return of Wright, none.

N.Y. Yankees
Schedule: @BAL3, @TOR4
Heating Up: Hideki Matsui is healthy and having a monster August. He's batting .333 (17 for 51) with six home runs over his last 12 games and .309 (25 for 81) with eight home runs for the month. Considering he's going on the road, where he hits .302 compared to .241 at home, he should remain hot. Robinson Cano is batting .387 (12 for 31) with three home runs over his last seven games, but he's always a must-start.
Cooling Off: Nick Swisher is batting only .125 (3 for 24) over his last six games, but he was at home most of that time, where he's batting .198. With the team going on the road this week, where he's batting .277, he's actually a bit of a sleeper.
Injury Concerns: Jorge Posada missed a third straight game with a bruised left ring finger, but he says the injury isn't serious and expects to return Sunday. At a weak position like catcher, you really have no reason to bench him.
Platoon Possibilities: The Yankees face three left-handers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: None.

Oakland Athletics
Schedule: KC3, SEA4
Heating Up: Jack Cust has finally gotten hot, batting .433 (13 for 30) with four home runs over his last nine games. Considering he's returning home this week, where he has an .857 OPS compared to a .690 mark on the road, he looks like a good one-week sleeper.
Cooling Off: Scott Hairston continues to struggle as a member of the Athletics, batting .128 (5 for 39) over his last nine games. Don't bother with him in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Athletics face two left-handed pitchers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: None.

Philadelphia Phillies
Schedule: SF3, @HOU3
Heating Up: Ryan Howard is having his usual second-half surge, batting .328 (21 for 64) with 11 home runs over his last 16 games. Start him, as always.
Cooling Off: Raul Ibanez continues to flounder in the second half, batting .067 (1 for 15) over his last five games and .221 (21 for 140) since the All-Star break. We've reached the point where you should consider sitting him if you have viable alternatives.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Phillies face two left-handed pitchers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: None.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Schedule: @CIN4, STL3
Heating Up: Andrew McCutchen has homered in three of his last five games and has an 11-game hitting streak during which he's batting .341 (15 for 44). The rookie offers a good enough combination of power and speed to start in all Fantasy leagues.
Cooling Off: Andy LaRoche is batting .129 (4 for 31) over his last eight games, but cold is becoming the norm for him.
Injury Concerns: Ronny Cedeno has missed seven straight games with a broken right pinkie finger, but he continues to pinch hit. The Pirates are clearly hesitant to play him in the field, which further limits his almost nonexistent Fantasy appeal.
Platoon Possibilities: The Pirates face only right-handed pitchers this week. They don't have any lefty-righty platoons, but Garrett Jones, who has a 1.033 OPS against righties, stands to have a big week.
Lineup Changes: Lastings Milledge seems to have replaced Brandon Moss as an everyday outfielder. He has 20-20 potential but remains an NL-only option for now.

San Diego Padres
Schedule: WAS3, @LAD3
Heating Up: Will Venable continues to look like a legitimate everyday player, batting .314 (11 for 35) with two home runs over his last eight games.
Cooling Off: Adrian Gonzalez is batting .214 (6 for 28) over his last eight games and even got a day off Saturday. You can't afford to give him any days off in Fantasy, though.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Padres face three left-handed pitchers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: Kyle Blanks had to go on the DL with a heel injury that has sidelined him off on and on over the last week or so. The Padres had too many outfielders in the first place, so all the injury did was ensure everyday at-bats for Venable, Chase Headley and Tony K. Gwynn.

San Francisco Giants
Schedule: @PHI3, @MIL3
Heating Up: Pablo Sandoval has homered in his last two games, going 4 for 6. He remains a must-start, as always.
Cooling Off: Eugenio Velez has more or less secured the job of everyday leadoff man, but his performance of late hasn't validated him. He's batting .178 (8 for 45) over his last 11 games and doesn't deserve a roster spot in mixed leagues. Nate Schierholtz is struggling to regain regular player time, and he's not helping his cause by going 1 for 18 over his last five games.
Injury Concerns: Bengie Molina missed his fifth straight start because of a quadriceps injury Saturday. He has appeared as a pinch hitter during that time, even hitting a clutch home run Wednesday, but he probably will sit again Sunday. He has a good chance of returning Tuesday, though, and at a weak position like catcher, you might as well keep him active.
Platoon Possibilities: The Giants face two left-handed pitchers this week, so Travis Ishikawa and Schierholtz will likely sit those games in favor of Ryan Garko and either Aaron Rowand or Randy Winn.
Lineup Changes: That's right: The Giants have reverted back to Ishikawa at first base a good 60 percent of the time, which makes him worth using in NL-only leagues. The reverse applies for Garko, who'll now spend most of his time on the bench.

Seattle Mariners
Schedule: LAA3, @OAK4
Heating Up: Franklin Gutierrez is batting .375 (9 for 24) over his last six games and figures to stay hot with the lefty-loaded schedule this week. Get him active.
Cooling Off: The Mariners don't have enough healthy players to have any real underachievers.
Injury Concerns: Ichiro Suzuki has missed six straight games with tightness in his left calf, and the Mariners haven't set a clear return date. He could end up playing most of this week, but if you have a backup who ranks in the top 40 at the position, you might want to start him instead. Adrian Beltre (bruised right testicle) is on schedule to return Tuesday, but you shouldn't need to activate him right away unless you play in an AL-only league.
Platoon Possibilities: The Mariners face four left-handers this week. Ken Griffey will sit those games in favor of Mike Sweeney, making him not worth using in any league. Bill Hall also figures to start over both Michael Saunders and Ryan Langerhans against the lefties.
Lineup Changes: With Russell Branyan going on the DL with a back injury, the Mariners need someone to man first base. Jack Hannahan got the nod Saturday, but he doesn't seem like a long-term solution. If the Mariners turn to prospect Mike Carp, he'll deserve an immediate add in AL-only leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals
Schedule: MIL3, @PIT3
Heating Up: Brendan Ryan, who won the everyday shortstop job away from Julio Lugo, continues to play up to the role. He's batting .356 (21 for 59) over his last 17 games and deserves a look in NL-only leagues.
Cooling Off: Ryan Ludwick continues to slump in August, batting .211 (8 for 38) over his last 11 games. Feel free to sit him if you have viable alternatives. Colby Rasmus is getting everyday at-bats over Rick Ankiel, though he hasn't exactly earned them with his performance. He's batting .172 (5 for 29) over his last eight games.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Cardinals face two left-handers this week, which means Julio Lugo will get two starts to Skip Schumaker's four.
Lineup Changes: None.

Tampa Bay Rays
Schedule: @DET1, BOS3, DET3
Heating Up: Carlos Pena has been arguably the hottest player in baseball over the last week, batting .333 (8 for 24) with five home runs. He's always at risk of going hitless for days at a time, but he looks like a must-start again. Pat Burrell looks like he's finally breaking out of his season-long slump, batting .390 (16 for 41) with two home runs over his last 11 games. He deserves a look in mixed leagues again as a player known for streaking his way to Fantasy prominence.
Cooling Off: Carl Crawford is batting .185 (5 for 27) over his last seven games and has only 10 stolen bases since the break. He's still a must-start outfielder, but no longer the top option. Evan Longoria has been just as bad for much, much longer, batting .221 (58 for 262) since the end of May. He's also still a must-start, but mostly because he plays such a weak position.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Rays face two left-handers this week, which means Gabe Kapler will get two starts to Gabe Gross' four, assuming Akinori Iwamura doesn't interfere with that arrangement.
Lineup Changes: Iwamura, out since May because of surgery on his left knee, returned to the lineup Saturday. He has a chance to regain everyday at-bats at second base, moving Ben Zobrist to the outfield. Keep an eye on this situation in the coming days. Iwamura bumped B.J. Upton from the lineup Saturday, but that doesn't seem like a permanent solution.

Texas Rangers
Schedule: TOR4, @BAL3
Heating Up: Michael Young is batting .394 (26 for 66) with three home runs during a 16-game hitting streak. Back to hitting for power this year, he's an elite shortstop or third baseman in Fantasy. Ian Kinsler is also elite and has four stolen bases in his last two games.
Cooling Off: Nelson R. Cruz continues to battle injuries and his own inconsistency, batting .174 (4 for 23) over his last eight games. Considering he's batting .202 against lefties, you want him sitting this week.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Rangers face four left-handed pitchers this week, but with Andruw Jones (hamstring) on the DL, they don't have anyone to step in for Julio Borbon or David Murphy against lefties. Ivan Rodriguez did the first time, manning DH with Taylor Teagarden behind the plate, but that doesn't seem like a permanent solution. If nothing else, you can expect Borbon to sit a few times, making him a poor start this week in mixed leagues.
Lineup Changes: Chris Davis is back up from the minors and manning first base every day, sending Hank Blalock to the bench. So far, he has seven strikeouts in 20 at-bats, so the same problems remain. His power is second to none, though, making him worth a flier if you need some home runs.

Toronto Blue Jays
Schedule: @TEX4, NYY4
Heating Up: Lyle Overbay is batting .393 (11 for 28) over his last seven games, but since he continues to sit against left-handed pitchers, he's rarely worth using in mixed leagues.
Cooling Off: Jose A. Bautista, getting everyday at-bats at third base with Edwin Encarnacion (knee) on the DL, is batting only .188 (9 for 48) in August. Don't bother with him in mixed leagues.
Injury Concerns: Marco Scutaro, who left Friday's game after getting hit in the head by a pitch, remained out of the lineup Saturday. He said he could play, though, so he should be fine for the upcoming scoring period. He's not elite, but he's a worthy starter at either shortstop or third base.
Platoon Possibilities: The Blue Jays face two left-handed pitchers this week, so Lyle Overbay will likely sit twice for Kevin Millar.
Lineup Changes: None.

Washington Nationals
Schedule: @SD3, FLA3
Heating Up: Ryan Zimmerman is hot just because of his RBI. He has eight in his last seven games, batting .348 (8 for 23) with two home runs during that stretch. The former first-rounder is having a breakout season and will likely go off the board in the first two or three rounds next year.
Cooling Off: Josh Willingham might seem like an odd choice here since he went 4 for 4 with two home runs, six RBI and five runs scored Tuesday, but he's hitless in the three games before and the four games since, going 0 for 22. Still, with his OPS, you should probably keep him active.
Injury Concerns: None.
Platoon Possibilities: The Nationals face two left-handers this week, but they don't have any lefty-righty platoons.
Lineup Changes: With Nyjer Morgan going down for the year with a broken left hand, the Nationals have turned to Willie Harris to man center field. He can steal a few bases but likely won't matter outside of NL-only leagues. Pete Orr, called up with the Morgan injury, has started two straight games at second base, but he's just a light-hitting utility player and likely won't stay in the lineup for long.

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