X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Who Should I Start? Fantasy Baseball Start/Sit Decisions for Evan Carter, CJ Abrams, Lance Lynn, Eduardo Rodriguez, more

CJ Abrams - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Quickly get start 'em sit 'em advice for Who Should I Start fantasy baseball lineup questions from 9/25 - 10/1 (2023). Connelly tells you who to start and sit.

Welcome RotoBallers to my fantasy baseball start/sit article for the week ahead, September 25 - October 1. This week's article will focus on Evan Carter, CJ Abrams, Lance Lynn, Eduardo Rodriguez, Mark Canha, Mark Vientos, Luis Robert Jr., and George Springer.

Whether you are prepping to set your weekly lineups or determining who to play in a pivotal daily matchup, choosing who to start vs. sit is one of the most nerve-racking and potentially frustrating aspects of fantasy baseball. Fortunately, there is a free solution available at RotoBaller. The Who Should I Start Tool allows you to quickly compare any two players and receive fantasy projections for today, tomorrow, or the current week.

The tool provides rankings, projections, recent news, and schedules side-by-side to aid in your decision-making. The tool defaults to ESPN scoring, but the Premium version within Team Sync will automatically use your league's scoring and roster settings when making recommendations. Each week, I have used the tool to review a few interesting start/sit comparisons for the final day of the period and preview the following week. With the final week of the season upon us, I want to thank everyone who has followed this article series and adopted the tool to make tough roster decisions. Let's get into our final start vs. sit comparisons for the week ahead, September 25 - October 1!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Surging Young Hitters

Evan Carter (OF) vs. CJ Abrams (SS)

Our first comparison is between two young players who have really produced lately. Evan Carter is one of fantasy's top prospects and has shown why since being called up by the Rangers at the beginning of September, slashing 324/.447/.676 in 47 plate appearances. CJ Abrams is looking to finish his sophomore season on a high note, slashing .292/.393/.542 in the previous week. Which promising young player can end fantasy managers' seasons on a high note?

RotoBaller gives Abrams a strong recommendation for Sunday, although this is partly because the Nationals will play a doubleheader. Abrams will face tougher matchups against the Braves, while Carter will face a middling matchup against the Mariners. Abrams has a clear projection advantage in counting stats given the extra game, but Carter has a clear projection advantage in batting average and slugging percentage.

Looking ahead to Week 27, the Rangers will face middling matchups with three games at the Angels and four at the Mariners. The Nationals only play five games and face tough matchups with two games at the Orioles and three at the Braves. The Rangers are slated to face two lefties, which hurts Carter as he has not hit them as well.

This decision may come down to positional need, but Carter appears to be the better overall option given his profile, pedigree, and matchups. Abrams is a better play for roto managers chasing steals, but Carter is set to offer more fantasy upside overall.

 

Erratic Streamers

Lance Lynn vs. Eduardo Rodriguez

Our next comparison is between two starters with high ceilings but also low floors. Lance Lynn has been a big disappointment this season with a 5.92 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Eduardo Rodriguez (back) had a great first half but has posted a lackluster 4.57 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 12 second-half starts. Which one is worth the gamble with so much on the line?

RotoBaller gives Rodriguez a strong recommendation for Sunday. Both will face good matchups, but Rodriguez gets one of the best matchups at the Athletics. Consequently, he has better projections across the board.

Rodriguez will face a decent matchup against the Guardians in his final start, while Lynn will face a rematch at the Giants. Overall, Rodriguez's tough second half has still been significantly better than Lynn's overall output. As such, I would feel more comfortable relying on Rodriguez.

 

Mark Corner Infielders

Mark Canha (1B, OF) vs. Mark Vientos (3B)

We'll now look at two hot corner infielders who may be available for the final week. Mark Canha has put together a solid season and is doing even better lately, slashing .289/.347/.489 over the last two weeks. On the other side of the diamond, prospect Mark Vientos hasn't had a great first showing but has slashed an impressive .333/.333/.708 in the last week. Which Mark can best help fantasy managers for the final stretch?

Canha receives a strong recommendation for Sunday. Both will face middling matchups and don't have great overall projections, but Canha more or less has the advantage in all facets.

The Brewers face strong matchups the following week, with three games against the Cardinals and three against the Cubs. On the other hand, the Mets will face tough matchups with three at the Marlins and three at the Phillies. While Vientos may be hotter right now, Canha is still hitting well and has been more consistent overall for an entire season. I would go with Canha for the final week.

 

Slumping Outfielders

Luis Robert Jr. vs. George Springer

Our final comparison is between two high-end outfielders who have not delivered lately. Luis Robert Jr. has struggled in September, slashing just .203/.226/.356. George Springer has had an inconsistent season and is once again in a slump, slashing .240/.283/.300 over the last two weeks. Which one has a better chance of performing like their usual selves to end the season?

RotoBaller gives Robert Jr. a slight recommendation for Sunday. Other than walks and strikeouts, Robert Jr. has the projection edge in everything else. The big advantage is in slugging percentage, which likely manifests itself in the runs and RBI projections.

Both teams have tough matchups the following week, with the White Sox playing three games against the Diamondbacks and three against the Padres while the Blue Jays will play three against the Yankees and three against the Rays.

This one is tough and if the time period were longer, I would probably go with Robert Jr. Springer has been hitting relatively better lately and hits in a better lineup, giving him the edge for the final week.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP