X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Pickups & Streamers
Rookies & Call-Ups
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

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!

Featured Promo: Get any full-season MLB and DFS Premium Pass for 50% off. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, Premium articles, daily Matchup Rating projections, 15 lineup tools, DFS cheat sheets, Research Stations, Lineup Optimizers and much more! Go Premium, Win More!

 

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

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Pickups & Streamers
Rookies & Call-Ups
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joe Mixon7 hours ago

Plunges Into End Zone Twice In Win
Ja'Marr Chase7 hours ago

Roasts Jaguars On Monday Night
Shohei Ohtani7 hours ago

Blue Jays Believed To Have Met Monday
Randy Arozarena7 hours ago

Rays Simply "Listening" To Trade Talk For Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes
Jake Browning7 hours ago

Lights-Out In Overtime Thriller
Evan Engram7 hours ago

Has Season-Best Game Vs. Bengals On Monday
Dylan Cease7 hours ago

Orioles Among Teams Interested In Dylan Cease
Trevor Lawrence7 hours ago

Has Sprained Ankle, Heading For MRI Tuesday
Erick Fedde8 hours ago

White Sox, Mets Top Contenders For Erick Fedde
Mason Miller8 hours ago

Looking At Bullpen Role Next Year
Brandon Lowe8 hours ago

Not Expected To Have Limitations In 2024
Trevor Lawrence9 hours ago

Exits Monday's Game Due To Injury
Oneil Cruz9 hours ago

Appears In Instructional Games
Christian Kirk9 hours ago

Tre Herndon Won't Return For Jags On Monday
Jonathan Isaac9 hours ago

Expected To Play On Wednesday
Jeff McNeil9 hours ago

To See Majority Of His Time At Second Base
LaMelo Ball9 hours ago

Sheds Walking Boot
Christian Koloko10 hours ago

Remains Without Timetable
Zach LaVine10 hours ago

Pistons Reportedly Interested In Zach LaVine
Edwin Díaz10 hours ago

Edwin Diaz Is "Fully Healthy"
San Antonio Spurs10 hours ago

Spurs Could Trade Veteran Players
Christian Kirk11 hours ago

Is Questionable To Return On Monday With Groin Injury
Detroit Tigers12 hours ago

Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch To Contract Extension
Zach Ertz12 hours ago

Ravens Not Considering Zach Ertz
Travis Etienne Jr.12 hours ago

Officially Active On Monday
Tyler Higbee13 hours ago

Clears Concussion Protocol, Dealing With Stinger
Rui Hachimura13 hours ago

May Suit Up On Tuesday
Anfernee Simons13 hours ago

Returns To Practice
Puka Nacua13 hours ago

Shoulder Injury Not Expected To Affect Availability
Obi Toppin13 hours ago

Will Suit Up Against Celtics
Ezekiel Elliott13 hours ago

On The Week 14 Injury Report
Tyrese Haliburton13 hours ago

Expected To Play On Monday
Kayshon Boutte13 hours ago

Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte Missing From Practice
Pat Connaughton13 hours ago

Will Remain Sidelined On Tuesday
Rhamondre Stevenson13 hours ago

Listed As DNP Monday
Zach Wilson14 hours ago

To Start Again In Week 14 For Jets?
Christian Watson14 hours ago

Packers Unsure On Severity Of Christian Watson's Injury
Beneil Dariush14 hours ago

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss At UFC Austin
Tank Dell14 hours ago

Has Surgery, Done For The Year
Tyler O'Neill15 hours ago

Cardinals Listening On Tyler O'Neill
Philadelphia Phillies15 hours ago

Phillies Give Manager Rob Thomson An Extension
Gavin Lux15 hours ago

Expected To Be Dodgers' Starting Shortstop
Clayton Kershaw16 hours ago

Expected To Pitch In 2024
Kyrie Irving16 hours ago

Tim Hardaway Jr. Both Practicing Monday
Beneil Dariush16 hours ago

Arman Tsarukyan Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 64 Seconds
Jerami Grant16 hours ago

Portland Announces Jerami Grant Is In Concussion Protocol
Kristaps Porzingis16 hours ago

Celtics Optimistic Kristaps Porzingis Will Return This Week
Jalin Turner16 hours ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Bobby Green16 hours ago

Gets Knocked Out In The First Round
Tyrese Maxey16 hours ago

Returns To Practice Monday
Joel Embiid16 hours ago

Back At Monday's Practice
Punahele Soriano16 hours ago

Dustin Stoltzfus Submits Punahele Soriano
Kelly Oubre16 hours ago

Jr. Set To Return Against Wizards
Punahele Soriano16 hours ago

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Anthony Edwards16 hours ago

Practices, Could Be Ready Wednesday
Philadelphia Eagles17 hours ago

Shaquille Leonard Signing With Eagles
Tennessee Titans17 hours ago

Jeffery Simmons To Miss A Few Weeks
Derek Carr18 hours ago

In Concussion Protocol And Dealing With Rib Injury
Jackson Holliday18 hours ago

Could Make Opening Day Roster
Corbin Burnes18 hours ago

Padres Interested In Corbin Burnes
Juan Soto18 hours ago

Blue Jays The Favorites To Land Juan Soto
Shohei Ohtani18 hours ago

Braves Still Engaged With Shohei Ohtani?
Jackson Chourio18 hours ago

Record-Breaking Deal With Brewers Becomes Official
Marco Gonzales20 hours ago

Braves Acquire Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, Evan White
Nathan MacKinnon21 hours ago

Pushes Point Streak To Eight Games
Quinton Byfield21 hours ago

Pots Two Goals Against Colorado
Alex Tuch22 hours ago

Exits With Injury
Artemi Panarin22 hours ago

Amasses Four Points In Sunday's Win
Mats Zuccarello22 hours ago

Shines As Wild Keep Improving
Brad Marchand22 hours ago

Scores First Natural Hat Trick
Victor Wembanyama22 hours ago

Expected To Return On Wednesday
Davion Mitchell22 hours ago

Good To Go Monday
CJ McCollum22 hours ago

Available Again On Monday
Andrew Wiggins1 day ago

Could Be Back Soon
Byron Buxton2 days ago

Fully Recovered From Surgery
Clay Guida2 days ago

Falls To .500 In The UFC
Joaquim Silva2 days ago

Gets Decision Win At UFC Austin
Kelvin Gastelum2 days ago

Submitted In Welterweight Return
Jordan Greenway2 days ago

Won't Play On Sunday
Sean Brady2 days ago

Returns To Win Column
Rob Font2 days ago

1-4 In Last Five Fights After Loss At UFC Austin
Deiveson Figueiredo2 days ago

Wins Bantamweight Debut
Cale Makar2 days ago

Out On Sunday
Cole Sillinger2 days ago

To Miss Another Game
Jonathan Quick2 days ago

Looks For Fifth Consecutive Win On Sunday
Jan Rutta2 days ago

Available Again
Alexander Barabanov2 days ago

Ready For Action Sunday
Travis Boyd3 days ago

Out For Multiple Weeks
Luke Kunin3 days ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Tyson Barrie3 days ago

Set To Sit As Healthy Scratch
Ilya Samsonov3 days ago

Misses Saturday's Game With Illness
Dylan Larkin3 days ago

Ready To Return On Saturday
Alex Newhook3 days ago

Ruled Out For 10-12 Weeks
Kaapo Kahkonen3 days ago

Makes 44 Saves In Victory
Mikael Granlund3 days ago

Totals Season-High Three Points
Anthony Duclair3 days ago

Scores Two Goals In Victory
Beneil Dariush4 days ago

Arman Tsarukyan A Favorite Over Beneil Dariush At UFC Austin
Beneil Dariush4 days ago

Has A Dangerous Task In Front Of Him
Bobby Green4 days ago

Looking For Third Win In A Row
Jalin Turner4 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Austin
Dustin Stoltzfus4 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
Punahele Soriano4 days ago

Looking To Return To Win Column
Joaquim Silva5 days ago

Looking To Return To The Win Column
Clay Guida5 days ago

Set For 36th UFC Fight
Kelvin Gastelum5 days ago

Returns To Welterweight

RANKINGS

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