UPDATE: Fantasy baseball’s Week 22 is officially underway from August 25-31, marking the final week of the regular season in ESPN standard leagues. As teams scramble for playoff positioning, the top four squads will secure their spots, with the best record facing the wild-card team with the lowest record in the playoffs.
The stakes are high this week, particularly for the New York Mets, who kick off a crucial series against the Philadelphia Phillies from Monday through Wednesday. This matchup could significantly impact their chances for the National League East title.
In addition to the Mets-Phillies showdown, interleague play adds excitement with the Seattle Mariners hosting the San Diego Padres for three games starting today, and the Milwaukee Brewers visiting the Toronto Blue Jays from Friday through Sunday. Both series promise to deliver critical moments as teams vie for playoff positions.
In a significant development, Chris Sale, the defending NL Cy Young Award winner, is expected to rejoin the Atlanta Braves rotation on Thursday after an injury hiatus due to a fractured left rib. Sale’s return comes after a scheduled minor league rehab start for Double-A Columbus on Saturday, August 23, positioning him for activation just in time for a pivotal game in Philadelphia.
As the playoff picture becomes clearer this week, fantasy managers must pay close attention to player performances and matchups. The teams with the most games scheduled this week will be crucial for fantasy points, so strategizing around starting pitcher rankings and hitter matchups is essential for any competitive roster.
Stay tuned for updates as the playoff race intensifies, and be ready to adjust your fantasy lineups. With only a few days left in the regular season, every game counts!
