Fantasy Baseball Week 21: Doubleheaders and Pitcher Returns Ahead

Fantasy baseball’s Week 21, spanning from August 18 to August 24, 2023, brings a unique scheduling dynamic that could impact team strategies. The week kicks off with a doubleheader between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, starting at 14:20 ET. This doubleheader is crucial as one of the games serves to make up for a postponement that occurred on June 18.

The Brewers and Cubs will each play eight games this week, providing them an edge compared to the other twenty teams, who are set to play only six games. In a notable exception, the Tampa Bay Rays will compete in just five games due to a scheduling conflict with the neighboring NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their Saturday home game originally scheduled against the St. Louis Cardinals has been moved to Thursday, leading to an adjusted series schedule that includes games on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

Pitcher Returns Could Shift Dynamics

This week may mark the return of several key starting pitchers from the injured list, which could significantly influence team performances. The Chicago Cubs are expected to welcome back Jameson Taillon for one of the games in their Monday doubleheader. Additionally, the Houston Astros anticipate having Lance McCullers Jr. back in action by Thursday or Friday. The Seattle Mariners are also poised to reintegrate Bryce Miller into their lineup on either Monday or Tuesday.

As teams prepare for this week, the focus will be not only on the number of games played but also on the matchups and performances of returning players. The combination of doubleheaders and player returns creates an exciting atmosphere for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, who will be keen to adjust their lineups accordingly.

Managers will need to keep an eye on the starting pitcher rankings and hitter matchup ratings to maximize their team’s potential. With a week filled with strategic opportunities, fantasy players will be eager to capitalize on the nuances of this unique scheduling.