The bat continues to make decisions for fantasy players difficult, although I think it’s more MLB policies that are causing problems.  If a player is in contact with a player that was in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, the team puts the player on the 10-day IL.  But if after a couple days the player test negative, he’s reactivated and the 10-day IL means nothing.  Yordan Alvarez just lived through that scenario this weekend.  As did the Phillies with Roman Quinn.  So how do you know?  Reality, you don’t.

This week’s schedule has only two teams with five games - Cincinnati and Chicago White Sox. Use your noggin with their players if you have other options. There are 16 teams that will play six games.  The teams playing every day are Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York Mets, Oakland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Texas and Toronto.

The schedule sets up a lot of two-start pitchers, and here’s one you won’t see very often.  Shohei  Ohtani will have two home starts against Tampa Bay and the crosstown rival Dodgers and Walker Buehler.  If you are in a league where you can switch him from hitter to pitcher, this is the week to do it.

There’s a couple two-start pitchers that could be on your waiver wire worth picking up for this week. Adrian Houser gets a road start at Philadelphia and home start against the Marlins. Cole Irvin gets two home starts against Toronto and Tampa Bay.  And the Cardinals Adam Wainwright and Kwang- Hyun Kim both get two home starts against the Mets and Rockies.

Help is on the way!

This week’s list of players that should be returning are Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Miguel Sano and the Yankees should get Luis Severino back in their starting rotation.  The Braves have announced Max Fried will start Wednesday against Washington. And Brian Anderson is scheduled to come off the IL on Tuesday and return to the hot corner.  Plan accordingly!

Looking for outfield help?  My highest bid will be on Mike Tauchman.  I figure they would not have made the deal with the Yankees for him to have him sit on the bench.  He has that rare combination of power and speed with 14 career home runs and 16 career stolen bases in 440 at bats.  With regular playing time, he could be a great pick.  Mike Yastrzemski being on the IL gives him a chance to get established, so go get him if you can.

Late Breaking News from Sunday’s Games. . . .

Shohei Ohtani was plunked on the right elbow (he did have a guard on), so his start on Monday is now very questionable.   Trevor Story was hit on the finger.  X-rays came back negative, but expect him to miss a couple games.  Tommy LaStella strained his left hamstring and a trip to the IL is pending. Ian Happ was carted off the field after a collision. Don’t expect to see him for at least a couple games and a IL trip is possible.  Luis Robert is on his way to the IL after a hip injury running out an infield single.   Travis d’Arnaud was placed on the 60-day IL with left thumb surgery to repair a torn ligament, so you won’t see him soon. And in the most bizarre injury, Jesus Luzardo was placed on the IL with a fractured pinky finger that he hurt while playing a video game.

Closer Wars. . . .

The top pick up if available is Twins reliever Trevor Rogers as Alex Colome has been regulated to less meaningful outings.  Rafael Dolis looks to be the guy in Toronto this week. And Diego Castillo looks to be the Rays closer for now.  Stay away from anyone in the Reds bullpen.

Have a great week!

Charlie Wiegert was the sixth person to be inducted in the Fantasy Sports Hall Of Fame in 2001. He is a founder of CDM Fantasy Sports and Fantasy Sports Trade Association. He has been playing and winning fantasy baseball leagues since 1984. If you have any questions for Charlie, email them to cwiegert@cdmsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GFFantasySports.