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Fantasy Forecaster updated Monday, Sept. 18, at 12:51 p.m. ET.On tap: Its the penultimate week of the 2016 regular season -- and with it, fantasy baseball -- a time during which playoff races increase in intensity, while teams no longer battling for a playoff spot either amplify their efforts aligning rosters for the upcoming postseason (those who have clinched) or auditioning players for 2017 (those who are out of it). Besides Week 25, the final week, there might not be another week on the schedule during which player roles shift more rapidly than this one. What you want: Players on teams with playoff motivation. In other words, seek the games that mean something.As such, here are the teams that, entering play on Sept. 18, are within five games of a playoff spot (either havent clinched and lead in the standings, or trail by no more than five games): Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets,?Pittsburgh Pirates,?St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. These teams are, therefore, the most likely to push their regulars to play roughly the same volume they might have one or more months ago. Rest? Wait until November!The American Leagues wild-card race might come into focus in Week 24, with the Blue Jays in a commanding position to make a statement. Tied with the Orioles for those two playoff spots, the Blue Jays first travel to Seattles Safeco Field to battle the Mariners, whom they lead by three games in the wild-card standings, from Sept. 19-21 (three games). They then return home to host the Yankees, who are four games back in the wild-card standings, at Rogers Centre from Sept. 23-25 (three games). Minor injuries (reportedly) to Marco Estrada, aligned as the teams two-start pitcher, and Aaron Sanchez thrust this team under the spotlight.A pair of division showdowns grace the early-week schedule, as the Red Sox, up three games on the Orioles in the American League East standings entering play on Sept. 16, visit Camden Yards from Sept. 19-22 (four games). The Dodgers, up five games on the Giants in the National League West standings as of the same date, host San Francisco at Dodger Stadium from Sept. 19-21 (three games). Well get another Clayton Kershaw-Madison Bumgarner showdown during this series on Sept. 19, and the Rich Hill-Johnny Cueto battle a day later is almost as compelling.Among the weeks schedule oddities: The Chicago White Sox visit the Kansas City Royals for a rescheduled game on Sept. 19, which makes up for their May 26 postponement. Though thatll cause an early start to Week 24 -- that game is scheduled for a 2:15 p.m. ET start -- that fortunately gives the White Sox a six-game week, eliminating what was initially slated to be the weeks only five-game schedule. All 30 teams are scheduled for at least six games, and 12 will play seven.Quickly jump to any section, if you want specific intelESPN lineup deadlinesInterleague impactProjected starting pitchersPitching scuttlebuttWeek 24 pitcher rankingsHitting ratingsHitting advantagesESPN leagues: Lineup deadlinesThe White Sox at Royals make-up game on Sept. 19 begins at 2:15 p.m. ET, resulting in an early start to Week 24 action.Championship matchups, which are two-week matchups, in ESPN leagues begin in Week 24. These matchups last through the games of Sunday, Oct. 2.Remember that game times have tremendous influence upon daily planning, so be aware of every days first scheduled pitch. This week, they are:Monday, Sept. 19: 2:15 p.m. ET (Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals, the days only day game) Tuesday, Sept. 20: 7:05 p.m. ET (two games begin at that time) Wednesday, Sept. 21: 3:10 p.m. ET (St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies, one of three day games) Thursday, Sept. 22: 7:05 p.m. ET (Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles) Friday, Sept. 23: 2 p.m. ET (St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs, the days only day game) Saturday, Sept. 24: 1:05 p.m. ET (two of four day games begin at that time) Sunday, Sept. 25: 1:07 p.m. ET (New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays, one of 14 day games)Interleague impactThis weeks interleague series:Chicago White Sox at Philadelphia Phillies (2 games, Sept. 20-21)Arizona Diamondbacks at Baltimore Orioles (3 games, Sept. 23-25)Diamondbacks probable DH(s), with three games in AL ballparks: Rickie Weeks has six of the Diamondbacks seven starts at DH this season and remains on the active roster, though he hasnt been playing nearly as much in games in NL venues of late, his last start coming on Aug. 31. Its possible, therefore, that the Diamondbacks could use the DH to rotate players as a half-day off, with Paul Goldschmidt (who has the other DH start), Brandon Drury, Jake Lamb and Yasmany Tomas other candidates to shift there. That means the extra at-bats could be divided evenly between players like Socrates Brito, Phil Gosselin, Mitch Haniger, Kyle Jensen and/or Weeks, meaning none of the five is a clear fill-in even for NL-only owners.White Soxs traditional DH, with two games in NL ballparks: Justin Morneau, though he has been sidelined recently by back stiffness, seemingly rendering the DH point moot in an NL park; hed simply start the two games in Philadelphia on the bench. Carlos Sanchez has been the player recently benefiting from Morneaus absence, playing third base with Todd Frazier at first base and Jose Abreu at DH, so expect Frazier to shift back to third base and Abreu to first for these two games.Projected starting pitchersThe chart below lists each of the 30 MLB teams schedules and projected starting pitchers, and provides a projected Bill James game score for each days starter.Projected starting pitchers, Sept. 19-25 P: The starting pitchers projected Bill James game score, accounting for past history (three years worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. A 50 is typically deemed a quality start by this measure, while a 70 is considered a dominant start.Pitching scuttlebuttThe Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres have all been using six-man rotations and are expected to continue to do so through Week 24.Baltimore Orioles: Wade Miley (back) is questionable for his next start, so the Orioles seem likely to go with a five-man rotation for Week 24.Toronto Blue Jays: Marco Estrada (herniated disc) has been pitching through an injury, and it is unclear whether hell need to miss a start during Week 24. Aaron Sanchez (blister) is expected to rejoin the Blue Jays rotation on Sept. 21.Detroit Tigers: Manager Brad Ausmus recently insisted that the Tigers wont stick with a six-man rotation, but the team hasnt yet announced its starters beyond Sept. 22 (Thursday), so its possible that they might. Mike Pelfrey, Anibal Sanchez or Buck Farmer will get the Sept. 21 start, with Sanchez a virtual lock to start during the Sept. 23-25 otherwise. Pelfrey, Farmer and Jordan Zimmermann are the three starters not listed above would could slot in sometime during Week 24.Cleveland Indians: Carlos Carrasco (fractured hand) is out for the season, leaving the Indians in need of a Sept. 24 fill-in. The team could go with a bullpen day arrangement, or Cody Anderson could fill in.Kansas City Royals: Jason Vargas (DL: elbow) rejoined the Royals rotation on Sept. 17, seemingly lining him up to make another start on Sept. 22 during Week 24.Minnesota Twins: The Twins used the Sept. 19 off day to push Tyler Duffeys next start back to Sept. 24.Atlanta Braves: Josh Collmenter joined the Braves rotation on Sept. 17, seemingly lining him up for a Sept. 22 start during Week 24.Miami Marlins: Wei-Yin Chen (DL: elbow) will rejoin the Marlins rotation on Sept. 19, replacing Jake Esch.New York Mets: Jacob deGrom (forearm/elbow) is out for the season, leaving the Mets with a rotation opening on Sept. 23; they used Gabriel Ynoa for a spot start on Sept. 18. Steven Matz (DL: shoulder) could be a candidate to take that turn.Washington Nationals: Joe Ross (DL: shoulder) rejoined the Nationals rotation on Sept. 18, seemingly lining him up for a Sept. 24 start during Week 24. The team could always go in another direction in that spot, howveer, with Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez candidates for starts.Milwaukee Brewers: Junior Guerra has been shut down for the season after reaching his innings limit, so the Brewers appear likely to revert to a five-man rotation for Week 24.St. Louis Cardinals: Anthony Reyes replaced Jaime Garcia in the Cardinals rotation on Sept. 18, seemingly lining him up to make another start on Sept. 24 during Week 24.Arizona Diamondbacks: With Rubby De La Rosas health in question, the Diamondbacks will move Braden Shipley back into their rotation in his place, beginning on Sept. 19.Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have been rotating pitchers through the fourth and fifth spots in their rotation, which next arrive Sept. 22-23. Brock Stewart and Jose De Leon were the pitchers most recently used in those turns, but Bud Norris, Ross Stripling, Julio Urias and Brett Anderson (DL: finger) are all considered candidates to fill in on either day.Tristans Week 24 pitcher rankings1. Madison Bumgarner (SF) -- Mon-@LAD (Kershaw), Sat-@SD (Cosart)2. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) -- Mon-SF (Bumgarner), Sat-COL (Bettis)3. Noah Syndergaard (NYM) -- Mon-ATL (Blair), Sat-PHI (Asher)4. Chris Sale (CWS) -- Wed-@PHI (Eickhoff)5. Max Scherzer (WSH) -- Wed-@MIA (Koehler)6. Rich Hill (LAD) -- Tue-SF (Cueto), Sun-COL (Anderson)7. Jose Fernandez (MIA) -- Tue-WSH (Roark), Sun-ATL (Teheran)8. Jake Arrieta (CHC) -- Fri-STL (Leake)9. Johnny Cueto (SF) -- Tue-@LAD (Hill), Sun-@SD (Richard)10. Zack Greinke (ARI) -- Wed-@SD (Perdomo): He doesnt look right since his return from the DL, but this is about the best matchup one could ask, against an extremely whiff-prone Padres team in a far superior ballpark for his skill set than his typical home, Chase Field.11. Corey Kluber (CLE) -- Wed-KC (Kennedy)12. Kevin Gausman (BAL) -- Tue-BOS (Rodriguez), Sun-ARI (Shipley): He just produced the second-best game score of his career (79) in his most recent outing against the Red Sox, and has nine quality starts, a 2.58 ERA and 26.3 percent strikeout rate in 12 second-half starts. Anyone care to keep doubting him?13. Jon Lester (CHC) -- Tue-CIN (TBD)14. Michael Pineda (NYY) -- Tue-@TB (Smyly), Sun-@TOR (Estrada)15. Rick Porcello (BOS) -- Mon-@BAL (Bundy), Sat-@TB (Andriese)16. Kyle Hendricks (CHC) -- Sat-STL (Reyes)17. Justin Verlander (DET) -- Thu-@MIN (Santana)18. Chris Archer (TB) -- Fri-BOS (Pomeranz)19. Yu Darvish (TEX) -- Fri-@OAK (Graveman)20. Tanner Roark (WSH) -- Tue-@MIA (Fernandez)21. Seth Lugo (NYM) -- Thu-PHI (Morgan): Phillies matchups are back to being outstanding, as they rank last in baseball in runs per game (3.21) and strikeout rate (28.8 percent of PAs) during the month of September. Lugo might not be a long-term fantasy investment, but he has got plenty of juice left to help with this Week 24 matchup.22. Kenta Maeda (LAD) -- Wed-SF (Moore)23. Masahiro Tanaka (NYY) -- Wed-@TB (Cobb)24. Jeff Samardzija (SF) -- Thu-@SD (Friedrich)25. Anthony DeSclafani (CIN) -- Fri-@MIL (Davies): Only the Padres have whiffed with greater frequency than the Brewers (24.9 percent rate) since the All-Star break, so even with fatigue concerns, DeSclafanis matchup is too outstanding to doubt.26. Drew Smyly (TB) -- Tue-NYY (Pineda)27. David Price (BOS) -- Thu-@BAL (Tillman)28. A.J. Cole (WSH) -- Mon-@MIA (Chen), Sun-@PIT (Brault)29. James Shields (CWS) -- Tue-@PHI (Thompson)30. Matt Moore (SF) -- Wed-@LAD (Maeda)31. Drew Pomeranz (BOS) -- Fri-@TB (Archer): Ten of the past 13 left-handed starters to face the Rays have tossed quality starts, including Pomeranz on Aug. 30, with the group combining for a 3.01 ERA and 28.9 percent strikeout rate.32. Julio Teheran (ATL) -- Tue-@NYM (Gsellman), Sun-@MIA (Fernandez)33. Jason Hammel (CHC) -- Mon-CIN (Adleman), Sun-STL (Martinez)34. John Lackey (CHC) -- Wed-CIN (Stephenson)35. Jon Gray (COL) -- Fri-@LAD (De Leon)36. Jose De Leon (LAD) -- Fri-COL (Gray)37. Carlos Martinez (STL) -- Mon-@COL (Anderson), Sun-@CHC (Hammel)38. Felix Hernandez (SEA) -- Wed-TOR (Sanchez)39. Taijuan Walker (SEA) -- Mon-TOR (Estrada), Sun-@MIN (Santiago)40. Jameson Taillon (PIT) -- Fri-WSH (Gonzalez)41. Cole Hamels (TEX) -- Wed-LAA (Weaver)42. Gio Gonzalez (WSH) -- Fri-@PIT (Taillon)43. Alex Reyes (STL) -- Sat-@CHC (Hendricks)44. Jose Quintana (CWS) -- Sat-@CLE (TBD)45. Chad Bettis (COL) -- Sat-@LAD (Kershaw)46. Robert Gsellman (NYM) -- Tue-ATL (Teheran), Sun-PHI (Thompson)47. Tyler Anderson (COL) -- Mon-STL (Martinez), Sun-@LAD (Hill)48. Albert Suarez (SF) -- Fri-@SD (Jackson)49. Joe Ross (WSH) -- Sat-@PIT (Nova)50. Sean Manaea (OAK) -- Tue-HOU (Musgrove)51. J.A. Happ (TOR) -- Tue-@SEA (Iwakuma)52. Luis Cessa (NYY) -- Thu-@TB (Snell)53. Archie Bradley (ARI) -- Tue-@SD (Clemens)54. Collin McHugh (HOU) -- Wed-@OAK (Mengden)55. Michael Fulmer (DET) -- Fri-KC (Duffy)56. Jharel Cotton (OAK) -- Mon-HOU (Peacock)57. Dan Straily (CIN) -- Sat-@MIL (Peralta)58. Danny Duffy (KC) -- Fri-@DET (Fulmer)59. Robbie Ray (ARI) -- Sat-@BAL (Bundy)60. Trevor Bauer (CLE) -- Fri-CWS (Gonzalez)61. Blake Snell (TB) -- Thu-NYY (Cessa)62. Carlos Rodon (CWS) -- Mon-@KC (Ventura), Sun-@CLE (Tomlin)63. Alex Cobb (TB) -- Wed-NYY (Tanaka)64. Tyler Chatwood (COL) -- Thu-@LAD (Stewart)65. Hisashi Iwakuma (SEA) -- Tue-TOR (Happ)66. Aaron Sanchez (TOR) -- Wed-@SEA (Hernandez)67. Marcus Stroman (TOR) -- Sat-NYY (Sabathia)68. Jerad Eickhoff (PHI) -- Wed-CWS (Sale)69. Joe Musgrove (HOU) -- Tue-@OAK (Manaea), Sun-LAA (Wright)70. James Paxton (SEA) -- Fri-@MIN (Gibson)71. John Gant (ATL) -- Wed-@NYM (Colon)72. Robert Stephenson (CIN) -- Wed-@CHC (Lackey)73. Ivan Nova (PIT) -- Sat-WSH (Ross)74. Ubaldo Jimenez (BAL) -- Fri-ARI (Miller)75. Brock Stewart (LAD) -- Thu-COL (Chatwood)76. Anibal Sanchez (DET) -- Wed-@MIN (Berrios)77. Francisco Liriano (TOR) -- Fri-NYY (Mitchell)78. Mike Clevinger (CLE) -- Thu-KC (Vargas)79. Chad Kuhl (PIT) -- Wed-@MIL (Nelson)80. Marco Estrada (TOR) -- Mon-@SEA (Walker), Sun-NYY (Pineda)81. Dylan Bundy (BAL) -- Mon-BOS (Porcello), Sat-ARI (Ray)82. Daniel Norris (DET) -- Sat-KC (Ventura)83. Zach Davies (MIL) -- Fri-CIN (DeSclafani)84. Ian Kennedy (KC) -- Wed-@CLE (Kluber)85. Brad Peacock (HOU) -- Mon-@OAK (Cotton), Sat-LAA (Chacin)86. Wei-Yin Chen (MIA) -- Mon-WSH (Cole), Sat-ATL (Blair)87. Luke Weaver (STL) -- Wed-@COL (Marquez)88. Jake Odorizzi (TB) -- Sun-BOS (Rodriguez)89. Jhoulys Chacin (LAA) -- Mon-@TEX (Perez), Sat-@HOU (Peacock)90. Eduardo Rodriguez (BOS) -- Tue-@BAL (Gausman), Sun-@TB (Odorizzi)91. Josh Tomlin (CLE) -- Tue-KC (Volquez), Sun-CWS (Rodon)92. A.J. Griffin (TEX) -- Tue-LAA (Wright)93. Ariel Miranda (SEA) -- Sat-@MIN (Duffey)94. Tim Adleman (CIN) -- Mon-@CHC (Hammel), Sun-@MIL (Garza)95. Steven Brault (PIT) -- Tue-@MIL (Garza), Sun-WSH (Cole)96. Matt Andriese (TB) -- Sat-BOS (Porcello)97. Luis Perdomo (SD) -- Wed-ARI (Greinke)98. Yordano Ventura (KC) -- Mon-CWS (Rodon), Sat-@DET (Norris)99. Tom Koehler (MIA) -- Wed-WSH (Scherzer)100. Mike Fiers (HOU) -- Thu-LAA (Nolasco)101. Ervin Santana (MIN) -- Thu-DET (Verlander)102. CC Sabathia (NYY) -- Sat-@TOR (Stroman)103. Alex Meyer (LAA) -- Fri-@HOU (Fister)104. Mike Leake (STL) -- Fri-@CHC (Arrieta)105. Clay Buchholz (BOS) -- Wed-@BAL (Gallardo)106. Colby Lewis (TEX) -- Sat-@OAK (Alcantara)107. Daniel Mengden (OAK) -- Wed-HOU (McHugh)108. Ricky Nolasco (LAA) -- Thu-@HOU (Fiers)109. Tyler Duffey (MIN) -- Sat-SEA (Miranda)110. Jeremy Hellickson (PHI) -- Fri-@NYM (TBD)111. Raul Alcantara (OAK) -- Sat-TEX (Lewis)112. Matt Wisler (ATL) -- Fri-@MIA (Cashner)113. Paul Clemens (SD) -- Tue-ARI (Bradley)114. Braden Shipley (ARI) -- Mon-@SD (Richard), Sun-@BAL (Gausman)115. Hector Santiago (MIN) -- Tue-DET (Boyd), Sun-SEA (Walker)116. Clayton Richard (SD) -- Mon-ARI (Shipley), Sun-SF (Cueto)117. Jake Thompson (PHI) -- Tue-CWS (Shields), Sun-@NYM (Gsellman)118. Christian Friedrich (SD) -- Thu-SF (Samardzija)119. Jose Urena (MIA) -- Thu-ATL (Collmenter)120. Kyle Gibson (MIN) -- Fri-SEA (Paxton)121. Edwin Jackson (SD) -- Fri-SF (Suarez)122. Bartolo Colon (NYM) -- Wed-ATL (Gant)123. Andrew Cashner (MIA) -- Fri-ATL (Wisler)124. Ryan Vogelsong (PIT) -- Thu-@MIL (Anderson)125. Josh Collmenter (ATL) -- Thu-@MIA (Urena)126. Jorge De La Rosa (COL) -- Tue-STL (Wainwright)127. Matt Boyd (DET) -- Tue-@MIN (Santiago), Sun-KC (Volquez)128. Shelby Miller (ARI) -- Fri-@BAL (Jimenez)129. Bryan Mitchell (NYY) -- Fri-@TOR (Liriano)130. German Marquez (COL) -- Wed-STL (Weaver)131. Alec Asher (PHI) -- Sat-@NYM (Syndergaard)132. Adam Wainwright (STL) -- Tue-@COL (De La Rosa)133. Jose Berrios (MIN) -- Wed-DET (Sanchez)134. Daniel Wright (LAA) -- Tue-@TEX (Griffin), Sun-@HOU (Musgrove)135. Jimmy Nelson (MIL) -- Wed-PIT (Kuhl)136. Adam Morgan (PHI) -- Thu-@NYM (Lugo)137. Kendall Graveman (OAK) -- Fri-TEX (Darvish)138. Chase Anderson (MIL) -- Thu-PIT (Vogelsong)139. Miguel Gonzalez (CWS) -- Fri-@CLE (Bauer)140. Edinson Volquez (KC) -- Tue-@CLE (Tomlin), Sun-@DET (Boyd)141. Jason Vargas (KC) -- Thu-@CLE (Clevinger)142. Chris Tillman (BAL) -- Thu-BOS (Price)143. Aaron Blair (ATL) -- Mon-@NYM (Syndergaard), Sat-@MIA (Chen)144. Wily Peralta (MIL) -- Sat-CIN (Straily)145. Jarred Cosart (SD) -- Sat-SF (Bumgarner)146. Matt Garza (MIL) -- Tue-PIT (Brault), Sun-CIN (Adleman)147. Doug Fister (HOU) -- Fri-LAA (Meyer)148. Ross Detwiler (OAK) -- Sun-TEX (Perez)149. Jered Weaver (LAA) -- Wed-@TEX (Hamels)150. Yovani Gallardo (BAL) -- Wed-BOS (Buchholz)151. Martin Perez (TEX) -- Mon-LAA (Chacin), Sun-@OAK (Detwiler)Hitting ratingsThe chart below lists each of the 30 teams total number of scheduled games, home games and games versus right- and left-handed pitchers, and provides a matchup rating for the weeks games in terms of overall offense, offense for left- and right-handed hitters and base stealing. Matchup ratings for each individual game are listed under the corresponding date.Hitting matchup chart, Sept. 19-25 H: Hitters matchup rating, which accounts for the opposing starting pitchers past history (three years worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. L: Hitters matchup rating accounting only for left-handed hitters. R: Hitters matchup rating accounting for only right-handed hitters. S: Base-stealing matchup rating, which accounts for the opponents catchers ability to gun down opposing base stealers. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst.Hitting advantagesHere are this weeks volume plays, defined as the teams that play the most home games, or games against right- or left-handed starters:Total games: Baltimore Orioles 7, Boston Red Sox 7, Kansas City Royals 7, Houston Astros 7, Los Angeles Angels 7, Atlanta Braves 7, Miami Marlins 7, New York Mets 7, Colorado Rockies 7, Los Angeles Dodgers 7, San Diego Padres 7, San Francisco Giants 7. All other teams play exactly six games apiece.Home games: Baltimore Orioles 7, Miami Marlins 7, New York Mets 7, Los Angeles Dodgers 7, San Diego Padres 7, Tampa Bay Rays 6, Cleveland Indians 6, Minnesota Twins 6, Oakland Athletics 6, Chicago Cubs 6, Milwaukee Brewers 6.Versus LH: San Francisco Giants 4, Baltimore Orioles 3, New York Yankees 3, Cleveland Indians 3, Kansas City Royals 3, Minnesota Twins 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 3. Seven teams face two left-handed starters.Versus RH: Boston Red Sox 7, Miami Marlins 7, Houston Astros 6, Atlanta Braves 6, New York Mets 6, San Diego Padres 6. Eleven teams face five right-handed starters.If the Mets are to squeak into the wild-card game, this is a week during which their offense, which has indeed picked up the pace recently, needs to step up. Theyll play seven home games, three against the Braves and four against the Phillies, teams that rank among the bottom 10 in baseball in ERA during the past month. In their past 20 games (entering play on Sept. 16), the Mets have averaged 4.95 runs per contest, with .260/.332/.456 triple-slash rates and 33 home runs. During that time, Asdrubal Cabrera (.365/.413/.730, .489 wOBA) and Wilmer Flores (.308/.339/.577, .393 wOBA), players available in greater than two-thirds of ESPN leagues, have been the Mets most productive hitters. Curtis Granderson is also a strong play in a week where the Mets will face six right-handed starters.The American League West should also provide good sources of offense, specifically the Astros, Angels and Rangers, teams who will play nothing but intradivision games against one another as well as the Athletics. Here are the second-half ERAs and rankings of those four teams: Athletics 4.25 (19th), Astros 4.30 (21st), Angels 4.39 (23rd), Rangers 4.39 (24th). The toughest individual matchup any of them will face is the Angels battling Rangers lefty Cole Hamels on Sept. 21, but be aware that Hamels has a 5.27 ERA in his past five starts, and the Angels will get all of their games in more hitting-friendly ballparks than their own: three at Texas Globe Life Park and four at Houstons Minute Maid Park. In case you werent aware, Andrelton Simmons is a .322/.367/.489 hitter (.375 wOBA) during the past month, C.J. Cron a .287/.316/.500 (.357 wOBA) and Jefry Marte a .267/.313/.500 (.351 wOBA) hitter during that same time span.Astros hitters might be the best to exploit, however, considering their standing in the wild-card race. Theyll need to keep everyone in regular roles through at least Week 24, which greatly increases the chances of the team accelerating the returns of Jose Altuve (oblique) and Alex Bregman (hamstring), if at all possible. Neither is a slam dunk to play, however, with them only worthwhile plays if news breaks in advance of the weeks lineup deadline hinting an imminent return for either. Instead, consider Yulieski Gurriel, a .338/.360/.521 hitter (.384 wOBA) in 21 games during the past month, and Teoscar Hernandez, a .211/.318/.439 hitter (.331 wOBA), strong plays.Meanwhile, the Rangers, while perhaps more focused on resting regulars for the postseason, still get a significant boost with five games against right-handed starters, considering how lefty-leaning their lineup is. Rougned Odor, a .306/.322/.601 hitter (.400 wOBA) against righties since the All-Star break, Mitch Moreland, a .243/.318/.478 (.349 wOBA) hitter and Nomar Mazara, a .243/.310/.447 (.333 wOBA) hitter, all warrant places in your lineup, even with the risk any or all might sit out a game or two. Custom Roberto Alomar Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday. Earl Weaver Jersey Large . Catch all the action on TSN2 at 11pm et/8pm pt. The nine-time Big 12 champion Jayhawks are positioning themselves for another title, as they have run out to a flawless 6-0 mark in conference play thus far. http://www.customoriolesjersey.com/custom-roberto-alomar-jersey-large-168a.html . Dusautoir, the former World Player of the Year, sustained a torn bicep playing for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. The flanker, who has played 65 times for France, is expected to be out for up to four months. Cheap Orioles Jerseys . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. Custom Jim Palmer Jersey . Jon Montgomerys gold medal in skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre and his subsequent auctioning off of a pitcher of beer in the village square elevated him to folk-hero status. (STATS) -- One week, it might be Fordham running back Chase Edmonds, the next it could be Holy Cross quarterback Peter Pujals.Could Lehighs Big Three be far behind?Defenses in the Patriot League are getting pulled in every direction and taxed by tremendous offensive players.The defenses are asked to just keep up enough to get the ball back to their offense to let it go to work again.When you look at the offenses in this league, when you look at the quarterbacks, theres some tremendous skill. Its impossible to defend it all, Holy Cross coach Tom Gilmore said. I think defenses have to start becoming more and more aggressive, so the offenses dont know what theyre doing.If you just sit there with base defense, unless youre flat out better than the team youre playing, I think most offenses in this league, if not this country, will pick you apart.Six of the leagues seven teams -- all but Georgetown -- are returning a senior starting quarterback, a group led by Pujals, Fordhams Kevin Anderson, Colgates Jake Melville and Lehighs Nick Shafnisky. And then there are the All-Americans like Edmonds and Holy Cross wide receiver Brendan Flaherty.To defend the great skill, Patriot teams have to be willing to change the game plan from week to week to stop the different players and styles of offenses.You have to be really consistent, Georgetown coach Rob Sgarlata said.Among the league favorites, defending champion Colgate returns the more complete team over Fordham and Lehigh, but even the Raiders seek improvement on defense in a big way. All three should have excellent offenses in whats been an offensive league.Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Patriot League race and STATS predicted order of finish:1. Colgate2. Fordham3. Lehigh4. Holy Cross5. Bucknell6. Lafayette7. Georgetown---=TEAM CAPSULES=1. COLGATE RAIDERS=LOCATION: Hamilton, New YorkSTADIUM: Andy Kerr StadiumCOACH: Dan Hunt (14-12 in two seasons at Colgate)LAST SEASON: 9-5 overall, 6-0 Patriot (1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 17 (9 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: John Weber, OG; John Quazza, TE; Ty McCollum, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Jake Melville, QB, Sr. (193-for-351, 2,552 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs; 186 carries, 1073 yards, 11 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Pat Afriyie, DE, Jr. (49 TT, 17.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 5 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: James Holland, TB, Jr.; John Maddaluna III, WR, Sr.; Alex Greenawalt, WR, Jr.; Jordi Dalmau, OG, Jr.; Max Hartzman, C, Jr.; Ryan Paulish, OL, Jr.; Grant Siegel, OL, Sr.; Alex Campbell, NT, Sr.; Victor Steffen, DT, Sr.; Brett Field, DE, Sr.; Kyle Diener, LB, Sr.; Chris Morgan, LB, Sr.; Charles Cairnie, LB, Sr.; Abu Daramy, DB, Fr.; Adam Bridgeforth, CB, Sr.; Jonah Bowman, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: The Raiders kept playing close games and kept winning them last season, rolling to a perfect record in the Patriot League and then to two road playoff victories (New Hampshire and James Madison) to reach the FCS quarterfinals. They return 17 starters, their kickers and two 2014 starters, DT Steffen and CB Bridgeforth, who were injured for much of last season. Behind QB Melvilles lead, the Raiders averaged a league-high 206.4 rushing yards per game. RB Holland was a late-season standout and could threaten the 1,000-yard mark behind the Raiders veteran offensive line. Maddaluna (62 receptions, 910 yards, 2 TDs) returns as the No. 1 wide receiver and the Raiders are expecting Greenawalt to break out as well. The defense will be physical as usual, featuring potential All-Americans in DE Afriyie and LB Diener, their leading tackler (129) and this years preseason Patriot defensive player of the year. But the unit left room for improvement as the Raiders were outscored 401-356 despite enjoying their best season since 2003. With such an excellent returning team, its curious the Raiders opted for only 10 games, including only four at Andy Kerr Stadium.SCHEDULE:Sept. 2, at SyracuseSept. 17, at YaleSept. 24, at RichmondOct. 1, CornellOct. 8, at Lehigh*Oct. 15, at Bucknell*Oct. 29, Holy Cross*Nov. 5, at Fordham*Nov. 12, Lafayette*Nov. 19, Georgetown** -- Patriot League game---=2. FORDHAM RAMS=LOCATION: Bronx, New YorkSTADIUM: Coffey FieldCOACH: Andrew Breiner (first season at Fordham)LAST SEASON: 9-3 overall, 5-1 Patriot (2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (10 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Garrick Mayweather, OL; Stephen Hodge, LB; J.Q. Bowers, DBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Chase Edmonds, RB, Jr. (251 carries, 1,648 yards, 20 TDs; 31 receptions, 383 yards, 5 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Jihaad Pretlow, CB, Sr. (67 TT, 3 TFL, 2 INTs, 12 PBU, 1 FR)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Kevin Anderson, QB, Sr.; Kendall Pearcey, RB, Sr.; Corey Caddle, WR, So.; Austin Longi, WR, So.; Robbie Cantelli, WR, Sr.; Phazahn Odom, Sr., TE; Ben Hartman, OL, Jr.; John Boyd, OL, Sr.; Anthony Coyle, OL, Jr.; Marlon Crook, DL, Sr.; Justin Vaughn, DL, Sr.; Manny Adeyeye, DL, Sr.; George Dawson, LB, Sr.; Niko Thorpe, LB, Jr.; Makay Redd, PK, Sr.; Joe Pavlik, P, Sr.OUTLOOK: Despite the loss of highly successful coach Joe Moorhead to Penn State, the Rams have had a smooth transition under Andrew Breiner, their former offensive coordinator who at 32 has become one of Division Is younger head coaches. It helps that the Rams return 18 starters and the kickers as they seek a second Patriot title in three seasons and a fourth straight appearance in the FCS playoffs. It all starts with All-America RB Edmonds, who has been spectacular in his first two seasons (4,504 all-purpose yards and 49 touchdowns). Plus, opposing defenses have to stay honest or QB Anderson (229-for-342, 3,183 yards, 32 TDs, 10 INTs) will burn them. He knows how to spread the ball as his top five receivers were between 31 and 37 receptions a year ago. The two points of emphasis must be cutting down on sacks (43 allowed last season) and improving a defense that ranked only fifth in the league in both scoring defense and total defense. The defense lost three of its top four tacklers, although it returns two players, LB Thorpe and CB Pretlow, who were Patriot preseason selections. The Rams are happy to be hosting defending champ Colgate on Nov. 5 and then play at Yankee Stadium a week later against Holy Cross.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at NavySept. 10, Elizabeth City StateSept. 24, PennOct. 1, at MonmouthOct. 8, Lafayette*Oct. 15, YaleOct. 22, Georgetown*Oct. 29, Lehigh*Nov. 5, Colgate*Nov. 12, Holy Cross* (at Yankee Stadium, New York)Nov. 19, at Bucknell** -- Patriot League game---=3. LEHIGH MOUNTAIN HAWKS=LOCATION: Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaSTADIUM: Goodman StadiumCOACH: Andy Coen (68-46 in 10 seasons at Lehigh)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 4-2 Patriot (3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Matt Ford, OL; Matt Laub, DL; Olivier Rigaud, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Nick Shafnisky, QB, Sr. (196-for-294, 15 TDs, 10 INTs; 151 carries, 674 yards, 12 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Colton Caslow, MLB, Sr. (95 TT, 8 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 2 QBH)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Dom Bragalone, RB, So.; Troy Pelletier, WR, Jr.; Gatlin Casey, WR, Jr.; Trevor Socarras, WR, Sr.; Derek Knott, WR, Sr.; Tim OHara, LT, Jr.; Brandon Short, C, Sr.; Zach Duffy, RT, Sr.; Micah Tennant, LG, Sr.; Tyler Cavenas, DL, Jr.; Jimmy Mitchell, DL, Sr.; Pierce Ripanti, OLB, Sr.; Brandon Leaks, CB, Sr.; Quentin Jones, DB, Jr.; LaQuan Lambert, ROV, R-Sr.; Ed Mish, PK, So.OUTLOOK: One of the traditional Patriot League powers, Lehigh only lost in the league to Colgate and Fordham last season, and this season it gets the last two champions at home. The Mountain Hawks feature a Big Three on offense with QB Shafnisky, RB Bragalone and WR Pelletier. Shafnisky was a touchdown-maker (27) as a junior, Bragalone (1,008 rushing yards, 8 total TDs) was the Patriot Leagues rookie of the year and Pelletier (78 receptions, 831 yards, 8 TDs) made the All-Patriot first team as a sophomore. While the offense can score in bunches, Lehigh joined Lafayette at the bottom of the Patriot League defensive rankings. Opponents averaged over five yards per carry as well as 451.3 yards and 35.3 points per game. All-Patriot LB Caslow will look to motivate the struggling unit, which gets back Lambert for a fifth season after the standout rover was lost to a season-ending injury in the first game last year. Last years senior class was the first in more than 20 years to leave campus without winning a Patriot League championship.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, MonmouthSept. 10, at VillanovaSept. 17, at PennSept. 24, at PrincetonOct. 1, at YaleOct. 8, Colgate*Oct. 15, at Georgetown*Oct. 22, at Holy Cross*Oct. 29, Fordham*Nov. 5, Bucknell*Nov. 19, at Lafayette** -- Patriot League game---=4. HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS=LOCATION: Worcester, MassachuseettsSTADIUM: Fitton FieldCOACH: Tom Gilmore (66-69 in 12 seasons at Holy Cross)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 3-3 Patriot (4th)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (10 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Kalif Raymond, WR/RS; Mike Galantini, DT; Matt Bhaya, SSONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Peter Pujals, QB, Sr.dddddddddddd (286-for-484, 3,195 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs; 92 carries, 319 yards, 1 TD)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dewayne Cameron, DE, Sr. (47 TT, 11 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 FR)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Gabe Guild, TB, Sr.; Brendan Flaherty, WR, Sr.; Jake Wieczorek, WR, Sr.; Lucas Nikolaisen, TE, Sr.; Hunter Hudgins, OT, Sr.; Rob Kosharek, OT, Sr.; James Murray, C, Sr.; Ryan Smith, DE, Sr.; Jack Kutschke, DT, Jr.; Kyle Young, LB, Sr.; Nick McBeath, LB, Jr.; Alim Muhammad, CB, Jr.; Steven Martinez, CB, Sr.; Luke Ford, FS, Sr.OUTLOOK: After posting a winning season for the first time since 2011, the Crusaders hope to be a title contender with their strong senior class. Leading the way is QB Pujals, who has been outstanding for three straight seasons. His favorite target, Flaherty, posted one of the best seasons by a receiver in league history with 106 receptions for 1,082 yards and 12 TDs last year. The offense lost only one starter and TB Guild is capable of gaining more than his 402 rushing yards of a year ago. Holy Cross outscored opponents 351-249 with its much-improved defense, posting two shutouts and allowing only seven points in two other wins. Some key players are gone from the defense, but DE Cameron returns as a senior leader, and DBs Ford and Muhammad (injured for much of last season) joined him on the Patriot preseason team. LB McBeath was lost at midseason after getting off to a great start, so the defense may overcome some of its graduation losses. With the Fordham game moved to Yankee Stadium, the Crusaders will play only four times at home.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at Morgan StateSept. 10, at New HampshireSept. 17, at AlbanySept. 24, DartmouthOct. 1, at Lafayette*Oct. 8, Bucknell*Oct. 15, HarvardOct. 22, Lehigh*Oct. 29, at Colgate*Nov. 5, at Georgetown*Nov. 12, Fordham* (at Yankee Stadium, New York)* -- Patriot League game---=5. BUCKNELL BISON=LOCATION: Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaSTADIUM: Christy Mathewson-Memorial StadiumCOACH: Joe Susan (28-38 in six seasons at Bucknell; 38-38 overall)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 1-5 Patriot (6th)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (8 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Matt DelMauro, RB; Jimmy King, DE; Clayton Ewell, SONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Julien Davenport, OL, Sr. (FCS All-America first team)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Abdullah Anderson, DT, Jr. (46 TT, 8 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 BK)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: R.J. Nitti, QB, Sr.; Joey DeFloria, RB, Jr.; Will Carter, WR, Sr.; Alan Butler, WR, So.; Andrew Owers, TE/FB, So.; Devlin Brennan, LG, Sr.; Ned Bent, C, Sr.; Cary Hess, RG, Sr.; Doug Whitlock, DE, Jr.; Ben Schumacher, NG, Sr.; Ben Richard, LB, Jr.; Mark Pyles, LB, Jr.; Bret Berg, S, Sr.; Connor Golden, S, Jr.; Bryan Marine, CB, So.; Colin Jonov, CB, Jr.; Nick OBrien, CB, Sr.; Alex Pechin, PK/P, So.OUTLOOK: The schedule is quite similar to last season and the Bison hope to make amends after their win total from 2014 (8-3) was cut in half in a disappointing record. Injuries set them back, but it also gave starters experience to a high number of players. With four players on the Patriot preseason team (DLs Anderson and Schumacher and LBs Pyles and Richard), the defense remains the strength of the team. It might even overcome the graduation of Ewell, the Patriot Leagues 2015 defensive player of the year. The defense, which returns 12 of its 14 leading tacklers, surrendered the fewest points and yards in the league. On offense, the Bison averaged 11 fewer points per game a year ago than in 2014. Their veteran line features 6-foot-7, 320-pound LT Davenport and four other seniors who have combined for 62 career starts. QB Nitti enters his third season as the starter and will team with All-Patriot WR Carter, although the running back position has to be figured out (perhaps a committee). Pechin was the Patriot first-team punter as a freshman, averaging 42.1 yards per punt.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at MaristSept. 10, at DuquesneSept. 17, CornellSept. 24, VMIOct. 8, at Holy Cross*Oct. 15, Colgate*Oct. 22, Lafayette*Oct. 29, at Charleston SouthernNov. 5, at Lehigh*Nov. 12, at Georgetown*Nov. 19, Fordham** -- Patriot League game---=6. LAFAYETTE LEOPARDS=LOCATION: Easton, PennsylvaniaSTADIUM: Fisher StadiumCOACH: Frank Tavani (82-99 in 16 seasons at Lafayette)LAST SEASON: 1-10 overall, 0-6 Patriot (7th)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (9 offense/7 defense)KEY LOSSES: Mark Dodd, LB; Matt Smalley, CB/KR; Jared Roberts, S/PRONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Drew Reed, QB, Sr. (199-for-308, 2,008 yards, 11 TDs, 10 INTs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Brandon Bryant, LB, Jr. (114 TT, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Blake Searfoss, QB, Sr.; DeSean Brown, RB, Jr.; C.J. Amill, RB/WR, So.; Joey Chenoweth, WR, So.; Matt Mrazek, WR, Jr.; Cam Smith, LT, Jr.; Connor Staudle, LG, Sr.; Kevin Zataveski, C, Sr.; Nick Zataveski, RT, Sr.; Matt Rothrock, DT, Sr.; Robin Cepeda, DT, Sr.; Collin Albershardt, DE, Sr.; Beau Bosch, DE, Jr.; Jerry Powe, LB, So.; Draeland James, SS, Sr.; Phillip Parham, CB, Jr.; Jacob Bissell, PK, So.; Ryan Forrester, P, Sr.OUTLOOK: Last season was quite the drop-off for a team that won the Patriot League title in 2013. The injury-plagued Leopards suffered their worst record since 1964 and went winless in league action for the first time. Tavani, the dean of Patriot coaches, seeks a turnaround, and he has a pretty good solution that too often gets overlooked by football fans -- the Leopards return four of the five starters on the offensive line and all four starters on the defensive line. They have to put that muscle to good use, of course, but QB Reed quarterbacked them to the 2013 league title as a freshman. Brown (154 carries, 580 yards, 5 TDs) is a dangerous tailback and Chenoweth, Mrazek and Rocco Palumbo form a solid trio of wide receivers. While the defense is experienced up front, the Leopards lost four of last seasons top five tacklers, although they return the right one in Bryant, who led the team. Their 4-2-5 defense allowed 28 touchdowns through the air while intercepting only five passes. The Oct. 15 visit to Army West Point is Lafayettes first game against an FBS opponent since 1997, when the Leopards fell just short 38-36 against the Cadets.SCHEDULE:Sept. 2, at Central Connecticut StateSept. 10, DelawareSept. 17, at PrincetonSept. 24, VillanovaOct. 1, Holy Cross*Oct. 8, at Fordham*Oct. 15, at Army West PointOct. 22, at Bucknell*Oct. 29, Georgetown*Nov. 12, at Colgate*Nov. 19, Lehigh** -- Patriot League game---=7. GEORGETOWN HOYAS=LOCATION: Washington, D.C.STADIUM: Multi-Sport FieldCOACH: Rob Sgarlata (7-15 in two seasons at Georgetown)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 2-4 Patriot (5th)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Kyle Nolan, QB; Joel Kimpela, RB; Matt Satchell, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Justin Hill, WR, Sr. (46 receptions, 636 yards, 6 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Daniel Yankovich, LB, Jr. (88 TT, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 QBH)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Tim Barnes, QB, Sr.; Isaac Ellsworth, RB/KR, Jr.; Matt Buckman, TE, Sr.; Nick James, OL, Jr.; Michael McFarlane, OL, Jr.; Matt Houpert, OL Jr.; Hunter Kiselick, DL, Grad; Phil Novacki, DL, Sr.; Brennen Sawicki, DL, So.; Leo Loughrey, LB, Sr.; David Akere, S, Jr.; Jethro Francois, S, So.; Jelani Williamson, CB, Jr.; Henry Darmstadter, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: In a veteran-filled league this season, Georgetown has the fewest returning starters on top of being the only program which doesnt offer scholarships. The Hoyas were competitive last season, losing three league games by seven points or less, and they built some younger depth. QB Barnes (10-for-22, 79 yards) has waited for his turn behind Nolan and will run the offense as a senior. His go-to targets are WR Hill and TE Buckman (32 receptions, 251 yards, 4 TDs), the latter whom made the Patriot League preseason team. The defense must retool, but DT Sawicki and S Francis are sophomores to build around and LB Yankovich, the Hoyas second-leading tackler last year, has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Aside from a trip to Harvard, the non-conference schedule is manageable.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, DavidsonSept. 10, at MaristSept. 24, ColumbiaSept. 30, at HarvardOct. 8, PrincetonOct. 15, Lehigh*Oct. 22, at Fordham*Oct. 29, at Lafayette*Nov. 5, Holy Cross*Nov. 12, Bucknell*Nov. 19, at Colgate** -- Patriot League game ' ' '