Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 22.
American League:
The trade of Brian Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins leaves Fernando Rodney in the closer role in Los Angeles so make sure he is active in your lineup next week.
Outfielder Nelson Cruz is expected to return from the disabled list for the Texas Rangers on Monday. Coming off of his third trip to the disabled list, he might be rested a game or two more going forward with the additional depth the Rangers now have.
Outfielder Matt LaPorta of the Cleveland Indians exited Sunday’s game with a strained hip. It was the same hip he had surgery on last year and his status is in question so make sure you have him replaced in your lineup for next week.
Second basemen Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles missed action over the weekend with a strained hip and is questionable for the start of the week. With the amount of middle infielders likely available in your league in free agency, I would plan on starting one of them over Roberts next week.
National League:
Manny Ramirez looks like he is on his way out of Los Angeles and headed to the Chicago White Sox. Details are still sketchy whether it is a straight waiver claim or a trade which could delay his arrival a day or two, meaning he should remain benched for next week still.
Aroldis Chapman is expected to make his major league debut for the Cincinnati Reds early next week in the bullpen. NL only owners in need of strikeouts should look to add him into their active lineup.
Troy Tulowitzki is day-to-day with a strained groin for Colorado and is questionable for Monday’s game. Chris Denorfia of the San Diego Padres is day-to-day after missing some action over the weekend with a sore back.
Platoon Roles:
For those players in platoon roles, below you will find the number of games that each player might play based on the current pitching matchups for week 22.
| Team | Vs. Righty | Vs. Lefty |
| Boston – 2B | Jed Lowrie (3) | Bill Hall (3) |
| Boston – OF | Daniel Nava (3) | Darnell McDonald (3) |
| Texas – 1B | Mitch Moreland (5) | Jorge Cantu (1) |
| Arizona – OF | Gerardo Parra (4) | Rusty Ryal (2) |
| Atlanta – OF | Eric Hinske (3) | Matt Diaz (4) |
| Atlanta – OF | Rick Ankiel (3) | Melky Cabrera (4) |
| Colorado – OF | Seth Smith (4) | Ryan Spillborghs (3) |
| Houston – 1B | Brett Wallace (4) | Jason Michaels (2) |
| San Diego – OF | Will Venable (4) | Scott Hairston (2) |
| St. Louis – OF | John Jay (3) | Allen Craig (3) |
| Washington – 2B | Adam Kennedy (4) | Alberto Gonzalez (2) |


