Week 22 in fantasy baseball centers on hitters riding momentum and playing time upside. Michael Harris II has turned his season around after a swing adjustment, riding an 11-game streak with strong counting stats and elite underlying metrics. Jake McCarthy has blasted to the top of the last-week batting averages, reminding managers of his spark Plug capability if he earns regular at-bats in Arizona. Miguel Andujar has made a standout impression with Cincinnati, delivering big RBI numbers and a high wRC+ while fitting neatly into middle-of-the-order spots.

Jose Caballero leads the league in steals while his playing time remains the gating factor; a hot minute or two of extra ABs could unleash even more baseline value. Myles Straw and Mike Yastrzemski have shown wheels and power in recent days, particularly when hitting leadoff or top of the lineup, making them solid cheap DFS or roto targets as the season winds down. August wRC+ leaders Brice Turang, Jakob Marsee, and Shea Langeliers headline the sprint for late-season breakouts, with Langeliers anchoring Oakland’s catching corps and Turang providing growing base-path value as the season nears its close.

Lineup optimization this week leans on strong batting averages, RBI potential, and stolen base upside from the new wave of breakouts. For fantasy managers, the takeaway is to roster Harris II, McCarthy, Andujar, Caballero, Yastrzemski, and Straw where possible, while eyeing Turang, Marsee, and Langeliers as longer-term upside bets who could fuel “Week 22” results and beyond.

Colorado rode a clean, professional night at Coors Field to a 4-3 win over Arizona, snapping a rough patch with a composed team performance. Tanner Gordon found a groove five days after a rough stretch, handing off a lead to a bullpen that slammed the door. Offensively, Hunter Goodman opened the scoring with a 25th homer, and the Rockies drilled timely contact and smart baserunning to back that up. Tyler Freeman kickstarted a decisive fifth inning with a triple, and Beck delivered a two-out bloop double that plated the winning run. The defense was steady, the order balanced, and the bullpen evergreen as Colorado kept faint playoff hopes alive.

Goodman tweaked his swing and bat choice, keeping him on the backside and driving the ball with authority. Brenton Doyle supplied a wall-arriving double after a Beck misplay, while Karros snagged at third and Fernandez grounded in a run, giving the Rockies a varied, productive attack up and down the lineup. Ritter’s heads-up baserunning created Colorado’s second run, a reminder that aggression on the bases can turn close games into wins. Gordon’s line—three runs on five hits in five-plus—was enough with the bullpen's late-night shutdown, as Jimmy Herget, J. Mejía, and Vodnik closed it out with a combined wallop of strikeouts.

The Arizona Diamondbacks face a significant setback with the injury to outfielder Corbin Carroll, who has been placed on the injured list due to a chip fracture in his left hand/wrist. Carroll, a standout this season with a .255 batting average and 20 home runs, suffered the injury from a hit by pitch last week. The team has not provided a return timetable, but similar injuries typically require weeks of recovery. With Carroll's absence, the D-backs are recalling Jake McCarthy, who struggled earlier this year but has shown promise in past seasons. This injury adds to the team's woes, with other key players also sidelined, including ace Corbin Burnes and several pitchers. Despite these challenges, Arizona has recently shown resilience, winning nine of their last 13 games and remaining in the playoff hunt.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are gearing up for the 2025 season with a core group of players who share a strong camaraderie, having played together for several years. Outfielder Jake McCarthy emphasized the importance of these relationships, stating that familiarity fosters good chemistry, especially among teammates who bond both on and off the field. This season, several players have also gotten married or engaged, adding to the team's familial atmosphere.

Pavin Smith praised the team's overall talent, highlighting their strengths in pitching, hitting, and defense, which he believes make this the best team he’s ever been part of. Facing rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres pushes the Diamondbacks to perform at their best.

Manager Torey Lovullo, along with owner Ken Kendrick and general manager Mike Hazen, has established a foundation that encourages player unity and competitiveness. Newcomer Josh Naylor, acquired from the Cleveland Guardians, is already making a mark with his unique style, donning various hockey jerseys to the clubhouse. His integration into the team illustrates the welcoming spirit that defines the Diamondbacks as they look forward to a successful campaign.

As Best Ball contests grow in popularity, understanding the value of outfield players is crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. With hitters often categorized into infield and outfield positions, the outfield can be a thin area, especially in drafts. While top-tier outfielders can shine, there are hidden gems later in drafts that can provide significant value. This analysis focuses on five outfielders showing promise based on their average draft positions (ADP).

When drafting, consider your overall roster composition; balancing injury risks and dependable players is key. Some of the highlighted players, like Bryan Reynolds and Kerry Carpenter, provide solid consistency, while others like Jake McCarthy and Heston Kjerstad have breakout potential. In Best Ball formats where the highest weekly scores are automatically counted, targeting players with high upside and 'spike' weeks can elevate your team’s performance.