MLB Week 8 Fantasy Baseball Guide: Rivalry Weekend & Key Player Insights
Get ready for MLB Week 8 with our comprehensive Fantasy Baseball guide, featuring Rivalry Weekend matchups, key player insights, and strategic lineup tips.
MLB Week 8: Rivalry Weekend Highlights
Major League Baseball's Week 8 introduces the first-ever Rivalry Weekend from May 16-18, featuring all 30 teams facing their designated rivals. This includes 11 interleague series and four intraleague matchups. Key highlights include:
- Subway Series: New York Mets vs. New York Yankees
- Crosstown Classic: Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox
- Silver Boot Series: Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
- I-70 Series: Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Juan Soto will make his return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets.
Schedule and Game Counts
All 30 teams are scheduled for at least six games, with the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and Washington Nationals set for seven games. The Rangers will play all seven games at home.
Fantasy Baseball Insights
As we reach the one-quarter mark of the 2025 season, it's crucial to assess your fantasy team's standing, needs, and surplus. Key player debuts to watch:
- Clayton Kershaw: Likely to return for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 17.
- Brandon Woodruff: Expected to rejoin the Milwaukee Brewers' rotation during Week 8.
Starting Pitcher Rankings
Here are the top starting pitchers for Week 8:
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | 1st Start | 2nd Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Skenes | PIT | Mon 5/12 - @NYM (Peterson) | Sun 5/18 - @PHI (Sanchez) |
| 2 | Michael King | SD | Mon 5/12 - LAA (Kikuchi) | Sun 5/18 - SEA (Hancock) |
| 3 | David Peterson | NYM | Mon 5/12 - PIT (Skenes) | Sun 5/18 - @NYY (Fried) |
Hitter Matchup Ratings
Key hitter matchups for Week 8:
| Team | Games | Date | Opponent | Overall | LHB | RHB | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 6 | Mon 5/12 | @SF | 7 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| WSH | 7 | Mon 5/12 | WSH | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
Strategic Tips
- Lineup Adjustments: Consider player matchups and home/away splits.
- Waiver Wire: Look for rising stars to bolster your roster.
- Trade Opportunities: Assess potential trades to address team needs.
Stay ahead in your fantasy league with our detailed Week 8 guide and make informed decisions to dominate your matchups.
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