This article is part of our Dream11 Fantasy NPB series.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (25-23-2) at Hiroshima Toyo Carp (19-24-5)
Tuesday, August 18th, 5:00 AM EDT
Projected Starters
Hiroshima Toyo Carp: RHP Aren Kuri (2-2, 4.05 ERA)
Yokohama DeNA BayStars: RHP Shoichi Inoh (3-3, 2.60 ERA)
Game Preview
These two teams are on opposite runs of form if we look at the overall season picture, with the Carp sitting in last place of the Central League standings while the BayStars are in second place and sitting close to the Yomiuri Giants in the race for first place. Both teams have been struggling of late, however, with each team winning just one of their last five contests. The pitching matchup could very well decide this duel between two struggling offenses and, in that department, the BayStars have the edge with Shoichi Inoh and his strong 2.60 ERA. The Carp will counter with Aren Kuri, who has posted a 4.05 ERA so far in 2020.
Injuries
Tyler Austin - Out - Concussion
8/13 2:20 AM IST - Austin revealed that he suffered a concussion after colliding with an outfield wall in a July 31 game, Jim Allen of JBallAllen.com reports. The BayStars deactivated Austin on Aug. 5 with a neck injury, but receiving clearance from the concussion may be a greater concern at this point. Austin is eligible to rejoin the BayStars' roster Saturday, but manager Alex Ramirez said he doesn't think the 28-year-old will be ready to go by that point. Over 22 games on the season, Austin has slashed .320/.393/.627
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (25-23-2) at Hiroshima Toyo Carp (19-24-5)
Tuesday, August 18th, 5:00 AM EDT
Projected Starters
Hiroshima Toyo Carp: RHP Aren Kuri (2-2, 4.05 ERA)
Yokohama DeNA BayStars: RHP Shoichi Inoh (3-3, 2.60 ERA)
Game Preview
These two teams are on opposite runs of form if we look at the overall season picture, with the Carp sitting in last place of the Central League standings while the BayStars are in second place and sitting close to the Yomiuri Giants in the race for first place. Both teams have been struggling of late, however, with each team winning just one of their last five contests. The pitching matchup could very well decide this duel between two struggling offenses and, in that department, the BayStars have the edge with Shoichi Inoh and his strong 2.60 ERA. The Carp will counter with Aren Kuri, who has posted a 4.05 ERA so far in 2020.
Injuries
Tyler Austin - Out - Concussion
8/13 2:20 AM IST - Austin revealed that he suffered a concussion after colliding with an outfield wall in a July 31 game, Jim Allen of JBallAllen.com reports. The BayStars deactivated Austin on Aug. 5 with a neck injury, but receiving clearance from the concussion may be a greater concern at this point. Austin is eligible to rejoin the BayStars' roster Saturday, but manager Alex Ramirez said he doesn't think the 28-year-old will be ready to go by that point. Over 22 games on the season, Austin has slashed .320/.393/.627 across 84 plate appearances.
Hiroshima Toyo Carp Expected Lineup
1. Jose Pirela
4. Seiya Suzuki
9. Aren Kuri
Yokohama DeNA BayStars Expected Lineup
2. Tomo Otosaka
3. Neftali Soto
4. Keita Sano
5. Jose Lopez
7. Hikaru Itoh
8. Yamato Maeda
9. Shoichi Inoh
Top Picks From Each Team
Seiya Suzuki, Carp: Suzuki has been the Carp's biggest offensive threat by a wide margin, as he currently leads the team with 12 homers and 36 RBI while also hitting .339 with a stellar .438 on-base percentage. He does more than knock it out of the park, and he should have decent upside even if his team is the clear underdog here.
Takayuki Kajitani, BayStars: Kajitani got off to a strong start this season and, even though he has cooled off a bit of late, he is still producing at a high level. The star outfielder enters this matchup with nine homers, 19 RBI and a .276/.359/.470 slash line.
Captaincy Options
Dream11 Team
P – Shoichi Inoh
C – Tsubasa Aizawa
IF – Keita Sano
IF – Toshiro Miyazaki
IF – Neftali Soto
IF – Hiroki Momose
OF – Takayuki Kajitani (C)
OF – Seiya Suzuki (VC)
OF – Kouki Ogusa
