Dream11 Fantasy NPB: Tigers at BayStars

Hanshin Tigers (32-31-3) at Yokohama DeNA BayStars (33-31-4)

Tuesday, September 8th, 4:45 AM EDT

Projected Starters

BayStars: LHP Yuya Sakamoto (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Tigers: LHP Onelki Garcia (2-5, 3.53 ERA)

Game Preview

The BayStars have always been in contention for the top spot in the Central League standings and, even though they are 8.0 games behind the league-leading Yomiuri Giants, they still look quite a lock to make the NPB playoffs. The Tigers, on the other hand, have been one of the biggest surprises in the league this season. They endured a slow start, but they have bounced back and now they're just 0.5 games behind the BayStars for second place in the standings. The pitching matchup for this duel might have the edge to the BayStars when looking at the stats from both hurlers, but it's worth noting Sakamoto has pitched just six innings this season – albeit he allowed just one hit on route to a scoreless outing and a win.

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.

Kyuji Fujikawa - Out - Upper Body

8/14 1:23 AM IST - The Tigers deactivated Fujikawa on Thursday, citing an upper-body injury, Jim Allen of JBallAllen.com reports. Fujikawa previously missed time in July with a right shoulder injury, so it's possible the reliever is dealing with a related setback. The 40-year-old was lights out at the back of the Hanshin bullpen in 2019, but he's struggled mightily so far this season, posting a 7.20 ERA and 10:9 K:BB in 10 innings while converting only two saves.

Joe Gunkel - Out - Back

7/14 2:41 PM IST - Gunkel was removed from the Tigers' active roster Tuesday after experiencing back tightness during pregame warmups. Gunkel had made one start for the Tigers this season, but he'll have to wait until he's able to pitch again. The severity of the injury is unclear, but the right-hander will be forced to miss at least 10 days as a result of the injury. Gunkel allowed three runs while striking out three over four innings in his first start this year.

Spencer Patton - Day-To-Day - Back

8/21 11:45 PM IST - Patton is day-to-day after experiencing lower-back stiffness during his appearance Tuesday against the Carp, Jim Allen of JBallAllen.com reports. Patton entered the contest in the eighth inning for the BayStars but departed with the injury after issuing a seven-pitch walk. The back issue doesn't look like it will cost the reliever significant time.

Kentaro Taira - Out - Undisclosed

8/12 7:09 AM IST - Taira (3-2) tossed seven scoreless innings Sunday as he earned the win against the Swallows. He allowed four hits and one walk while striking out six. Taira was charged with a loss after allowing two runs in his last start, but he returned to the win column with a dominant performance against the Swallows. Taira carries a 1.72 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 46.1 innings this season.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars Expected Lineup

1. Takayuki Kajitani

2. Tomo Otosaka

3. Neftali Soto

4. Keita Sano

5. Jose Lopez

6. Toshiro Miyazaki

7. Hikaru Itoh

8. Yamato Maeda

9. Yuya Sakamoto

Hanshin Tigers Expected Lineup

1. Koji Chikamoto

2. Kento Itohara

3. Yoshio Itoi

4. Yusuke Ohyama

5. Justin Bour

6. Jerry Sands

7. Ryutaro Umeno

8. Seiya Kinami

9. Onelki Garcia

Top Picks / Captaincy Options

1. Takayuki Kajitani – BayStars
2. Keita Sano – BayStars
3. Jerry Sands – Tigers
4. Ryutaro Umeno – Tigers

Dream11 Team

P – Yuya Sakamoto

C – Ryutaro Umeno

IF – Keita Sano (VC)

IF – Neftali Soto

IF – Justin Bour

OF – Koji Chikamoto

OF – Takayuki Kajitani (C)

OF – Jerry Sands

OF – Seiya Hosokawa