Lineups Outlook: Changes in Boston and Milwaukee

Following the trade deadline there was anticipation that more lineup changes would ensue, but many teams have remained stable, with the acquired players settling into their new situations. One of the teams that did not add a hitter has made some lineup tweaks with strong early returns. Once again, the Brewers have struck gold on a player another team gave up on, and a couple of deep league recommendations for the stretch run. 

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Boston Red Sox

• While tracking recent Red Sox lineups, when healthy, Roman Anthony has been hitting first or third, Jarren Duran has thrived hitting in the heart of the lineup, not leading off, and Trevor Story has been at cleanup or fifth in the batting order since July 19. 

Beginning with Jarren Duran, after posting on-base percentages better than 34 percent in his two previous seasons, he sits just below 33 percent this year, which does not concern fantasy players. However, he has experienced a power spike while hitting third in recent games. Since July 27, he logged five consecutive starts hitting third and produced six extra-base hits (four doubles and two home runs) among his eight hits, resulting in a robust .857 slugging percentage with a 1.292 on-base plus slugging percentage. 

This represents a small sample size, but Roman Anthony’s promotion has energized him. Even though he has hit seventh when facing left-handed pitchers in this timeframe, through five games batting in this lineup spot, he has scored four runs while producing nine RBI across 20 plate appearances. 

Delving into his BaseballHQ numbers, his splits using underlying indicators: 

Split	ct%	h%	HctX	xBA	PX	xPX
Last 7	80	33	117	.382	261	70
Last 31	71	36	126	.324	253	154
2025	73	33	104	.257	132	104

 

Focusing on his PX, one should be intrigued by his last 31-day number, even though his xPX provides a clearer picture of expectations. While he could score fewer runs moving out of leadoff, he could overcome this with more RBI while providing more extra-base hits. This should be closely monitored throughout the rest of the season, as it may provide a buying opportunity for 2026. 

Not only did Anthony sign an extension, but his name also lends itself to many opportunities for nicknames, which resonate with me, notably the Roman Empire. His recent gains have lengthened Boston’s batting order and resulted in some changes. He debuted hitting first on July 27 and in five consecutive games at leadoff, scored six runs, hit a double, a triple, and produced four RBI with a .400/.520/.550 slash line while accruing 25 plate appearances. Again, a small sample. When the team faced back-to-back left-handed starters, he hit third, and in 19 games there this season, he has a .299 average with a .920 OPS through 80 plate appearances. 

Citing his BaseballHQ metrics: 

Split	ct%	h%	HctX	xBA	PX	xPX
Last 7	76	46	168	.226	105	270
Last 31	69	47	131	.272	131	116
2025	70	39	131	.257	119	107

 

There is a wide range of variance in these numbers, as one could expect from a rookie. But the recent gains in h% over the last 31 days provide hope he can support the xBA improvement. As his power develops, hitting first takes pressure off; however, he has launched two home runs and hit eight doubles while batting third this season. He’s sown the seeds of a solid foundation, and his 2026 stock will rise or fall based on how he does over the last two months. His start provides hope for a benevolent rule in his newly-founded Beantown empire. 

Like Mike Yastrzemski a couple of posts ago, fantasy managers know how Trevor Story has been hitting based on his spot in the batting order. When he slumps, he hits sixth or seventh, and when he’s running hot, he’s occupying the fourth or fifth spot in the lineup. As one can ascertain, he has slashed .288/.348/.542 since July 19, logging all of his starts at cleanup or fifth in the order. Story’s also scored 10 runs with six doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, and three stolen bases through 66 plate appearances. 

He has been on an absolute tear in recent contests, but we should focus on the last 31 days in the following results: 

Split	ct%	h%	HctX	xBA	PX	xPX
Last 7	70	66	184	.362	371	196
Last 31	68	36	140	.268	187	126
2025	69	33	102	.236	116	91

 

He’s a streaky player, which means taking his outcomes with a grain of salt. However, his counting statistics receive a boost from hitting higher in the batting order without sacrificing stolen base potential. If the last 31 days represent him at full health, his price point in 2026 drafts will not be as enticing as this year's.

Milwaukee Brewers

• Striking gold from the scrap heap again, Andrew Vaughn has found a new level of production since being promoted by the Brewers. 

After 50 games with the White Sox, Andrew Vaughn was demoted with a paltry .189/.218/.314 slash line. He was acquired by the Brewers and made his debut on July 7. Since this time, he has been on a heater, scoring 13 runs with four doubles, six home runs, 26 RBI, and a complete turnaround in terms of his slash line at .370/.435/.671 through 85 plate appearances. Talk about a tale of two seasons. 

In this timeframe (since July 7), he ranks among his peers as follows: 

• His BB/K (10/11) of 0.91 is tied for 17th
• Sixth in OPS (1.107)
• Fifth in on-base percentage (43.5 percent)
• Tied for second in RBI with Nick Kurtz

Can this be sustained? It’s highly improbable. However, he has parlayed this hot streak into hitting third three times and cleanup twice through five starts in August. Better results, combined with more power, equal a better lineup spot. Here are his underlying metrics of interest: 

Split	ct%	h%	HctX	xBA	PX	xPX	HR/F
Last 7	84	40	65	.258	57	30	20
Last 31	84	37	152	.330	160	126	30
2025	79	26	112	.247	108	118	13

 

He's probably not nearly as bad as he was in Chicago, while there will be some regression over the remainder of the season with Milwaukee. Focusing on his last 31-day results, his quality of contact has been stable, and even if the power ebbs a bit, he’s been one of the best run producers in the majors. Taking the over on his rest-of-the-season projections is likely a safe bet, though the home runs through the end of the season will be more aligned with past results, not this current career-best run. It will be exciting to see how he finishes the season and if he settles in at third or fourth in the batting order, or if pocket-pancake Pat Murphy leaves him at fifth. Stay tuned. 

Deep League Players of Interest

• Luke Keaschall (2B, MIN) - Though he needs six more starts at second base for improved eligibility, stashing him now makes sense. He has a clear runway for playing time and could be a sneaky source of stolen bases with some power growth for the remainder of the season. He has been hitting fifth, but could slot into second with a strong return from the injured list. Teammate Alan Roden (LF, MIN) should also be on deep league radars. 
• Tommy Pham (LF, PIT) - Pham hit second in his last start and over his last 18 games has a .318/.403/.544 slash line with 10 runs, two home runs, and seven RBI. If his team gives Liover Peguero (2B, PIT) everyday at-bats, he’s also a worthy flyer. 
• Jakob Marsee (OF, MIA) - Those seeking speed should have this Marlin on their watchlist. He swiped 47 bags in 98 games at Triple-A. 
• Tyler Locklear (1B, ARI) - Already hitting fifth for Arizona, Locklear can hit for power with some sneaky speed. He did not fare well in his brief stint for Seattle, but he has a clear path to playing time after his trade. 

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**Stats are through games played on August 5. 

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