Willson Contreras DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (back) is returning to the team's lineup on Monday for their road matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran had missed the last three contests with back spasms, but he'll return for their series opener with the Orioles and bat fourth. Before the slight hiccup, Contreras had been rolling in May, boasting a .299 average (20-for-67), with 11 runs scored, 16 RBI, three home runs, four doubles, and a 7:17 BB:K ratio. The 33-year-old has really turned it around after a dismal start, and holds a strong .272 xBA, so his batting line should continue to climb as we head into the summer months.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (back) remains out of the starting nine on Sunday when they conclude a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Contreras was scratched from the starting nine on Friday evening due to back spasms. Before his injury, Contreras held a solid .256/.286/.410 slash line with three doubles, one home run, and an 11:1 K:BB over his last 10 contests. This afternoon, Alec Burleson will get the nod at first base and is slated to bat in the five-hole. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Monday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles. Through his first 49 games this season, Contreras has held a .250/.332/.397 line. This afternoon, Burleson is a viable target in DFS facing Arizona right-hander Brandon Pfaadt.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (back) will remain out of action for Saturday's contest at Busch Stadium against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. Alec Burleson will make another start at first base and will hit fifth against Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly. Contreras was scratched from the series opener against Arizona on Friday due to back spasms, and he's obviously not feeling good enough to return the following day. It's something to keep an eye on with the 33-year-old former catcher, but for now, he's being considered day-to-day. Check back to see if he's available for the series opener on Sunday. Burleson has swung the bat well all year and is hitting .333 (15-for-45) with four home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI, a steal and five runs scored in 16 games in May. He'll be looking for his first knock against Kelly, as he's gone 0-for-3 against him so far in his career.