3 Up, 3 Down: The Biggest MLB Fantasy Questions of the Week

Here are three burning questions affecting MLB fantasy players this week:

With the Giants reportedly interested in Ryan Braun, is this a good time to target the Brewers' outfielder?

Andrew Potter: Braun would be moving from arguably the second-best hitter's park in the NL to cavernous AT&T Park. Throw in his spotty injury history and trading for the Brewers' star could backfire in a major way. If I'm at the bottom of the standings and have nothing to lose, I consider the move. Otherwise, I'm trying to move him if I have him, and staying clear if I don't.

David Chernish: It's a tough call, but what the Giants would have to give up in order to acquire him could really set them back. In terms of fantasy, I don't see his production increasing dramatically. There hasn't been any remarkable fantasy producers in the heart of the order, so I would hold out unless you are in dire need of an outfielder, then trade away.

James Bisson: Only target Braun if you get the sense you can acquire him at a discount. Regardless of where he ends up, he'll be a solid fantasy option - but injury risk and declining speed stats certainly work against him. He's no longer a lock for 30+ homers and 20+ steals, but still does enough overall to be worth a look in all formats.

Which rookie has the brightest rest-of-season outlook?

Andrew Potter: Nomar Mazara. Now that the Rangers' outfielder has hit .315 through 55 games, it's time to start racking up the counting stats. He'll be in a prime position to do so if he continues to his third, as he's done in each of his past 10 games. With 99 games left, expect plenty of runs and RBIs and high rate stats while he begins to unlock more of his raw power potential.

David Chernish: Trea Turner. Though he's in the minors, he should be re-called at some point and should be a major impact. He isn't known for power, but is productive as a contact hitter. He's slashing .303/.366/.456 with 19 swiped bags for Triple-A Syracuse in 2016. If OF Ben Revere's struggles continue, Turner could be Washington's table-setter in the near future.

James Bisson: Blake Snell. The lanky left-hander showed what he's capable of in his first major-league start, and might now be up for good after being tabbed to start for Tampa Bay on Thursday. He leads the International League in Ks coming into the week, and has the arsenal to induce plenty of swings and misses in the majors. If you didn't claim him before, you're out of luck.

Which closer is it time to sell high?

Andrew Potter: Francisco Rodriguez should fetch top dollar on the current trade market. K-Rod lead the league with 11 saves over the last 30 days but history tells us that he's prone to fading in the dog days of summer. His career ERA in the first half is 2.45 but that jumps to 3.07 in the second half. At age 34 and with 915 innings pitched out of relief, his margin for error is slim.

David Chernish: Jeanmar Gomez is an intriguing name to throw into trade talks. Though he boasts an inflated ERA, his WHIP is lower than the likes of Trevor Rosenthal and Jonathan Papelbon. The Phillies seem to have lost their magic and have won three of their last 11 games, so the save opportunities are bound to diminish.

James Bisson: Steve Cishek remains the Seattle closer for now, but with four blown saves already, he may not be long for the role. Between the presence of Joaquin Benoit, Nick Vincent and Edwin Diaz and the eventual return of Tony Zych, Cishek has more in-house competition than any current closer. If you have someone interested in his services, send him packing.