theScore's Ultimate Fantasy Hitter Bracket: Round 3 Update

Here's a mid-month update on the eight June matchups for theScore's Ultimate Fantasy Hitter Bracket (you can find the primer here):

Babe Ruth Division

CF Mike Trout, Angels (1) vs. CF/RF Mookie Betts, Red Sox (17)

The top seed finds himself in a whole lot of trouble entering the second half of the month - but we all know what Trout is capable of over a two-week span, so this one is far from over.

2B Jason Kipnis, Indians (56) vs. RF Ryan Braun, Brewers (40)

Both players are just plodding along in this most uninspiring matchup. Kipnis has a slight edge as of now, but this one may end up going to whichever player can muster even one stolen base.

Hank Aaron Division

3B Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays (4) vs. 1B/RF Chris Davis, Orioles (20)

Donaldson is back in MVP form, while Davis is doing what Davis generally does from year to year. Those two Donaldson steals are enormous, as is the 74-point lead in batting average.

2B Ian Kinsler, Tigers (53) vs. LF Yoenis Cespedes, Mets (28)

Kinsler should cruise in this one thanks to enormous leads in the runs scored and RBI categories. Regardless of how he does the rest of the way, Kinsler has to be considered one of the top steals in fantasy.

Ted Williams Division

RF Gregory Polanco, Pirates (63) vs. 1B Freddie Freeman, Braves (50)

This one is still up for grabs, though you have to love Freeman's chances after he recorded baseball's first cycle of the season Wednesday. He continues to be hamstrung by a terrible supporting cast, but he's still a fantasy stud.

LF/CF Starling Marte, Pirates (23) vs. RF Nelson Cruz, Mariners (26)

Marte may be a true five-category fantasy threat, but Cruz has simply dominated in three of those five areas. Unless Marte can find a power groove in the second half of June, he's going to fall short here.

Lou Gehrig Division

2B Robinson Cano, Mariners (30) vs. SS Francisco Lindor, Indians (46)

This one is the tightest of the eight third-round matchups. Lindor will almost certainly steal a base at some point this month, but Cano's elite run-producing abilities make him a slight favorite down the stretch.

2B Jose Altuve, Astros (11) vs. SS Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (38)

This one has been as good as advertised, with Bogaerts busting out to an early lead on the strength of an unexpected RBI barrage. Altuve has been quiet in the power department, but is certainly capable of more.