Jose Caballero, 2B/SS, SEA (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The struggling Kolten Wong has been replaced, at least for now, by Jose Caballero. For how long, who knows, but Caballero deserves the extra playing time. Take advantage of that speed potential from Caballero while the opportunity is at hand.
Paul DeJong, SS, STL (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): Raise your hand if you had Paul DeJong hitting at least eight homers by the end of May. Keep your hand raised if you had him getting enough playing time to hit eight home runs. Take advantage of the hot start. A Mason Winn sighting is pretty close down the road.
Elly De La Cruz, SS, CIN (CBS: 53% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): The human hi-lite machine continues to tear it up at Triple-A Louisville. It’s only a matter of time before we see De La Cruz getting the call, and that time should be drawing near. Pay the piper a pittance now, or dig deep into your FAAB when the call-up announcement occurs.
Alex Faedo, SP, DET (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Since getting the call, two-of-his-four starts have been of the quality variety, and in his last outing, he struck out ten. Granted, the opposition was the free-swinging White Sox, but he did get it done. Faedo is worthy of a small bid in the hopes that he can sustain that solid start.
Ben Lively, SP, CIN (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): It’s only two starts, but it was against the Yankees and Cardinals, and he handled both well, allowing two earned runs over 5 2/3 and 6 innings respectively while punching out eight hitters in each outing. The former Philly farmhand is worthy of a small bid in the hopes that the solid start can be sustained.
Michael Lorenzen, SP, DET (CBS: 45% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): In his last seven starts, Lorenzen has tossed up two stinkers in which he allowed five earned runs in each. In the other five games, he has only allowed four earned runs. One of the keys to success has been his ability to limit the free passes to a scant 12 in 46 1/3 IP. As a back-of-the-fantasy rotation type, one could do much worse.
Jake McCarthy, OF, ARZ (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 15% rostered): The Dominic Fletcher era in the Arizona outfield didn’t last all that long, as, after that hot start, he cooled off rather quickly and has now been dispatched to Reno. In his place, we find former starter Jake McCarthy returning to the fold. If your “need is speed,” he will fill that need.
Dylan Moore, SS/OF, SEA (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The rehab stint, delayed as it was, looks to finally conclude, with Moore likely to be activated this coming week. A full-time role is not likely in the cards, but even as a part-time player, the stolen base potential combined with roster flexibility has its charms.
Rougned Odor, 2B/OF, SDP (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): In his past six games, Odor has been tearing it up, going 8-for-24 with two homers and 12 RBI. Until Manny Machado returns, he should see regular playing time and provide value in deeper formats.
Marcell Ozuna, OF, ATL (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): We mentioned Ozuna in our May 7 Waiver Wire Article, and at the time, he was rostered to the tune of 11%. Since then, he has gone 19-for-52 with an additional five home runs and 13 RBI. He continues to hit, and as long as that’s the case, deserving of a home in your starting Fantasy outfield.
Mike Soroka, SP, ATL (CBS: 40% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): What more could one want than to make your 2023 debut against the Oakland Athletics? Not only does he have an early week start against Oakland, but he follows that up with a second start against the DBacks. On the surface, the numbers down on the farm don’t appear all that impressive, but one rough start at the end of April, where he allowed seven earned runs over three innings, inflated those totals. His last couple of starts have been great, especially his previous start, where he went six innings, allowing only two hits while chipping in with eight strikeouts. He’s ready and could become a fixture in the Braves rotation moving forward.
Brett Wisely, 2B/OF, SFG (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): Thairo Estrada is dealing with a left wrist sprain and has been put on the 10-day IL. No time frame for a return has been announced, but until he returns, Brett Wisely is likely to see the bulk of the playing time. Wisely hit 14 home runs and stole 32 bases last year, most of which occurred at Double-A. Spend wisely……
The Closer Report
Giovanny Gallegos, RP, STL (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): Giovanny Gallegos has five saves in May. Ryan Helsley has three saves in May. At the very least, we have a saves-by-committee situation in St. Louis. That makes Gallegos a must-roster in all formats.
Trevor Stephan, RP, CLE (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): No, Emmanuel Clase hasn’t lost his job, but he resembles a mere mortal this year. Trevor Stephan has been pitching well (2.11 ERA) and has moved into the #2 spot in the Guardians’ bullpen. It never hurts to invest in a saves insurance policy.
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