Jarred Kelenic, OF, SEA (CBS: 56 % rostered, ESPN: 17% rostered): He’s back and healthy after the IL stint for taking his frustrations out on a water cooler. Here’s hoping he picks up where he left off, as the Mariners could use his five-category production as they duke it out with Houston, Texas, and the Jays for a playoff berth.

Heston Kjerstad, OF, BAL (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): In daily move Leagues, give him a look. He won’t play every day, not with Ryan O’Hearn at the ready, but still could provide an excellent opportunity to boost your power numbers over the last two weeks of the season.

Sawyer Gipson-Long, SP, DET (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): We’ve now seen two starts from Gipson-Long and one win with solid peripherals, is now in the books, which, if not for Alex Lange turning victory into defeat last night, could very well be two victories. Toss in the 11 strikeouts, and with Oakland next on the schedule, he should be added in all formats. The fastball isn’t fooling anyone, but the off-speed stuff sure is!

Elehuris Montero, 1B/3B, COL (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): After a rather dismal August, Montero has bounced back nicely, posting a two-homer, 7 RBI, 11 runs, scored .992 OPS in September. It’s a good time for Montero to get hot as the Rockies look to 2024.

Gabriel Moreno, C, ARZ (CBS: 38% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): A great August has morphed into an equally good September for the young backstop. In 95 second-half at-bats, he is posting a great .989 OPS with five homers and 18 RBI. Is this a harbinger of things to come moving into 2024?

Rene Pinto, C, TBR (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): In 35 September at-bats, Pinto has now hit 4 home runs while driving in 8 runs. As a #2 catcher in two-catcher formats, one could do much worse.

Cal Quantrill, SP, CLE (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): In his three starts since coming off the IL, Quantrill has tossed three consecutive quality starts while allowing only a miserly three runs. The rest appears to have done him a world of good, and with the Royals (Brady Singer) and O’s (John Means) next on the agenda in a two-start week, he should be considered a must-add in all formats.

JP Sears, SP, OAK (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): In three September starts, Sears has posted a 1.59 ERA. and is looking at three starts (Seattle, Detroit, and the Angels) over the last two weeks of the season. He’s an option that shouldn’t be overlooked for those looking to stream starting pitching. There might still be a future for Sears!

Matt Vierling, 3B/OF, DET (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): No, he’s not an everyday player, but he sure is taking advantage of every opportunity he has received. Out of the leadoff slot, Vierling has recorded 2 home runs and 12 runs scored in only 40 at-bats thus far in September. If one is looking at chasing runs scored in the last couple of weeks of the season, he’s worthy of our attention.

Closer Report

Chris Martin, RP, BOS (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Kenley Jansen has been placed on the Covid IL and could be lost for an extended period. Chris Martin becomes the principal closer in his Hunter Harvey, RP, WAS (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered) absence and should prove to be very capable of getting the job done in Jansen’s absence.  Kyle Finnegan has been struggling……again. How much longer do the Nat’s stick with him before turning the ninth inning over to Hunter Harvey?

Tyler Kinley, RP, COL (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Justin Lawrence has not enjoyed a good September, capping it off with a rolled ankle last week. It hasn’t sent him to the IL, but he has struggled to a second-half 6.35 ERA and opened the door for Tyler Kinley. Kinley has posted a 2.57 ERA in September with four saves and appears to be solidly in the driver’s seat for save opps at this time.

Julian Merryweather, RP, CHC (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): Adbert Alzolay has hit the IL with a right forearm strain, necessitating a move to a committee for the hot Cubbies. I’ll go with Julian Merryweather as the favorite to earn saves during Alzolay’s absence, but wouldn’t rule out Mark Leiter Jr. or even Marcus Stroman ending up in the mix for saves.

Two-start Pitchers

Cal Quantrill, CLE (CBS: 34% rostered) @Jordan Lyles, KCR and vs. Dean Kremer, BAL.

Reese Olson, DET (CBS: 28% rostered) @Ryan Pepiot, LAD and @TBD, OAK.

Jose Butto, NYM (CBS: 6% rostered) @Edward Cabrera, MIA and @Michael Lorenzen, PHI.

Michael Brantley, OF, HOU (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): It has been a long road back for the 36-year-old Brantley, but he’s now back and will do what he does best, put the bat on the ball and get on base. He’ll likely be a platoon player making him a target in AL-only formats.

Jasson Dominguez, OF, NYY (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): A successful season at Double-A led to the 20-year-old Dominguez being promoted to Triple-A. In nine games at Triple-A, he drove in ten runs, stole three bases, and posted an off-the-charts 1.095 OPS. How does he top that feat? How about a two-run homer in his first at-bat with the Yankees? Look, he’s young and possesses great skills but remember, he is still only 20 years old. It’s a great opportunity for Dominguez to get his feet wet in anticipation of a long and successful run in the New York outfield.

Michael King, SP/RP, NYY (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): He has performed in a setup role, closer, and now the Yankees are giving the versatile King a shot in their rotation. He has been building up arm strength, and with his last outing, a full four-innings of shutout ball with five strikeouts, he is poised to start going deep enough into games and provide those valuable Win opportunities.

Nick Loftin, OF, KCR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The Royals #5 prospect got the call this week and got out-of-the-gate doing exactly what was expected. “I think he’ll hit with 20+ stolen base potential and 8 to 12 home runs annually.” The big concern relates to playing time opportunities with the glut of outfielders currently calling Kansas City home.

Ronny Mauricio, SS, NYM (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): “There are fantasy-friendly skills, but there are questions on whether he’ll hit enough despite the contact improvements.”  This is what we wrote a month ago about Ronny Mauricio.

Answers to that question can only be found one way. A promotion.” And a promotion it is, as Mauricio got the call Friday. In his first two games, he has gone 4-for-7 with a stolen base and a double that registered 117 MPH. That should guarantee plenty of new friends and a steady diet of at-bats at Citi Field.

John Means, SP, BAL (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): In what looks like it will be his final rehab start, Means tossed five scoreless innings with six strikeouts on Thursday for Triple-A Norfolk. The question is does he slide into the rotation in a starting role or work out of the bullpen. Let’s hope it’s in a starting capacity.

Kyren Paris, 2B/SS, LAA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The 44 stolen bases at Double-A this year in 415 at-bats is some impressive. The 151 strikeouts….not so much. Rich has this to say about Kyren Paris. “Kyren Paris appears to be taking another step forward in 2023 as he can into camp stronger, and it’s playing on the field with a higher SLG and more over-the-fence power. He is still a double-plus runner, so the increase in power solidifies his ceiling as a 20-20 performer. The swing-and-miss tendency is still there, but so are the walks.” If you feel the need for speed out of what should be an everyday player, find a home for him this week.

Ceddanne Rafaela, OF, BOS (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): The big question isn’t the potential. We’ve witnessed the five-category potential. It’s all about the playing time opportunities in September. I’d take a cautious approach, as there are plenty of outfield-eligible mouths to feed in the Boston lineup.

Darius Vines, SP, ATL (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Rich shares his thoughts on the Braves #7 prospect entering 2023. “Darius Vines is an athletic right-handed pitcher that pounds the strike zone. Last season in Double-A, he walked only 2.5 batters per nine. He doesn’t have the big fastball but pitches with a ton of confidence and polish and two plus secondary pitches in his change-up and curve ball. I heard about his curveball before seeing him over the summer but was equally impressed with his change-up. He also hit 94 MPH several times but generally sat 91 to 93 MPH with excellent location. The ceiling is likely a #4 starter, but I do believe there is upside.” It’s now a sprint to the finish line, and any and all Atlanta starters have the potential to provide value.

Jordan Wicks, SP, CHC (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): We mentioned Jordan Wicks last week, but after a strong second start, it’s time for a reminder. Wicks held the Reds to one earned run over five innings, making it two consecutive victories to start his career. He has now made 22 starts this season without recording a loss. I’m betting on him extending that streak to 23 starts.

The Closer Report

Jose Soriano, RP, LAA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The Angels have officially called it a day and, in the process, put Matt Moore and Reynaldo Lopez on Waivers and they are now calling Cleveland home. This then creates an opportunity for Jose Soriano to move into the setup role in Anaheim. In 32 2/3 innings this year, he owns a 3.31 ERA with 45 K’s and 13 holds, making him the perfect candidate to own a high-leverage spot in the Halos ‘pen next season. Why wait for Spring in Dynasty/Keeper formats? Avoid the rush and add him now.

Two-start Pitchers

CHC Matt Manning, DET (CBS: 35% rostered) @Garrit Cole NYY and vs. Jesse Scholtens CWS

Brandon Pfaadt, ARZ (CBS: 39% rostered) vs. Kyle Freeland COL and @Kyle Hendricks

Jose Quintana, NYM (CBS: 33% rostered) @ MacKenzie Gore and @ Pablo Lopez MIN

Darius Vines, ATL (CBS: 22% rostered) vs. Miles Mikolas STL and vs. Andre Jackson PIT

We have updated our Top 250 Prospects in the game and made the Top 100 available for everyone.

The list can be found here.

Osleivis Basabe, SS/3B, TBR (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered):

Charlie Blackmon, OF, COL (CBS: 44% rostered, ESPN: 16% rostered): Home runs on back-to-back days in his first week of baseball since June 10. So far, so very good!

Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, CHC  (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered):

Mauricio Dubon, 2B/SS/OF, HOU (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered):

Stone Garrett, OF, WAS (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered):

Kyle Harrison, SP, SFG (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): check out the two-start week potential. Philly on Tuesday. The Giants said they would call him up this year and they have held true to their word.

Dakota Hudson, SP, STL (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered):

Cole Irvin, SP, BAL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered):

Noelvi Marte, SS, CIN (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered):

Wade Meckler, OF, SFG (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered):

Ryan Pepiot, SP, LAD (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered):

Pablo Reyes, 2B/SS, BOS (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered):

Nolan Schanuel, 1B, LAA (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered):

DJ Stewart, OF, NYM (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered):

Masyn Winn, SS, STL (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered):

Two-Start Pitchers

Javier Assad, CHC (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): @Alex Faedo DET and @Bailey Falter PIT.

Johan Oviedo, PIT (CBS: 52% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): vs. Adam Wainwright STL and vs. Drew Smiley CHC.

Paul Blackburn, OAK (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): vs. Angel Zerpa KCR and @ Mike Clevinger CWS.

Kerry Carpenter, OF, DET (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Carpenter is enjoying a solid year in Detroit. He’s now up to 11 homers with 35 RBI and a decent .775 OPS in only 222 at-bats. He’s playing every day in right field for the Tigers and makes for a perfect 5th outfielder in deeper formats.

Yonny Chirinos, SP/RP, ATL (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Here’s a name for those looking to stream starting pitching. Yonny Chirinos has a two-start week with the Pirates and Mets on the schedule. Could you want a better opportunity to attempt to pad those win totals? Okay, maybe substitute the A’s for the Pirates, but either way, it’s a pretty sweet opportunity.

Maikel Garcia, SS/3B, KCR (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered): Garcia is now 17-for-19 on the basepaths and has moved into the leadoff spot in Kansas City. Why is he currently only rostered to the tune of 39% in Leagues using CBS as a stat provider?

Randal Grichuk, OF, LAA (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): Grichuk was traded at the deadline to the Angels and, with a pair of home runs already on his Angel resume, should do what he has always done and hit for 20 home run power with decent RBI totals.

Nolan Jones, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 45% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): The fact that he has slugged nine homers, stolen seven bases, and is currently sporting a .852 OPS is a pretty good indicator that he’s enjoying his time with the Rockies. The trade of Randal Grichuk and CJ Cron to the Angels will guarantee he won’t be looking over his shoulder down the stretch.

Max Kepler, OF, MIN (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): Kepler is now up to 17 home runs in 278 at-bats on the year, with six of those bombs coming in July. He’ll more than likely never hit for much of an average, but there’s 20-plus home run potential there for the taking.

Curtis Mead, 3B, TBR (CBS:19% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): In a bit of a surprising move, the Rays have given top-prospect Aussie Curtis Mead the call. The fractured left wrist limited him to only 179 at-bats at Triple-A Durham this year, but the potential is sky-high and such that one should part with a good chunk of that remaining FAAB tonight.

Cole Ragans, SP, KCR (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): We have now seen two great back-to-back starts in which Ragans tossed 11 innings, allowing but a single earned run. He is heading into a two-start week against Boston and St. Louis. That makes him a definite buy for me. Let’s see what my esteemed colleague Rich Wilson has to say about Cole Ragans.

“Cole Ragans was traded from the Rangers to the Royals in mid-June for Aroldis Chapman. He has a starter arsenal, and the Royals have moved him back to that role, and he has responded. His fastball is up to 98 MPH with a high spin rate (2466), with his secondary pitches missing plenty of bats. The change-up doesn’t have a ton of fade, but it seems to be working. He has average control but will catch too much of the plate. If it all comes together, the ceiling is a number three starter, but a realistic ceiling is a number four.”

Davis Schneider, 3B, TOR (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Davis Schneider got the call in Toronto on Friday and, in his first at-bat, pounded one out of Fenway. In his first two games, he went 5-for-8. At Triple-A Buffalo this year he hit 21 home runs with 64 RBI, 9 stolen bases, and a rather solid .416 OBP. That’s not too shabby for a 2017 28’th Round pick. Who isn’t rooting for success from Davis Schneider?

Brady Singer, SP, KCR (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 56% rostered): Our on-again/off-again love affair with Brady Singer is back on again. He had three solid starts against the Yankees, Twins, and Mets in which he allowed a total of only four earned runs with 23 strikeouts in 19 IP, and there should be, at the very least, a little lust.

Samad Taylor, 2B/OF, KCR (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): If your need is speed, Samad Taylor could be just what the Doctor ordered. He’s now 6-for-6 in thefts in only 43 at-bats and, even in a platoon situation, will see enough playing time to warrant a roster spot and help pad those SB totals.

Rowdy Tellez, 1B, MIL (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 47% rostered): Tellez will be heading out on a rehab assignment commencing Tuesday at Triple-A Nashville, and a return is possible by the weekend. He has struggled this year, but there is no doubting that he has huge power potential (35 HR in 2022), and the Brewers will need all of it if they are to lay claim to the NL Central title.

The Closer Report

Andres Munoz, SP, SEA (CBS: 61% rostered, ESPN: 47% rostered): The Mariners traded closer Paul Sewald to the DBacks at the trade deadline, opening the door for heir apparent Andres Munoz to lay claim to the ninth inning. In three appearances since the deal, he has racked up three saves. Munoz has successfully accepted the challenge and with that high K/9 has the potential to be a Top-10 closer both this year and heading into 2024.

JoJo Romero, RP, STL (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Until the return of Ryan Helsley, Romero looks to be at the worst in a job share with veteran Giovanny Gallegos. The one-time Philly starter looks to have found his niche as a back-end type reliever and should see plenty of action in St. Louis in the 8th and 9th innings.