Matt Barnes, RP, BOS (CBS: 27% rostered): The Red Sox moved Brandon Workman to the Phillies on Friday, and the logical option for the Red Sox would be for Matt Barnes to move into the closer role. Barnes promptly responded by blowing a save opportunity Saturday night and taking the loss. This could evolve into a committee very quickly, with Ryan Brasier and possibly even Darwinzon Hernandez working their way into the mix.
Joey Bart, C, SFG (CBS: 52% rostered): The top prospect in the Giants organization went 1-for-4 in his debut. However, what should have our attention is the fact that hit left his barrel at 109.5 mph, the hardest-hit ball of the evening. Bart can hit and the Giants didn’t call him up to ride the pine. If he’s still sitting in your free agent pool, he shouldn’t be.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Joey Bart.
Diego Castillo, RP, TBR (CBS: 14% rostered): The closer carousel keeps on spinning, as Nick Anderson finds his way to the 10-day IL with right forearm inflammation. Diego Castillo is the likely favorite to garner the bulk of the saves for the Rays, remembering that in Tampa Bay there rarely is a favorite?
Dane Dunning, SP, CWS (CBS: 12% rostered): Dunning matched Casey Mize pitch for pitch in their head-to-head debut this past week. Dunning tossed 4 1/3 solid innings in which he allowed three earned runs, tossing in seven strikeouts for good measure. Dunning missed the last 18 months recovering from TJ Surgery, but he remained #5 on our White Sox prospect list and now you know why. While Mize deserves a lot of love, Dunning does as well.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Dane Dunning.
Jake Fraley, OF, SEA (CBS: 4% rostered): We finally have a Jake Fraley sighting, as he got the call to replace Dylan Moore, who wound up on the 10-day IL with a sprained wrist. Fraley brings a little pop and speed potential to the table, but for now, is best left for AL-only formats.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Jake Fraley.
Chad Green, RP, NYY (CBS: 35% rostered): Chad Green has very quietly been enjoying a great year. In 12 2/3 IP, he’s sporting a .71 ERA and a .47 WHIP. He’s also struck out 17 batters. Zack Britton has made his way to the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain, elevating Green into the setup role and next-in-line for saves.
Triston McKenzie, SP, CLE (CBS: 31% rostered): At the beginning of the week, Triston McKenzie was rostered in 8% of the Leagues using CBS. By Saturday night at midnight, that rate had soared to 31% rostered. By Sunday after this week’s Waiver Wire run, I’ll guess at 85% rostered? We loved his size and athleticism as he was going through the minor leagues and when he started hitting 97 on the radar gun, we finally saw the increase in velocity that was anticipated. We are anxious to see what he can do for his follow-up.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Triston McKenzie.
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, BAL (CBS: 22% rostered): There is no doubt that Mountcastle can hit for power. The 25 homers last year in 520 at-bats at Triple-A Norfolk proves that point. He’s also proven to be a free swinger, with 130 strikeouts last year. The power will be an asset. Don’t count on the BA to be the same.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Ryan Mountcastle.
Cristian Pache, OF, ATL (CBS: 31% rostered): The glove is MLB ready. The bat is still very much a work in progress.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Cristian Pache.
Isaac Paredes, 3B, DET (CBS: 7% rostered): The future at the “hot corner” in Detroit has arrived. It was great to see him power up, with a grand slam in his fourth game, but the key to his success will be in his ability to control the strike zone. The 61/57 K/BB at Double-A in 2019 is a good indicator that he’ll enjoy success.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Isaac Paredes.
Victor Reyes, OF, DET (CBS: 13% rostered): The stolen base leader is currently Jonathan Villar, with seven. Victor Reyes is currently sitting with five thefts on the year. If you need a boost in the stolen base category, go get him.
Jesus Sanchez, OF, MIA (CBS: 9% rostered): The Marlins continue to shuffle their outfield deck, and have handed the opportunity off to former Ray, Jesus Sanchez. He has the skills to hit for plus-power. The big question being, will the Marlins give the youngster a decent audition to display those skills?
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Jesus Sanchez.
Sixto Sanchez, SP, MIA (CBS: 44% rostered): Sixto Sanchez was the principal player the Marlins received from the Phillies in the J.T. Realmuto deal. He made his debut this week and flashed that triple-digit high heat and quality slider in gaining his first big league victory. Expect to see the top-prospect take a regular turn in the Marlins rotation for the balance of the season.
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Sixto Sanchez.
Josh Staumont, RP, KCR (CBS: 8% rostered): The 23 strikeouts in 11 1/3 IP with four holds should have your attention. The fact that Trevor Rosenthal is rumored to be a hot commodity for teams looking to upgrade their bullpens, should up the ante.
Raimel Tapia, OF, COL (CBS: 10% rostered): Just when it appeared that Garrett Hampson had taken sole ownership of the leadoff gig in Colorado, Raimel Tapia enters the fray. The 11/10 K/BB ratio and three thefts might be why he has found his way to the top-of-the-order?
Evan White, 1B, SEA (CBS: 21% rostered): Yes, there have been plenty of both ups-and-downs in the youngster’s debut season, but when you’re hot, you’re hot. In his past six games he has hit four homers and driven in ten runs. That’s scorching hot!
For additional information, see our prospect write-up of Evan White.
Five Under Five
Tyler Anderson, SP, SFG (CBS: 5% rostered): Anderson dealt with knee issues for years and looks to finally have put them behind him. The one-time Rockie top-prospect tossed the first complete game of his career last night against the DBacks and has a return meeting with them this coming week.
Sam Haggerty, 2B, SEA (CBS: not rostered): Shed Long is really struggling, so we could see a steady run of at-bats from Haggerty. He’s likely a utility-type player long-term, but short-term the speed will play.
Cedric Mullins, OF, BAL (CBS: 2% rostered): Mullins has gone 9-for-21 with three runs scored, one homer, and one stolen base in the past six games. The Orioles have moved him into the leadoff spot today. He’s earned the opportunity; can he now take advantage of it and hold the job?
Richard Rodriguez, RP, PIT (CBS: 2% rostered): In Week Four we mentioned the imminent return of Keone Kela to the active roster and closer role. On Friday night, Kela left after five pitches due to forearm tightness. The opportunities will be few and far between, but at least for now, Rodriguez could be in line to get them.
Magneuris Sierra, SS, MIA (CBS: 4% rostered): Sierra stole 33 bases between Double and Triple-A last year. He’s all about the wheels and with three stolen bases in his past five outings, could provide respite for those looking to move up in the stolen base category.
