Matt Beaty, 1B, LAD (CBS: 3% rostered): The injuries to Cody Bellinger, Zach McKinstry, and now A.J. Pollock has created an opportunity for Beaty and that monster seven-RBI game last week definitely helps in his chase for at-bats in the Dodgers outfield. The power numbers might be a bit lacking, but Beaty knows his way around the strike zone.
Brandon Crawford, SS, SFG (CBS: 17% rostered): If you are growing tired of the ongoing struggles of Gleyber Torres, look no further than Brandon Crawford. Even though shortstop is deep with plenty of talent, don’t ignore the current hot streak of Crawford. In the past five games, he has slugged 3 homers and driven in 7 runs. Solid production is at hand and available in 83% of CBS Leagues.
Miguel Rojas, SS, MIA (CBS: 47% rostered): Miguel Rojas has been on a tear (10-for-22 past 6 games), upping his BA from .247 to .290 in the past week. Toss in the two home runs and 9 runs scored out of the leadoff spot, and he is a must-add and Start in all formats.
Josh Naylor, OF, CLE (CBS: 12% rostered): Very quietly, Naylor has been upping his game lately. Since the beginning of May, he has gone 9-for-29 with a pair of homers, six RBI, and six runs scored. In the rather weak Cleveland outfield, he isn’t looking over his shoulder.
Robbie Grossman, OF, DET (CBS: 12% rostered): His principal asset is the ability to get on-base, and that .383 OBP is a good indicator he’s getting the job done. One homer, 3 thefts, and five runs scored in his past five games reinforce that fact. Grossman has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal Tiger’s offense.
Trevor Larnach, MIN (CBS: 14% rostered): The injuries to both Byron Buxton and Alex Kirilloff have forced the Twins to turn to the second of their top outfield prospects, Trevor Larnach. Over at prospect361.com, Rich shares his thoughts. “While I still have questions on his hit-tool, he has handled each level well. However, his lack of bat speed could be exposed as surely pitchers will pound him inside with velocity. While there’s a chance for 25+ home run, I question whether he fully reaches that”. While it’s not a rousing endorsement, he’ll get the chance and perhaps the power will indeed develop.
Harrison Bader, OF, STL (CBS: 12% rostered): We mentioned Harrison Bader in Week Four as a player that would be returning shortly, and back he came looking to make up for lost time. In nine games since his return, Bader has popped three homers, driven in 8 runs, and managed to swipe a couple of bags. It’s time to find a spot on your roster for the 26-year-old centerfielder.
Taylor Ward, OF, LAA (CBS: 1% rostered): Since arriving in Double-A back in 2017, Ward hasn’t failed to produce at least a .400 OBP in every season down on the farm. He also flashed some power in 2019, hitting 27 homers. The Angels have determined that Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh aren’t quite ready for prime time so Ward will in the short term get the opportunity to show off that great hit tool.
Alek Manoah, SP, TOR (CBS: 16% rostered): Manoah made a rather large statement in his Triple-A Buffalo debut, tossing six innings of shutout 12 strikeout ball. He’s not all that far away from his big-league debut. There is plenty of room for both Nate Pearson and Alek Manoah in the Jays rotation.
Garrett Richards, SP, BOS (CBS: 26% rostered): Since that first start shellacking at the hands of the Orioles, Richards has settled in rather nicely. In 33 2/3 IP over his next six starts, he has allowed only 12 earned runs while striking out 32 batters. He’ll never be what we once thought he’d be, but as a #5/6 type starter in deeper Leagues can still provide decent value.
Jeffrey Springs, RP, TAM (CBS: 6% rostered): Diego Castillo had seemingly taken control of the ninth inning, until finding his way to the 10-day IL with right groin tightness. It’s a committee scenario in Tampa Bay but it appears that Jeffrey Springs will be looking at additional save opportunities until the return of Castillo. Peter Fairbanks (20% rostered), who recently returned to the active lineup after missing most of April with a rotator cuff strain, will also find his way into the mix for save opportunities.
Josh Sborz, RP, TEX (CBS: 1% rostered): The injury-ravaged Rangers bullpen has found respite in the early season success of both Ian Kennedy and Joely Rodriguez, but occasionally they do need a day off. Sborz has been pressed into service and successfully earned his first save last week. He has also found his way into three early wins. Based on the mediocre Rangers rotation, there could be plenty of “vulture win” opportunities and the odd save in his future.
Jake Diekman, RP, OAK (CBS: 33% rostered): It appears that Lou Trivino is still the favored son for saves in Oakland, but his grip on the ninth inning is a bit tenuous after his implosion against the Jays last week. Meanwhile, Diekman has solidly moved into the setup role and with a combined total of three saves, four holds and 22 strikeouts in 15 IP should not be ignored.
Sam Coonrod, RP, PHI (CBS: 4% rostered): Hector Neris didn’t endear himself (again) to the Phillies when he allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday and incurring his second blown save of the season. On the other hand, Sam Coonrod has two saves in his past four appearances while sporting an outstanding 18/2 K/BB ratio and a 1.13 ERA. Could a change in the ninth-inning gig in Philly be around the corner? It’s worthy of a small bid this week to find out.
