William Contreras, C, ATL (CBS: 27% rostered): The Braves turned to William Contreras to replace the injured Travis d’Arnaud and the youngster has not disappointed. In his first 34 at-bats, he’s sporting a .265 BA with three homers, eight RBI, and seven runs scored. It’s time that we started giving him a bit more love than his current 27 percent.
Jacob Stallings, C, PIT (CBS: 38% rostered): The walk rate is up. The strikeout rate, down. Along the way, he’s now hit three homers and driven in 15 runs. As a second catcher in two-catcher sets, he is proving to be a very capable option.
Stephen Vogt, C, ARZ (CBS: 3% rostered): Carson Kelly was enjoying a huge breakout campaign and then came Saturday A fractured left big toe that will keep him sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. Vogt will be asked to help fill the void. There is power potential in that bat. Just don’t expect much in the way of a batting average.
Bobby Dalbec, 1B, BOS (CBS: 42% rostered): A strong spring training provided hope, but the month of April was dismal. Dalbec has finally shown some life, going 9-for-25 with three homers and 11 RBI over his past seven games. Ride the current hot streak for all it’s worth!
Matt Beaty, 1B/OF, LAD (CBS: 7% rostered): What once looked like a waltz in the park for the Dodgers, has taken on a few challenges. The injuries to AJ Pollock and Cory Seager this week clearly indicate that Matt Beaty is going to take on a role of even more significance than was anticipated when we mentioned him as an option last week.
Vidal Brujan, 2B, TAM (CBS: 25% rostered): In 2018, Brujan stole 55 bases in 475 at-bats. In 2019, he added a further 48 thefts in 383 at-bats to his resume. Whether it be 2B or in the outfield, the Rays need Brujan’s bat in the everyday lineup in Tampa Bay, not Durham. It’s only a matter of time before that comes to fruition.
Gavin Lux, 2B, LAD (CBS: 58% rostered): Last week, Gavin Lux finally got that first homer of the 2021 campaign under his belt. Chris Taylor is more than likely going to be spending the bulk of his time at shortstop until the return of Corey Seager which should provide Lux plenty of unchallenged time to display that high-end potential.
Jonathan India, 2B/3B, CIN (CBS: 34% rostered): India won the 2B job with a strong spring and started the season in fine form. It’s a game of constant adjustments and after enduring a two-week rough patch it appears that India is back on track. A trek to Colorado this weekend in which he has gone 5-for-11 with a pair of homers, 5 RBI, and a stolen base appears to be just what the Doctor ordered. It’s time to get him active and back in your everyday lineup.
Jesus Sanchez, OF, MIA (CBS: 8% rostered): The loss of Starling Marte as a result of a fractured rib has created a rather large void in the Marlins outfield and one that hasn’t as of yet been filled. Meanwhile, down on the farm, Sanchez is off to a great start going 17-for-35 with five homers and 15 RBI. It’s only a matter of time before we see him plying his trade in Miami.
Jo Adell, OF, LAA (CBS: 38% rostered): He’ll only be in purgatory for so long, and with four homers in his first nine games at Salt Lake City, his stay could be shorter than what we originally anticipated.
Miguel Yajure, SP, PIT (CBS: 2% rostered): Yajure held the Giants in check last Friday, tossing five shutout innings and allowing but a single hit to his opposing batterymate, Kevin Gausman. The Pirates promptly sent him back to Triple-A Indianapolis but the 23-year-old righty will be back, possibly sooner than later.
Rich Hill, SP, TAM (CBS: 25% rostered): After his first three starts, Hill was sporting an 8.82 ERA. After a three-game string of shutout ball (15 2/3 IP), including back-to-back blankings of the Athletics and Yankees that ERA is down to 4.26. The 41-year-old southpaw still has something left in the tank.
Drew Smyly, SP, ATL (CBS: 25% rostered): Another slow starter, Smyly looks to finally be getting his game in order. In his past two starts both on the road against Washington and Milwaukee, he’s allowed only one earned run, gaining the victory in both starts. A relatively small bid could reap solid rewards.
Vince Velasquez, SP, PHI (CBS: 7% rostered):. Matt Moore didn’t get the job done so the Phillies once again turned to Velasquez. After building up his arm strength, he has pitched three great outings against the Brewers, Braves, and Jays. It’s not like this is the first time that we’ve been teased by that potential. I just wish I could understand why the Whitesnake gem “Here I Go Again?” and the Who classic “Won’t Get Fooled Again” continually come up on my playlist.
David Peterson, SP, NYM (CBS: 31% rostered): Three of his past four starts against Boston, Philly, and Tampa Bay have been solid. The fourth of those starts against the DBacks, was a bit of a mess. If he can keep the free passes down, Peterson has the potential to be a solid #4/5 type starter.
Corbin Martin, SP, ARZ (CBS: 4% rostered): With Taylor Widener and Zac Gallen both finding their way to the IL, how long will it be before we see Corbin Martin getting the call? In two starts at Triple-A Reno, Martin has allowed only two earned runs and struck out 14 over 9 2/3 IP. He must throw strikes, but if he can limit the self-inflicted damage, a Martin sighting in Phoenix could be drawing near.
Sam Hentges, SP, CLE (CBS: 14% rostered): Logan Allen struggled badly and with his demotion, the Indians decided to stretch out Sam Hentges. In his first start, against the Cubs, he held them off the scoreboard over 4 2/3 innings. He’s heading into a two-start week facing off against TBA for the Angels and Matt Shoemaker of the Twins. In deeper Leagues give him a look as a streaming option.
Michael Fulmer, RP, DET (CBS: 14% rostered): Gregory Soto has been given every opportunity to own the closer gig for the Tigers, but simply hasn’t consistently been up to the task. On the other hand, Michael Fulmer has not allowed an earned run in his past five appearances and has tossed in a pair of saves for good measure. The winds of change could be blowing in Detroit.
Tyler Chatwood, RP, TOR (CBS: 5% rostered): Since being activated off the 10-day IL back on April 23, Chatwood has made ten appearances and allowed a total of one earned run. He has seven holds. His K/BB ratio is sitting at 18/3. The Jays have done an amazing job finding replacements for their injury-riddled relief corps. We can add Tyler Chatwood to the top of that list.
Tyler Rogers, RP, SFG (CBS: 27% rostered): Jake McGee owned the closer gig for the first five weeks of the season but has recently come upon a rough patch and is looking very mortal in May. Giants manager Gabe Kapler has stated that Tyler Rogers will see more save opportunities moving forward and that should not be ignored.
