Akil Baddoo, OF, DET (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): It’s time for a reminder that Akil Baddoo is starting to heat up on the farm. In his past ten games, Baddoo has gone 12-for-39 with two homers, 5 RBI, and three stolen bases. Other than Riley Greene, nothing is heating up on the Tigers. Is the time drawing near when we see Baddoo returning to the Tigers?

Daniel Castano, SP, MIA (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Since moving into the rotation on June 15, we’ve seen three solid outings against the Phillies, Mets, and Nats with one stinker against the Rockies. Can he sustain those early results in his next matchup at home against the Mets? I’ll bid small and hope for the best.

Johnny Cueto, SP, CWS (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): Cueto has made nine starts for the ChiSox and has allowed more than three earned runs only once. In seven-of-those-nine starts, he has gone at least six innings. He’s keeping the walks down and, at the same time, teaching us some new dance moves. What more could we ask from a 5’th/6’th type starter?

Darick Hall, 1B, PHI (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): Last week, we mentioned, “Don’t be surprised if we see him getting the call sooner rather than later.” Well, sooner happened real soon, and after putting up a 0-for-4 debut last Wednesday, Hall responded with three homers in his next two games. He’s a big lad with big power, and he’s not wasting any time showing it off.

Garrett Hill, SP, DET (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): The 26-year-old righty gets the call to replace Rony Garcia, who has been placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder soreness. The combined results have been solid in 15 starts between Double and Triple-A, although much better before his promotion to Triple-A. What stands out are the off-the-charts strikeout rates. He’s now struck out a combined 98 batters in 67 2/3 IP. In deeper and AL-only Leagues, he’s worthy of a small bid.

Nico Hoerner, 2B/SS, CHC (CBS: 38% rostered, ESPN: 19% rostered): Looking for middle-infield help? Hoerner has gone 9-for-18 and continues to get on-base. It’s just a shame that nobody moves him around when he gets there, but a little pop, little speed, and solid on-base skills make for a nice inexpensive injury replacement type player in deeper formats.

Dean Kremer, SP, BAL (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): Kremer has been on fire after a rough debut against the Guardians. He has tossed shutouts in his past three outings against the Rays, WhiteSox, and Mariners. It’s time to find a home for the 26-year-old righty in even the shallowest formats and enjoy the ride.

Dustin May, SP, LAD (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): May has been reportedly hitting triple-digits with the heater, and according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a rehab assignment is just around the corner. It’s now time to take a good look at your Free Agent pool and if May is available, make sure to have him stashed for the second half.

Jake Meyers, OF, HOU (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The Astros really like this kid based on the solid 2021 season for a good cause. He hit 16 homers, drove 51 runs, swiped ten bases, and posted a .408 OBP in 271 at-bats at Triple-A. There’s an opportunity in centerfield, and now that he’s fully recovered from the torn labrum suffered in last year’s ALCS, don’t be surprised if he takes the job and successfully runs with it.

Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, KCR (CBS: 61% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered): The Royals moved Carlos Santana to the Mariners, opening a roster spot for the vaunted slugger and top-prospect, Vinnie Pasquantini. With 18 homers in 250 at-bats this year at Triple-A, the Royals hope he brings that prodigious power to a team in desperate need.

Jace Peterson, 1B/2B/3B/OF, MIL (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): Tyrone Taylor has been placed on the 7-day concussion list guaranteeing Jace Peterson at least a week of full-time at-bats filling the void. The super-sub is enjoying a great campaign with seven homers and nine stolen bases on the year and will look to build on those numbers this coming week.

Jose Quintana, SP, PIT (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): Quintana has posted an excellent 3.43 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 76 IP. What does he have to show for his efforts? One solitary and very lonely win. If he were pitching for any team other than the Pirates, he’d be commanding much more of our attention.

Esteury Ruiz, SDP (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Esteury Ruiz has now amassed 17 stolen bases at Triple-A El Paso in only 86 at-bats. That brings him to 57 total thefts on the season. Twenty-seven MLB teams have stolen fewer bases than Esteury Ruiz.

LaMonte Wade, 1B/OF, SFG (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Wade was activated this week after spending all but ten games on the IL this year dealing with knee and hamstring issues. He’s no Seiya Suzuki, but returning to last year’s form would be a massive boost for the Giants and your Fantasy squad.

Ken Waldichuk, SP, NYY (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Here’s a name recommended by our own Rich Wilson. Waldichuk has recently been promoted from Double to Triple-A and hasn’t skipped a beat, maintaining those crazy strikeout rates that came to the fore in 2021. This year, he has accumulated 95 strikeouts in 63 IPs at both levels. If that doesn’t get your attention, the combined 2.00 ERA will. In Dynasty Leagues, it’s past time to add the 24-year-old southpaw.

Closer Report

Yerry De Los Santos, RP, PIT (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): De Los Santos has come out of nowhere to post two saves in the past week while incumbent David Bednar has been dealing with a wonky back. A little Bednar insurance could be a wise investment, especially when that insurance has posted a 2.84 ERA and strikeout-per-inning.

Tanner Scott, RP, MIA (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): Tanner Scott has been flying under the radar and quietly turning around a rather dismal season. At the end of May, he was sitting with a 5.40 ERA. He’s entering play today with a 4.06 ERA. He went 6-for-7 in save opportunities in June with a 2.53 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings. It’s time we started paying a bit more attention to Tanner Scott.

Will Smith, RP, ATL (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 27% rostered): Kenley Jansen is again dealing with heart issues and has been put on the 15-day IL. Let’s all cross our fingers and hope for a quick return to health for the veteran closer. The Braves have several solid options, and a committee will be employed based on the early usage. A.J. Minter (42% rostered at CBS) has one save this week. Smith has two. I’ll go with Smith as my first choice, but both will likely have opportunities until Jansen returns.

Lou Trivino, RP, OAK (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 15% rostered): A.J. Puk got his chance and struggled to allow runs in 5-of-his-first-6 appearances since Dany Jimenez found his way to the IL with a right shoulder strain. The A’s turned to former closer Lou Trivino, who reeled off a string of three consecutive saves before losing last night. It’s his job until the return of Dany Jimenez, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, possibly longer.