J.J. Bleday, OF, MIA (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): To say the Marlins offense has been struggling would be an understatement. Non-existent is closer to reality as they have now been blanked in four-of-their-past-five starts. Bleday got the call Saturday with the Marlins, hoping he can spark the O. The power potential is there as he has gone deep twenty times this year at Triple-A Jacksonville. He contributed his first hit (of hopefully many) and a stolen base in Sunday’s action.
Seth Brown, OF, OAK (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): Twelve home runs and 41 RBI is solid production. He’s hitting in the cleanup slot, a good thing. His K/BB ratio in 299 at-bats is 81/19. The power production comes with a price.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B/3B, TEX (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): If you’re “Hungry Like A Wolf” for a high upside power/speed bat, Duran could be your guy. It also appears that the Rangers will commit to regular playing time for the youngster to determine how he fits into their 2023 plans. The power/speed combination is most intriguing and could come in handy for the stretch run.
Vimael Machin, SS/3B, OAK (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): Machin possesses solid strike zone judgment skills with middling power. He’s currently hitting in the leadoff slot in Oakland. In AL-only formats, he’s worthy of our attention. Hey, if it doesn’t work out, it offers you the opportunity to “Rage Against the Machin.” What more could one want?
Matt Manning, SP, DET (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Manning will make one more rehab start this coming Wednesday before returning to the Detroit rotation. He has been sidelined since mid-April with shoulder issues and will be a most welcome return to an injury-decimated Tigers rotation.
Jorge Mateo, SS/OF, BAL (CBS:34% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): The good news is that he has now amassed 23 thefts this season, good for second overall in stolen bases behind only Jon Berti. He has also hit for some power with seven homers. The bad news is that his swing and miss game contains way too much miss with 93 strikeouts in 286 at-bats. If you can take the BA/OBP hit, the speed can be a real asset.
Raimel Tapia, OF, TOR (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Tapia has now gone 10-for-19 in his past five games, including hitting a rare inside-the-park grand slam against Boston on Friday night. He followed up his fantastic performance Friday by hitting a triple today that cleared the bases. Toss in the fact that George Springer has been missing time lately with an elbow issue, and the hot-hitting Tapia should see a steady diet of at-bats heading into August.
Ramon Urias, 2B/3B/SS, BAL (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 15% rostered): In his past five games, Urias has gone 9-for-20 with three homers and 8 RBI. It’s time to take advantage of the streak, and hope it extends into next week. The multiple-position eligibility is a huge bonus.
David Villar, 3B, SFG (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Another injury to Evan Longoria? I’ve lost count of the times he has made it to the IL this season. David Villar will undoubtedly earn his fair share of the additional playing time, and since getting the call on July 4, we’ve seen mixed results. The one thing that he has done consistently is find his way to first base via the free pass. In deeper OBP Leagues, he’s worthy of a small bid.
Ken Waldichuk, SP, NYY (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Domingo German was less than inspiring this week. Jameson Taillon has struggled lately and has allowed 22 earned runs in 23 2/3 IPs in five of his past six starts. Luis Severino is out with a lat strain and won’t be returning until September. Suddenly, the Yankees have some serious pitching concerns. There is currently room for both Schmidt and Waldichuk to call New York home.
Closer Report
Wandy Peralta, RP, NYY (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Yes, we’ve reached that stage of the program in New York. The injury to Michael King and Aroldis Chapman’s ongoing struggles has forced Peralta into the setup role……at least for now. In Leagues that use holds, he’s a wise investment, but be aware that the Yankees are very likely to go outside the organization in search of bullpen help.
Trevor Rosenthal, RP, SFG (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): He’s still likely a couple of weeks away from contributing to the Giants bullpen, but when healthy, Trevor Rosenthal has proven to be an elite late-inning option. Gabe Kapler remarked that Rosenthal “is just healthy away from being one of the more effective closers in the game.” Those that have Camilo Doval rostered should file this away for future reference.
