Aledmys Diaz, 2B/SS/3B/OF, HOU (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): Diaz has gone 10-for-27 with three homers in his past seven games. Combined with the multi-position eligibility, it creates an opportunity in deeper Leagues that should be exploited.
Paul DeJong, SS, STL (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The trade of Edmundo Sosa to the Phillies has opened the door for the return of Paul DeJong. It’s still the same Paul DeJong we have come to know and love as demonstrated by the 52 strikeouts and 17 homers in 201 at-bats at Triple-A Memphis. Know your parameters!
Jake Fraley, OF, CIN (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): It finally appears that Jake Fraley is healthy, after a lengthy stint on the IL. Tyler Naquin has been traded to the Mets, creating an opportunity for full-time at-bats in the Reds outfield. In deeper Leagues, the power/speed potential makes Fraley an interesting dart toss in the hopes he can stay healthy and demonstrate that unfulfilled potential.
Kyle Isbel, OF, KCR (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Andrew Benintendi has now been moved to the Yankees. The Royals demoted Emmanuel Rivera on Friday, so Hunter Dozier won’t be clogging up the outfield. It’s time for the Royals to determine if Kyle Isbel is part and parcel of their plans for 2023.
Jarred Kelenic, OF, SEA (CBS: 38% rostered, ESPN: 29% rostered): Julio Rodriguez, Mitch Haniger, and Dylan Moore are all nursing various injuries and on the IL, creating a short-term opportunity for everyday at-bats for the recently recalled Jarred Kelenic. A hot July at Tacoma in which he hit three homers, drove in 13 runs, and posted a 15/11 K/BB ratio provides hope that there are better days ahead for the young Mariners outfielder.
James Outman, OF, LAD (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): The Dodgers moved Zach McKinstry to the Cubs, creating an opportunity for a fourth outfielder. Outman has enjoyed a great year on the farm, mashing 21 homers and swiping 11 bases in 341 at-bats between Double and Triple-A. He’s an NL-only target for now, but as the Dodgers move closer to clinching the Division, we could see an increase in playing time.
Stephen Piscotty, OF, OAK (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The problem has never been the skills; he cannot stay on the field. Currently, Piscotty is healthy, with three home runs in his past five games on a tear. Take advantage of this opportunity.
Victor Robles, OF, WAS (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): A funny thing has happened over the past month. Victor Robles has shown flashes of the skills that had us very excited heading into 2020. Over his past six games he has gone 7-for-25 with two home runs and two stolen bases. Let’s hope this hot streak isn’t derailed by a hamstring injury suffered on Saturday.
Brady Singer, SP, KCR (CBS: 50% rostered, ESPN: 21% rostered): In his past five starts Singer has upped his game in a big way, allowing only seven earned runs. In his last start, against the Yankees vaunted offense, he shut them down on one-hit over seven strong innings and chipped in with 10 strikeouts. It’s time to get Singer active and rolling in all formats.
Joey Wendle, 2B/SS/3B, MIA (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): In his past 10 games he has gone 13-for-44 with two SB. If the Marlins offense can ever muster up some offense, Wendle hitting in the leadoff slot has the potential to be a solid contributor, especially in the runs scored category.
Ryan Yarbrough, SP, TBR (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): In his past three starts, Yarbrough has allowed only six earned runs. Starting pitching is getting incredibly hard to find so take what you can get from the “Yarbrough Man” while the taking is good.
Closer Report
Joe Barlow, RP, TEX (CBS: 52% rostered, ESPN: 24% rostered): Barlow is looking at a short rehab stint that is supposed to commence this weekend before returning to the Rangers pen. Based on the current struggles of both Brett Martin and Dennis Santana, it’s time the Rangers gave Barlow another shot at closing out games.
Scott Effross, RP, CHC (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): David Robertson and possibly even Rowan Wick and Mychal Givens could be on the move at the trade deadline. Who’s next in-line for the ninth-inning gig? Scott Effross is the likely candidate and with that strong 2.66 ERA on his resume is worthy of a cheap spec bid this week.
Pete Fairbanks, RP, TBR (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): We mentioned Fairbanks back on July 11 as someone that should be returning to the Rays pen in the near future and that near future has now arrived. Colin Poche has struggled recently so the Rays will do what the Rays do, turn to another of their many skilled bullpen arms. Pete Fairbanks is the man of the hour and has now successfully converted saves in each of his last two appearances. It’s time to get him rostered and active to take advantage of every opportunity, while they are at-hand.
Luis Garcia, RP, SDP (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): One of the many Luis Garcia currently plying their trade in the majors, this one happens to be the setup man in San Diego and quite possibly the go-to guy now that incumbent Taylor Rogers is in a timeout. A small bid could turn out to be a very lucrative one.
Dany Jimenez, RP, OAK (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered): If his last rehab start is any indication, Jimenez is very close to returning to the A’s bullpen. With Lou Trivino possibly moving at the deadline, Jimenez could have a good opportunity to reclaim the closer role in Oakland. He did have 11 saves before his June struggles and a shoulder strain sent him to the IL.
Garrett Whitlock, RP, BOS (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 48% rostered): It appeared that Tanner Houck was settling into the closer role and lo and behold Garrett Whitlock gets back-to-back saves pitching two innings in each. No official announcement has been made but it appears that Whitlock is gaining steam in the Red Sox plans for the ninth inning.
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