Elvis Andrus, SS, CWS (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): The A’s released Andrus in mid-August, but it didn’t take long for him to find a new home and opportunity with Tim Anderson and now Leury Garcia finding their way to the IL. He has gone 11-for-29 in his past seven games with two home runs, seven RBI, and six runs scored. There is still some life left in that bat!
Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Going back to July 29, Bradish has held the opposition to three-or-less earned runs in each of his past seven starts. In his past two starts, he has gone 8 and 7 innings against Houston and Cleveland, blanking them both while allowing only four hits. The slow start appears to be clearly in the rearview mirror.
Triston Casas, 1B, BOS (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): The season is a done deal in Boston, so it’s time to look to the future as Triston Casas gets called up. After missing nearly two months with an ankle injury, he returned in mid-July and has been on fire through the summer. The plus-power will be on display, as will the well-rounded skills that saw him post a .333 BA and .459 OBP in 90 August at-bats in August.
Yainer Diaz, C, HOU (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Dynasty League alert! It’s time to look at an off-the-radar type player that shouldn’t be. Diaz is currently 4’th in the Minors at his position with 25 home runs. He’s second in all of the Minors with 96 RBI. He’s only 23 years old. Yes, it’s the Astros, and he likely won’t inherit a ton of playing time down the stretch, but next year is a new year, and in Keeper/Dynasty Leagues, now is the time to get a leg up on the competition and find a home for Yanier Diaz.
TJ Friedl, OF, CIN (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Friedl has quietly been getting it done for the Reds. In his past six games, he has gone 9-for-21 with two homers and five RBI. Make that three homers, as he hit a solo shot in today’s game. Make that four home runs in his past seven games, as he hit a second solo shot today. He should see regular at-bats as the Reds play out the string.
Romy Gonzalez, 2B, CWS (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): Romy Gonzalez had my attention after posting a 24/24 season in 2021 between Double and Triple-A. With Leury Garcia and Tim Anderson finding their way to the 10-day IL, he now has the WhiteSox attention. He got the call mid-August and is starting to heat up, going 7-for-16 in his past four games and hitting his first home run Saturday. The combination of power and speed, now that he’s finally getting the opportunity to play warrants our attention in deeper Leagues.
Dean Kremer, SP, BAL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered): Two Baltimore Oriole starters in the weekly Waiver Wire? Who would have to thunk it? We’ve seen 16 starts (89 1/3 IP) from Kremer this year, and he’s currently sitting with a 3.22 ERA. In his past four starts against Oakland, Houston, Boston, and Toronto, he has allowed six earned runs in 26 IP. Why is he rostered at only 32% in CBS Leagues?
Joey Meneses, 1B/OF, WAS (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 19% rostered): Meneses has slowed down since that hot start but is still playing pretty solid baseball. He has gone 9-for-27 with one homer, 6 RBI, and six runs scored in his past six games. Solid production is in store as we head into the home stretch.
Cody Morris, SP, CLE (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Morris got the call Friday and, like many others before him, struggled badly in his debut. There are two main reasons to remain interested. First and foremost, he struck out 39 batters this year in 21 1/3 IP. Secondly, Zach Plesac is done for the season after breaking his hand and punching the mound after giving up a home run. It’s time to toss a mulligan in the direction of Morris for that poor first start.
Spencer Steer, 2B, CIN (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Steer was acquired by the Reds from the Twins in the deal that sent Tyle Mahle to the Twins. In 427 at-bats between Double and Triple-A, the 24-year-old slugged 23 homers and 30 doubles and sported a very solid .364 OBP. The injury-riddled Reds should give Steer plenty of opportunities to flash that power in September.
Michael Toglia, 1B, COL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): He’s a big man with plenty of miss in his swing and miss game (149 K’s in 429 AB), but when he doesn’t miss the ball tends to go a long, long way. The proof is the 30 homers he launched in 429 at-bats down on the farm this season.
Ken Waldichuk, SP, OAK (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): The debut was just okay, but Waldichuk did manage to strike out six batters in 4 2/3 innings, which shouldn’t come as a shock considering down on the farm he struck out 137 in 95 IP. Better days are ahead for the 24-year-old southpaw.
