Orlando Arcia, 2B/SS, ATL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): Arcia is off to a great start with two homers, four RBI, and seven runs scored in his first 35 at-bats. Vaughn Grissom could get plenty of time to hone his defensive chops on the farm.

Akil Baddoo, OF, DET (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Who had Akil Baddoo making at least one Waiver Wire Article in 2023? I hope everyone is holding up their hand. Austin Meadows is dealing with anxiety and is stepping away from the team to deal with his mental health. We wish him well. In the meantime, the Tigers will turn to Baddoo (who was tearing it up at Triple-A Toledo) to try and help provide a spark to an offense that badly needs it.

Jhony Brito, SP, NYY (CBS: 40% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): In his first two starts, Brito has two wins and has only allowed one earned run in 10 IP. The struggles of Clarke Schmidt combined with the early success of Brito could mean an everyday spot in the Yankees rotation is just around the corner, making Brito a must-add and start in the upcoming week.

Kody Clemens, 3B, PHI (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The injuries continue to mount in Philly, as Rhys Hoskin’s replacement Darick Hall (surgery for a torn ligament in his right thumb) will miss significant time. Kody Clemens has been recalled and should get the bulk of the at-bats on the good side of a platoon. He hit five home runs last year in 117 at-bats in Detroit, making for a decent buying opportunity in NL-only formats.

Bryce Elder, SP, ATL (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Jarred Shuster struggled in his first two starts with the Braves and was subsequently dispatched to Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves turned to the 23-year-old Elder in a tough matchup on the road against the Cards, and he delivered, tossing six shutout innings and earning the win. Respect your elders!

Stone Garrett, OF, WAS (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Garrett got the call on April 5 to replace Corey Dickerson, who could be looking at a 2-to-3 week stint on the IL due to a strained calf. In his first two starts, he has gone 5-for-7 with a homer and 5 RBI. The hot hand counts, and hopefully, as he continues his journey, Gnats fans will find themselves “Stone in Love?”

MacKenzie Gore, SP, WAS (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): Do you remember when MacKenzie Gore was a sure-fire can’t miss top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher? He still might be.

Josiah Gray, SP, WAS (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): After struggling badly in his 2023 season opener against the Braves, Gray bounced back nicely in his second start in Colorado, limiting the Rox to one earned run over six innings in a tough-luck loss. In our game, we all need #5/6 type starters, and Gray has the potential to provide solid numbers in that role.

Yusei Kikuchi, SP, TOR (CBS: 57% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): He’s throwing strikes and, in his debut against the Royals, held them to one earned run over five innings in gaining the victory. The leash has grown a bit longer with the struggles of Jose Berrios.

Trevor Larnach, MIN (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered): Max Kepler going on the IL shores up his status as an everyday player, at least on a short-term basis. The fact that he already has a home run and 7 RBI and is showing the ability to take a free pass bodes well for future success in the heart of the order in Minnesota.

Matthew Liberatore, SP, STL (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): In two games at Triple-A Memphis, Liberatore has yet to allow an earned run and has amassed 14 strikeouts in 10 IP. The velocity is up, and you know he will get a shot at starting in St. Louis at some point this season. If you have the room, a small investment and stash could reward solid future rewards.

Chas McCormick, OF, HOU (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Raise your hand if you had Chas McCormick hitting in the leadoff spot, and hitting very well, in Houston this year. With three thefts in his past six games, it’s time to get McCormick rostered and starting.  

Ryan Noda, 1B, OAK (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Noda had a good week hitting back-to-back home runs against two pretty good pitching clubs, the Rays and Guardians. He’s currently on the good side of a platoon, but if he continues to hit, for how long?

Alek Thomas, OF, ARZ (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Thomas got off to a slow start, but that 4-for-4 night yesterday against the Dodgers could get him going. He has too much talent to be available in 78% of the Leagues using CBS as a stat provider.

Matt Vierling, OF, DET (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Vierling has gotten off to a good start with one homer, a stolen base, and a solid .286 BA. If there’s room in the Tigers outfield for Akil Baddoo, Matt Vierling should feel secure in his current role handling right field.

Michael Wacha, SP, SDP (CBS: 59% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered): We’ve seen plenty of good and equally bad performances from Wacha over the years, but when you shutout the Braves’ high-powered offense over six innings while striking out ten, it should have our attention.

Joey Wiemer, OF, MIL (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): Joey Wiemer was rostered to the tune of 13% at CBS last week. As of this morning, only 29%. What’s up with that? He was 6-for-17 this week with a homer, 3 RBI, and a stolen base. Not only is he hitting, but with Tyrone Taylor and Luis Urias out for an extended period, he can take the job and run with it.

The Closer Report

Aroldis Chapman, RP, KCR (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): The velocity is back up into triple digits, and already Chapman has one save and one hold in the books. He has allowed only one hit and one walk and struck out eight in four IPs. Scott Barlow is the principal ninth-inning weapon for the Royals, but Chapman will get his fair share of opportunities as the Royals show off his skills before the trade deadline.

Carl Edwards Jr, RP, WAS (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Kyle Finnegan has gotten off to a horrid start. Next up is Carl Edwards Jr., who converted his first save attempt Saturday against the Rockies. I’m willing to bet that Edwards gets the next save opportunity.

Michael Fulmer, RP, CHC (CBS: 48% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): A six-out save Friday night against the Rangers made quite the statement, and it appears as if Fulmer is clearly in the driver’s seat to hold down the closer role this year for the Cubbies.

Ron Marinaccio, RP, NYY (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): Tommy Kahnle, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Lou Trivino have all found their way to the IL. When you take those three arms out of the New York bullpen, it starts to get a bit lean but have no fear, as Ron Marinaccio is here. In 4 1/3 innings, he has compiled eight strikeouts, so he has the stuff to get the job done. A small bid this week has the potential to offer big-time rewards.

Will Smith, RP, TEX (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Jose Leclerc is the closer in Texas, but don’t ignore Will Smith. Bruce Bochy and Smith have history, and with one save under his belt already, Bochy has demonstrated that he won’t hesitate to turn to Smith to get the final three outs.