Will Benson, OF, CIN (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The 25-year-old currently occupies the good side of a platoon in left field. In the past seven games, Benson has gone 9-for-19 with a home run and pair of thefts. On the year, he’s up to 3 homers, six stolen bases and sporting an .842 OPS in only 93 at-bats. Even in a job share scenario, there’s value sitting there, ready for the taking.
Paul Blackburn, SP, OAK (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): In a two-start week against the punchless Yankees and the hugely disappointing White Sox, he’s halfway home after shutting down the Yankees on one earned run and earning his first victory of the season. In six starts, Blackburn has posted a 3.77 ERA. In Oakland this year, we call that an “ace.”
Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL (CBS: 52% rostered, ESPN: 17% rostered): I was surprised to see Bradish only rostered in 52% of the Leagues at CBS. In his past four starts, he has tossed 25 innings, allowing only six earned runs. He has also struck out 23 while allowing only five walks. It’s worth a look to see if he has been overlooked somehow.
Will Brennan, OF, CLE (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): A little pop, a little speed, and a full-time job manning right field. That’s a lot to like as a fifth outfielder in deeper formats.
Oscar Colas, OF, CWS (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): He broke camp with the White Sox but struggled in his first trial and was subsequently demoted to Triple-A Charlotte. What has he done lately, you ask? How about nine homers, 29 RBI, and a solid .362 OBP. Is it just about time for a promotion?
Dominic Fletcher, OF, ARZ (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The DBacks and Fantasy Managers are holding their collective breaths, hoping for a quick return from Corbin Carroll, who has been sidelined with a sore shoulder. The DBacks have turned to Dominic Fletcher in the interim, and a little “Carroll” insurance in the event he’s not ready to go next week isn’t a bad plan.
Kyle Lewis, OF, ARZ (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Remember when Kyle Lewis looked like he had a long-term future in Seattle? He has finally made it back to the bigs and is potentially a solid option as the DBacks DH. In deeper Leagues, that power potential is worth a look.
Nick Madrigal, 2B/3B, CHC (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): When not showing off that HR power (he hit one last week), Madrigal has found a way to work his way into the everyday lineup and do what he does best. He’ll get on base, score runs, and steal the odd base, with four of his seven thefts on the year coming in his last ten games.
David Peterson, SP, NYM (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): It has been an incredibly disappointing year for David Peterson as he has struggled to a 7.00 ERA and 1.69 WHIP. On a positive note, he is coming off a six-inning shutout effort against the Brewers, which has earned him another start today against the Giants. Monitor today’s results, and if he can string together two solid starts in a row, we can call it a streak.
Carlos Santana, 1B, PIT (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered): Carlos Santana, once the darling of OBP Leagues, is enjoying a resurgence of late. He went 11-for-28 with three home runs and seven RBI to wrap up the last week of June. Let’s hope he continues this streak into July!
Brady Singer, SP, KCR (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 48% rostered): It has been a horrible year for the 26-year-old Singer. After a great 2022 campaign, a 5.88 ERA is not getting it done. A small bid can likely get him rostered in the hopes that he can turn it around in the second half.
Brice Turang, 2B/SS, MIL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Luis Urias returned from the IL, didn’t hit, and was dispatched to Triple-A this week. Brice Turang got the call, and here’s hoping that after he tore it up to a .926 OPS in 57 at-bats at Nashville, he returns and displays the skills that had him break camp with the Brew Crew.
Jordan Westburg, SS, BAL (CBS: 57% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered): The kids keep coming, with Jordan Westburg getting the call in Baltimore. He had nothing left to prove down on the farm, and so far, so very good. We haven’t seen the power in Baltimore….yet, but when it eventually surfaces, the O’s and Fantasy Managers will be very happy campers.
The Closer Report
Aroldis Chapman, RP, TEX (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): The Rangers acquired Aroldis Chapman to bolster their bullpen. Will Smith hasn’t lost his job, but if he struggles, the Rangers now have a proven, solid option they can turn to. At the very least, Chapman will get save opportunities when Smith needs a day of rest.
Buck Farmer, RP, CIN (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Two saves, six holds, and a great 3.18 ERA has vaulted Farmer into the setup role in Cincinnati. Even all-world closers like Alexis Diaz need an occasional day off.
Andrew Nardi, RP, MIA (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Dylan Floro is not the answer and likely never will be in Miami. A.J. Puk is solidly entrenched as the closer, but let’s face it, he has struggled to stay healthy. That brings us to Andrew Nardi, who is very quietly enjoying a great season. He has accumulated six wins, two saves, seven holds, and 46 strikeouts in 35 1/3 IP while posting a great 2.55 ERA. In Leagues that count holds, he should be currently rostered. If you have the roster space, Nardi makes for a fine spec pick in Leagues that only count saves.
