Logan Allen, SP, CLE (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): Don’t give up on Logan Allen. He’s been demoted, but the odds are high that he will return in the second half. The overall numbers were solid, but the pitch efficiency still needs work.
Jonathan Aranda, TB (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Finally, the Rays have called up Aranda. He has nothing left to prove down on the farm. Let’s hope the Rays give him every opportunity to prove that fact with the big league squad.
Colton Cowser, OF, BAL (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): The kids keep coming to Baltimore, with Cowser arriving last Wednesday. It’s only four games, but already we’re seeing that advanced hit tool at work as he has found his way to first four times via the free pass with no strikeouts. The power will eventually surface, and when it does, look out!
Ivan Herrera, C, STL (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The 23-year-old Herrera can flat-out hit. The eight home runs, 44 RBI, seven stolen bases, and .989 OPS at Triple-A Memphis make one think there’s room for both Herrera and Willson Contreras on the Cards roster.
Colt Keith, 3B, DET (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): When you’ve put together a 16 HR, 57 RBI, and .993 OPS first half between Double and Triple-A this year, the phone should be ringing soon. He’s ready. Let’s hope the Tigers feel the same way.
Jake McCarthy, OF, ARZ (CBS: 55% rostered, ESPN: 20% rostered): Are stolen bases so easy to procure that a player who has stolen 18 bases in the past six weeks is still available in 45% of CBS Leagues and 80% of the Leagues at ESPN?
Mickey Moniak, OF, LAA (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered): It’s a shame that Mike Trout will be watching from the sidelines for the next six weeks courtesy of a broken hamate bone, but someone has to pick up the at-bats, and Mickey Moniak is that guy. Since the calendar rolled into July, he’s been more than getting it done with two homers, 7 RBI, and four runs scored. Get him added in every format as we head into the second half.
Cristopher Sanchez, SP, PHI (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Sanchez held the Rays to four hits and only one earned run over six innings in his last outing. He is sporting a 2.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in his five starts, allowing a scant four walks in 25 1/3 IP. A strong second half could be in the cards for the 26-year-old Southpaw.
Casey Schmitt, 2B/3B/SS, SFG (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Thairo Estrada is going to miss time, potentially as much as six weeks and the Giants will turn to Casey Schmitt in the interim. He’s no Estrada, not even close, but in deeper 20-team and NL-only formats should provide some relief in at least the RBI category.
Ezequiel Tovar, SS, COL (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered): In our June 18 Waiver Wire, we mentioned that Ezequiel Tovar was heating up and we’re now at the end of the first week of July and he hasn’t cooled off. He’s now up to 9 home runs and 44 RBI with four thefts. The 21-year-old has a bright future ahead.
Joey Votto, 1B, CIN (CBS: 40% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered): Four homers, 10 RBI, and a .444 OBP is some great production in the first seven games of July. The kids are the talk of the town in Cincinnati, but Joey Votto is representing the older crowd in fine style.
The Closer Report
Daniel Bard, RP, COL (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): What was Justin Lawrence closing for the Rockies and Pierce Johnson providing occasional support has now morphed into a three-way committee with Daniel Bard earning his first save of the year Friday night against the Giants. Moving forward, it is more than likely that all three relievers will earn saves. If a handful of saves makes a difference, give Bard a look.
Hunter Harvey, RP, WAS (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered): In his past eight appearances totaling 7 2/3 IP, he has accumulated five saves while allowing only one earned run. He’s the Nats’ go-to guy in the ninth inning; it’s time for Fantasy Managers to be aware of that fact.
