Luis Campusano, C, SDP (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Since returning to San Diego on July 19, Campusano has gone 11-for-33 with a home run and six RBI. Maybe the potential we’ve been waiting to see on display at the big-league level is finally arriving.
Mike Clevinger, SP, CWS (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): In his first outing since returning from a right biceps injury, Clevinger tossed five shutout innings of two-hit ball against the Guardians. Can he make it two-in-a-row great outings this week against his former team?
Kyle Isbel, OF, KCR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Isbel has gone 9-for-22 with two homers and six RBI in his past six outings. In deeper Leagues, a small bid will give you the opportunity to see if his current hot streak is sustainable.
Marco Luciano, SS, SFG (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): The 21-year-old Luciano got the call with only a scant 24 at-bats at Triple-A. He did have 11 homers at Double-A Richmond, but is he ready? Only time will tell, but I sure wouldn’t spend a large chunk of my FAAB to find out.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP, TOR (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): It’s now confirmed that Ryu will be returning to the Jays rotation on Tuesday against the Orioles. He follows that up with the Guardians and Cubs in a two-start week. That’s a fairly favorable schedule and one that we should take advantage of.
Matt Wallner, OF, MIN (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Alex Kiriloff hit the IL with a right shoulder strain, and the Twins have turned to Matt Wallner to pick up the slack and with 3 home runs in the past week, he is doing just that. He was enjoying a great season at Triple-A St. Paul with 11 homers, 47 RBI, and a .927 OPS and should hold down the fort until, at the very least Kiriloff returns.
Brandon Williamson, SP, CIN (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): In his past three starts, against the Giants, DBacks, and Dodgers, Williamson has allowed a total of 5 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings. Very quietly, he has lowered his ERA to 4.48 in the process. It’s time we looked at adding him in 15-team Leagues.
The Closer Report
Adbert Alzolay, RP, CHC (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): In his past ten appearances, he has eight saves, including his last five-in-a-row. While others are speculating on who could be closing come August 1, we know Alzolay will be doing exactly that and very successfully.
Giovanny Gallegos, RP, STL (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered): The rumor mill has Jordan Hicks on the move. Next-in-line would be Giovanny Gallegos, and with eight saves already accumulated this year would be the logical option to move back into the closer role in St. Louis, assuming he also isn’t traded.
Yimi Garcia, RP, TOR (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Jordan Romano’s ailing lower back has necessitated a trip to the 15-day IL, with Yimi Garcia and Erik Swanson being the prime candidates to fill in while he’s absent. Since mid-July, Garcia has two saves, with Swanson picking up one, so we’ll give Garcia a slight edge in the race for saves in Toronto.
Carlos Hernandez, SP/RP, KCR (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Does Scott Barlow remain a Royal? Thus far, Hernandez has accumulated nine holds and a great 58/14 K/BB in 51 IP this year, making him the leading contender to move into the ninth inning should Barlow move on.
Colin Holderman, RP, PIT (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): For those speculating that incumbent David Bednar finds a new home at the trade deadline, Colin Holderman is the spec pick. A small bid will likely secure a shot at saves in the event Bednar is traded.
Adam Ottavino, RP, NYM (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): The Marlins acquired David Robertson, leaving it a two-way battle between Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley for saves with the Mets. Ottavino would appear to have the edge but don’t discount Raley and the potential for the Mets to use a bullpen-by-committee approach.
Gregory Santos, RP, CWS (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Kendall Graveman is an Astro. Reynaldo Lopez an Angel. Santos moves into the closer role, pending the eventual arrival of Liam Hendriks, and there are no guarantees that it will be anytime soon. With one save already under his belt, Santos could enjoy a lengthy stint closing out games on the “South Side.”
Robert Suarez, RP, SDP (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): It’s time to do a bit more speculating. Is Josh Hader potentially on the move? If so, Robert Suarez might be attention-worthy. He has just returned following a lengthy absence due to right elbow inflammation, but it shouldn’t take long before he resumes a high-leverage role in the Padres pen.
