Elvis Andrus, 2B/SS, CWS (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Like everyone else, it has been a disappointing 2023 on the “South Side,” but as of late, Andrus has shown some life. In his past seven games, he has gone 10-for-27 with a home run and 8 RBI. If you’re looking for middle-infield help, he could at least short-term provide value.
Javier Assad, SP, CHC (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The Cubs “long man” got in a start this week against the Jays and more than held his own, tossing 7 innings of one-run ball and getting the win. Will he stick in the rotation once Marcus Stroman returns? Let’s hope so, as he will be facing the White Sox and Tigers in his next two outings.
J.J. Bleday, OF, OAK (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Bleday has hit two home runs in his past four games, and he’s now up to ten on the season in only 237 at-bats. The BA potential is limited as he hovers around the Mendoza Line, but the power and playing time opportunities are both real.
Lawrence Butler, OF, OAK (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The 15 home run 21 stolen base production we saw down on the farm hasn’t translated yet, as he has struggled to a 1-for-8 start, but it’s only two games. A little patience could prove to be very rewarding.
Freddy Fermin, C, KCR (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Each day as I scan the box scores, I see Freddy Fermin doing something. In nine games since the beginning of August, he has gone 12-for-36 with three homers. That’s worthy of the second-catcher slot in most two-catcher formats.
Emerson Hancock, SP, SEA (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): The M’s are currently tearing it up, and Hancock got the call and didn’t disappoint, holding the Padres to only 2 hits and 3 free passes over five innings of one-run ball. He’s got the Royals next up and should be active and rolling in all formats.
Dakota Hudson, SP, STL (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): It’s that time of the year when those of us who are chasing wins should be looking at two-start streaming options. This week we’ll give Dakota Hudson the nod. It’s hard not to when you’ve got the A’s and tanking Mets on the schedule.
Tommy Pham, OF, ARZ (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Pham is starting to heat up, going 5-for-16 with a home run and 5 RBI in his past four games. After a hot return, Jake McCarthy is once again struggling to provide an opportunity for Pham to be more than just a part-time bat.
Jesse Scholtens, SP, CWS (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Since moving into the rotation at the beginning of August, Scholtens has reeled off a string of three quality starts. A small bid should allow your Fantasy squad to see if he can make it four in a row.
Jonathan Singleton, 1B, HOU (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Jon Singleton waited a total of eight years and 13 days to hit his 15’th career home run and capped off a storybook evening by hitting a second. It’s a great story, but one that is best left for AL-only Leagues.
Nelson Velazquez, OF, KCR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Velazquez got the call at the end of the week and, in two starts, has slugged two homers, the second of which came while hitting out of the leadoff slot. He’s filling in for Drew Waters, who is on bereavement leave, but another strong outing today, and the outfield could be getting even more crowded in KC than it already is.
Allan Winans, SP, ATL (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Bryce Elder has been struggling, allowing five earned runs in each of his past two starts. The Braves have the luxury of having six starters at the ready, and maybe after Winans 7-inning nine strikeout effort this week against the Jays, the Braves give him another kick at the proverbial can.
Masyn Winn, SS, STL (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Down on the farm, Winn has now slugged 17 home runs with an equal number of stolen bases. Toss in a very good .355 OBP, and maybe it’s enough to see a promotion before the end of the ’23 campaign. I’ll spend a couple of bucks tonight in my ReDraft Leagues to find out.
The Closer Report
Jason Foley, RP, DET (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): The last save earned by Alex Lange was on July 23. Since then, Jason Foley, Beau Brieske, and Jose Cisnero have all successfully converted save opportunities. It’s definitely a committee right now in Detroit, with Jason Foley leading the charge.
Abner Uribe RP, MIL (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Any pitcher that has a “100 mph turbo sinker” in his repertoire is worthy of our attention. It looks like Milwaukee or wherever they are calling home could have a closer in the making for when Devin Williams starts to cost them a bit too much in arbitration.
Angel Felipe, RP, OAK (CBS/ESPN: not rostered): The A’s signed Trevor May to a $7 million dollar one-year deal, and he is heading into Free Agency in 2024. What are the odds that the A’s will re-invest in May next season? Somewhere between none and less would be my guess. Felipe sports mid-90s velocity with great K rates while walking too many. Isn’t that the stuff that closers are made of?
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