Lawrence Butler, OF, OAK (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Since the calendar moved into July, Butler has been playing much better, going 10-for-35 with four home runs, 11 RBI, and a pair of thefts. Has he finally arrived as an everyday player? A small bid tonight will allow you to get the answer to that question.
Alexander Canario, OF, CHC (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
The Cubs have called up Alexander Canario. Let’s see what Rich Wilson has to say about the youngster. “I think there is 20 home run pop in the bat, and assuming he starts running again, the ability to steal double-digit stolen bases annually. He does strike out too much, so expect pressure on his batting average.” The big question is, will there be enough at-bats to warrant a roster spot? He’s best left for NL-only and the largest of formats at this time.
Yilber Diaz, SP, ARZ (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
It has been a good week for the 23-year-old righty. Diaz got the call Monday and has two successful starts on his resume. He went six innings against the Braves and Jays and allowed only a single earned run in each outing while recording his first win against Toronto. Those early results should secure a rotation spot heading into the second half.
Rece Hinds, OF, CIN (CBS:49% rostered, ESPN: 22% rostered)
Let’s take a look at that first week for the 23-year-old outfielder. He went 11-for-22, slugged five home runs, and drove in 11. Oh, he also found the time to steal a couple of bases. What an amazing week it has been, but for most of us, the stats start accruing when we have him rostered. You’re going to pay a hefty price for his HOF-caliber debut.
MJ Melendez, OF, KCR (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Melendez got off to a good start this year, disappeared for most of May and June, and resurfaced with three homers in his past five games. It’s time to give him yet another look in deeper formats.
Mickey Moniak, OF, LAA (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
It’s time for my annual trip to the Mickey Moniak well. He’s getting an opportunity to display his skills (again), and over the past week, he has hit one homer, driven in five runs, stolen a base, and hit for a .360 BA. If you’re searching for an injury replacement, give him a look.
Bo Naylor, C, CLE (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
The Bo Naylor we invested in as the 14th Catcher off the board with an ADP of 166 is finally arriving. He stumbled badly to start the season, but the Guardians stuck with him, and over the past 14 days, he has hit a pair of homers to go along with 7 RBI and a .281 BA. He’s now worthy of a spot in two-catcher formats.
Luis Ortiz, SP, PIT (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
The 25-year-old Ortiz has spent most of the year in the bullpen but has performed well in his last two starting opportunities. This year, the 2.84 ERA with a 57/19 K/BB ratio indicates an opportunity as an everyday starter could be at hand. It won’t cost much to find out.
Eugenio Suarez, ARZ (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)
We finally have a Eugenio Suarez sighting. Over the past seven days, he has smacked four homers and driven in 12 runs with a .308 BA. He has bested the 30 home run mark four times in his career, although it has been a few years (2022) since accomplishing that feat. It’s time to take advantage of his current hot streak.
Gio Urshela, 1B/3B, DET (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Over the past week, Urshela has hit two homers, driven in eight runs, and hit a .385 BA. He’s playing every day and on a roll. Take advantage of this current hot streak.
Matt Wallner, OF, MIN (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Wallner got the call from the Twins on July 7 and, in six games, has hit two homers, driven in four runs, and gone 8-for-19 at the dish. The Twins appear to be going with the “hot-hand” ploy for now, and Wallner qualifies.
Juan Yepez, 1B/OF, WAS (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Since taking over at First Base for the Nationals, the countable stats aren’t overly impressive for Yepez, but the hit tool mirrors what he accomplished down on the farm this year, and that’s a good thing. He has recorded a hit in nine consecutive games (12-for-34) while finding his way to first base via the free pass five times. He did hit 11 HR in 274 at-bats at Triple-A Rochester, so the power potential is there. Could Yepez be the next former Cardinal to succeed in a new home?
