Samuel Basallo, C, BAL (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The O’s are floundering and currently 17 games under .500 with a run differential of -99. That’s not good, right? Is it time, or maybe the better question is, should Baltimore take a look at the future? There is no doubt that Sam Basallo is a significant part of that future.
Denzel Clarke, OF, ATH (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The 25-year-old Clarke earned a promotion with a solid seven stolen bases at Triple-A Las Vegas. Although we haven’t seen any power this year, he has produced mid-teen home run power in the past, so the power should eventually return. He has significantly improved both his walk and strikeout rates this year. What’s not to like?
Caden Dana, SP, LAA (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
He’s likely to be used in a relief role, at least at first, but with any success, Dana could find himself back in the Angels’ starting rotation. For a reasonable price, adding Dana now could prove to be a solid decision.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, CIN (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
The rehab is progressing well, and Encarnacion-Strand is moving up to Triple-A today, with a return not far down the road. If he’s been overlooked and is available in your league, it’s time to find a spot for him on your reserve roster.
Robert Hassell III, OF, WAS (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Dylan Crews is facing an extended stay on the IL due to an oblique strain, and the Nats are hoping that recently promoted Robert Hassell can provide relief. In 163 at-bats at Triple-A Rochester, he hit four homers and stole nine bases. That potential shouldn’t be overlooked.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, BOS (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
Another top prospect receives a promotion due to Alex Bregman’s right quadricep strain, and Mayer could be in for a lengthy stint in Boston. He has had an excellent year down on the farm, with nine home runs and 43 RBI in 170 at-bats. With Bregman likely to miss significant time, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that he’s ready to contribute regularly.
Josh Palacios, OF, CWS (CBS/ESPN: not rostered)
Over the past five games, the 29-year-old Palacios has gone 7-for-18 with two home runs and five RBIs. If you’re seeking short-term outfield assistance, particularly in deeper formats, a modest bid could offer relief.
Eury Perez, SP, MIA (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
The rehab is ending, and Perez is slated to return in early June. He’s tentatively slated to join the rotation, but the Marlins will be very cautious with his workload. Who knows, the Marlins might even use Perez as an option to work in the late innings. They haven’t found sustained success from the current collection of bullpen arms, so nothing should be ruled out now.
Trevor Rogers, SP, BAL (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
It was a spot start, but Rogers absolutely dominated, tossing 6 1/3 innings of two-hit, no-walk ball while contributing five strikeouts. He was immediately returned to Triple-A, but the current state of the O’s starting pitching suggests a return will be imminent.
Matt Shaw, SP, CHC (CBS: 64% rostered, ESPN: 25% rostered)
Shaw is off to a great start, going 8-for-20 with two RBIs and two steals in the five games since being recalled. He will have a long leash to demonstrate that those Triple-A numbers are indeed legitimate and that he’s ready to be an everyday contributor in the Cubs lineup.
Gavin Sheets, 1B/OF, SDP (CBS: 38% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
We mentioned Gavin Sheets back on May 11, and at that time, he had amassed five homers, 21 RBI, and a .296 batting average in 108 at-bats. Since then, he has added four homers and 8 RBI to that total and is currently one of the few Padres earning his keep. Gavin Sheets deserves a second mention.
Lane Thomas, OF, CLE (CBS: 40% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Thomas returned from the IL, and the 0-for-8 start isn’t providing much job security, especially with Angel Martinez, Nolan Jones, and Daniel Schneemann all competing for playing time. A bid is in order; just be conservative in your spending.
Abraham Toro, 1B/2B/3B, BOS (CBS/ESPN: not rostered)
Toro homered in both games of Saturday’s twin bill against the Orioles. Have the Red Sox found their answer at first base? Probably not, but an old favorite in Abraham Toro deserves mentioning in case the 17th time proves to be the charm.
Closer Report
Ronny Henriquez, RP, MIA (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Nobody has stepped up in the ninth inning this year for the Marlins, but Ronny Henriquez is making a strong case for an opportunity. He’s currently sporting a 1.85 ERA with six holds and an impressive 33 strikeouts in 24 and a third innings pitched. It’s time to throw a cheap dart in hopes of hitting a bullseye.
Daniel Palencia, RP, CHC (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Ryan Pressly has been removed as the Cubs closer. Porter Hodge is on the 15-day IL with a strained oblique, leaving Danny Palencia, Brad Keller, and Drew Pomeranz as the primary options to pitch the ninth inning. Palencia has five holds, an impressive 2.16 ERA, and earned a save on Wednesday against the Marlins. He gets my vote to be next up in a save situation in Chicago.
