Ryan Bergert, SP, SDP (CBS: rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Three starts into his career, and so far, so good, although the free passes are a bit concerning. He’ll face a serious test this week as he takes on the Dodgers’ offense. Let’s see what Rich Wilson has to say about the 25-year-old righty. “Ryan Bergert was the Padres’ sixth-round pick in 2021 and signed for slightly over slot money. He repeated Double-A in 2024, showing better overall stuff with much-improved control. He has a three-pitch arsenal with a fastball that sits 92 to 94 MPH (T 95), a slider that looks more like a sweeper, his primary out pitch, and a change-up that needs a lot of work. Left-handed batters are hitting .320, so the pitch is not doing its job.
He has improved his control to the point where I believe he could be a back-of-the-rotation starter or a reliever at the highest level.
Joe Boyle, SP, TBR (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Since the beginning of May, Joe Boyle has made eight starts at Triple-A Durham, allowing a total of four earned runs. On the season, he boasts a 1.37 ERA, .92 WHIP, and has struck out 73 batters over 59 innings pitched. We caught a one-start glimpse of Boyle back in April, and he really performed well. He’s ready, but currently, the Rays are not. It’s only a matter of time before we see him pitching in Tampa Bay, and the price will be considerably more affordable now compared to when he eventually gets the call.
Ben Casparius, SP/RP, LAD (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
The Dodgers, in search of starting pitching, have moved Ben Casparius from the bullpen to the starting rotation. With eight starters (plus Ohtani) on the IL, it shouldn’t be a surprise. In his first start against the Padres, he allowed one earned run over four innings. A gradual buildup in the workload is in order, but for now, Casparius will be honing his skills as a starter, one who should garner attention and some of that precious FAAB.
Dillon Dingler, C, DET (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Dingler is having a strong sophomore season, smashing seven home runs along with 29 RBI and a solid .277 batting average. He is still striking out too often and not drawing enough walks, but his power potential should attract attention in deeper leagues that utilize two-catcher formats.
Andrew McCutchen, OF, PIT (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
At 38 years old, Andrew McCutchen’s career is winding down, but his seven home runs, 26 RBI, 22 runs scored, and solid .263 batting average leave Paul Skenes in a state of bliss.
Jeff McNeil, 2B/OF, NYM (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered)
Over the past seven days, McNeil has slugged three homers, driven in nine runs, and torn the cover off the ball to the tune of a .391 BA. The veteran on a hot streak shouldn’t be overlooked.
Jacob Misiorowski, SP, MIL (CBS: 68% rostered, ESPN: 36% rostered)
It’s time to spend big or go home, and that debut start where Misiorowski pitched five no-hit innings before being relieved is a strong indicator of why. There is no doubt about the stuff; it’s just a matter of how much of it finds its way to the strike zone.
Christian Moore, 2B, LAA (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
The Angels are doing what they do, and Friday promoted last year’s #8 pick, Christian Moore. Is he ready? Who knows, but the Angels have assured us that we’ll soon find out.
Charlie Morton, SP/RP, BAL (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Charlie Morton currently has a 6.05 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. Why am I recommending him as a pickup? His ERA at the beginning of May was 9.76. In his last four starts (20 IP), he has allowed only six earned runs and has three wins to show for those efforts. I scoffed last week when Rich mentioned his name. He who scoffs first might not be scoffing last; in Morton’s case, there could be a little bit left in the old tank.
Max Muncy, 2B/SS/3B, ATH (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Quietly, Muncy is enjoying a strong June. The 22-year-old has hit four homers and 11 RBI in 37 at-bats, and more importantly, he is starting to see regular playing time. The batting average is still a work in progress, but in deeper formats, those power numbers are intriguing.
Casey Schmitt, 1B/2B/SS, SFG (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Matt Chapman received good news on Friday regarding the strained ligaments in his hand that have sidelined him since June 10. He is looking at a 2-to-3-week timeline before returning. In the meantime, Casey Schmitt will be holding down the fort at third base. With three homers and 11 RBI in his last five games, he is doing a commendable job.
Emmet Sheehan, SP, LAD (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The fifth spot in the Dodgers rotation eagerly awaits the conclusion of his current rehab assignment. The wait won’t be much longer.
Dominic Smith, 1B, SFG (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
In his first 33 at-bats on the coast, Smith has slugged one homer, driven in seven runs, and is hitting .364. We can’t call this a resurgence, so does this mean the now 30-year-old is on his way to a breakout campaign? Either way, good for you, Dom Smith. I’m rooting for your success!
Jonah Tong, SP, NYM (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Jonah Tong is enjoying one of the best seasons of 2025 in the Minors. In 54 1/3 innings pitched, he has allowed 27 hits and 29 walks, posted an ERA of 2.15, and has a K/BB ratio of 91/29. A promotion to Triple-A is likely on the horizon, and with that move, he could be eyeing a second-half promotion to the Mets’ starting five. An early, low-ball type bid should be considered at this time.
Closer Report
Bryan Baker, RP, BAL (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Since the beginning of June, Baker has accumulated two saves, four holds, and ten strikeouts over seven outings in which he has allowed only one earned run. Felix Bautista is not at risk of losing his position as the O’s closer, but it seems they have identified a reliable option to handle the eighth inning.
Calvin Faucher, RP, MIA (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Just when I’d written off the Marlins and their mediocre bullpen, Calvin Faucher has earned saves in five of his past eight appearances, including three consecutive this week. He has also not allowed a single earned run during this span. It’s time to take a look at Faucher. Take whatever you can while the getting is good.
Andre Granillo, RP, STL (CBS/ESPN: not rostered)
Andre Granillo is far from a household name, but in Keeper/Dynasty Leagues, he is worthy of our attention. His solid history of working late innings in the minors, combined with an impressive strikeout rate and the fact that Ryan Helsley is entering free agency, makes the 25-year-old Granillo a worthwhile speculative stash on minor league rosters.
Shelby Miller, RP, ARZ (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
Justin Martinez missed time earlier this year due to forearm issues, recently returned from the IL, but those forearm concerns have resurfaced, resulting in another trip to the IL. Shelby Miller held down the fort during Martinez’s first absence, and it seems like the ninth-inning job has his name written all over it. It will take a fairly hefty bid to secure Miller this week, but with Martinez set to miss an extended period, it could prove to be a very worthwhile investment.
Grant Taylor, SP, CWS (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The White Sox called up 23-year-old Taylor this week, and he will work the remainder of the 2025 season from the bullpen. The high strikeout rates are undeniable, as are the control issues. However, with the White Sox struggling to find solutions thus far for the eighth and ninth-inning roles, an opportunity exists where saves and holds could be on the horizon.
