Nacho Alvarez, 2B/3B, ATL (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Austin Riley is still dealing with discomfort and isn’t ready to come back from his abdominal strain. Alvarez has four RBIs in his last five games and should get a steady amount of at-bats until Riley returns. How can you not like a guy named “Nacho”?
Dylan Beavers, OF, BAL (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
We all knew that Dylan Beavers would be arriving in Baltimore, but we didn’t know when. Now we do, and the sooner the better as the O’s begin to set up their ’26 lineup. Just in: Sam Basallo will be joining Beavers in Baltimore after his promotion this morning.
Owen Caissie, OF, CHC (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
In 348 at-bats at Triple-A, the young Canuck hit 22 homers and drove in 52 runs with a .947 OPS. The potential is very high, but be careful because the path to regular at-bats in Chicago is quite crowded. Let’s hope the mighty Casey doesn’t strike out.
Cristian Javier, SP, HOU (CBS: 55% rostered, ESPN: 20% rostered)
It looked like a tough 2025 debut for Javier, facing the streaking Boston Red Sox, but he was ready for the challenge, holding them to two earned runs over five innings while striking out five batters to earn the win. Mark him on the schedule for every fifth day as the season progresses.
Kyle Karros, 3B, COL (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The Rockies are starting the 2026 auditions and Kyle Karros (called up August 8) should be part of their plans. Let’s see what Rich Wilson has to say about the youngster.
“Kyle Karros was the Rockies’ fifth-round pick in 2023. He had a solid season in 2024, slashing .311/.390/.485 with 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases. Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA, has always played as a hitter’s park despite having huge, foul territory and deep fences. Players usually correct from Avista Stadium to Hartford, where the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate is located.
Karros doesn’t strike out as much despite a long swing as his size and swing would suggest (23% strikeout rate). He also has the frame to put on more weight and eventually develop above-average, if not plus, power. He likely has to move to first base, which will put pressure on his bat, but there are some intriguing raw skills here.”
Jordan Lawlar, 2B/SS, ARZ (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Lawlar still needs to complete a rehab stint, but he’s nearing readiness. The trade of Eugenio Suarez to the M’s has opened up a vacancy at the hot corner that seems perfect for Lawlar.
Nolan McLean, SP, NYM (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)
The Mets have been in freefall since the break and DFA’d Paul Blackburn. Who will get the call to fill the vacancy in the Mets’ rotation? Will it be Brandon Sproat? Possibly Jonah Tong? No, Nolan McLean gets the call—and for good reason. In 13 starts at Triple-A, he posted a 2.99 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning. He made his debut yesterday, tossing 5 1/3 shutout innings against a tough opponent in the Mariners, striking out eight for good measure. Next up, the Braves in Atlanta.
Luis Morales, SP, ATH (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The big question was whether Morales would go deep enough into games to qualify for wins and earn a spot in our Fantasy rotations. After yesterday’s five-inning (87-pitch) outing and the W, that question has been answered.
Jack Perkins, SP, OAK (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Perkins has now scored back-to-back wins with a strikeout per inning. His next start is against the Twins and Jose Urena. I believe the odds are good he’ll extend that streak to three consecutive wins.
Bob Seymour, 1B, TBR (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Bob Seymour was having a strong season at Triple-A Durham with 30 homers and 87 RBI over 403 at-bats. He received the call on Friday and should get plenty of playing time as the DH. If you’re aiming to increase those power numbers, a small bid can give you the chance to see more action.
Colby Thomas, OF, ATH (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Thomas played sparingly when first called up but is starting to see regular at-bats. When you go 7-for-14 in your past four games with two homers, seven RBI, and a stolen base you should be playing every day.
Taijuan Walker, SP, PHI (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Walker has quietly been delivering strong performances, with three straight quality starts and allowing just five earned runs over his last four games (23 2/3 IP). The Phillies will need Taijuan Walker to pitch effectively every fifth day, especially after the news that blood clots will keep Zach Wheeler on the sidelines indefinitely.
JJ Wetherholt, SS, STL (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Nine home runs in his first 95 Triple-A at-bats, along with a 1.058 OPS, look really impressive on Wetherholt’s resume. Enough so that he should be getting “the call” any day.
Closer Report
Bryan Abreu, RP, HOU (CBS: 59% rostered, ESPN: 29% rostered)
The Astros will miss Josh Hader, and it seems it will be until the playoffs, at best. Bryan Abreu steps into the closer role and is more than capable of handling it. This situation is why you should save some of that FAAB.
Justin Topa, RP, MIN (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The Twins may not win many games late in the season, but when theyhave the lead in the ninth inning, Justin Topa is the first pitcher they call.
