Mick Abel, SP, MIN (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
That first outing as a Twin starter wasn’t exactly a “Kodak moment,” but he’ll probably get another shot. We’ve seen success in Philly and the Minors. A small bid and stash seems appropriate.
Maximo Acosta, SS, MIA (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
In five games since getting the call, Acosta has two hits. Does it matter that those two hits left the yard? Probably, and with that in mind, the Marlins should keep him in consideration down the stretch even when Otto Lopez returns.
Taj Bradley, SP, MIN (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 32% rostered)
The bad news: four homers in just 14 1/3 innings at St. Paul. The good news is 18 strikeouts and only two walks. He’s making his Twins debut Sunday afternoon. Check out the results carefully and bid accordingly… but do bid.
Alex Call, OF, LAD (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
It has been a good week for Alex Call. He has gone 6-for-14 with a home run, 3 RBI, and five runs scored. He’s on a roll, but be very aware he’s on the wrong side of a platoon with Michael Conforto, at least for now, and is best suited for NL-only and deep formats.
Brenton Doyle, OF, COL (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 28% rostered)
Over the past two weeks, Brenton Doyle has hit five home runs, driven in 14 runs, stolen two bases, and posted a 1.227 OPS. It’s been a tough year for the 27-year-old outfielder, but let’s celebrate his comeback and include him in our plans through the rest of 2025 and into 2026.
Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, BOS (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
The power is real (17 homers in 264 at-bats), but the strikeout rate is a concern. Wilyer Abreu is likely to miss the next week with right calf tightness, so Garcia appears to be a very short-term power option. He’s best left for deeper formats.
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, BOS (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 17% rostered)
The Red Sox needed someone at first, and Lowe and behold, one who has averaged 19 homers over the past five seasons has arrived. Since putting on red socks, in five games Lowe has gone 5-for-14 with three walks, a home run, and four RBIs. This isn’t about how good he can be; it’s about how much better he’ll be than the current other options in Boston.
Jeff McNeil, NYM (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
Just when it seemed like Jeff McNeil was becoming an afterthought, he goes out and hits three home runs and drives in nine runs this week. It’s time to give him a small bid and a spot in your middle-infield slot.
Parker Messick, SP, CLE (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Messick delivered a strong debut, allowing just one earned run against the Diamondbacks and adding six strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. He’s set to face the Rays this coming Tuesday, but with John Means potentially returning, the 24-year-old southpaw may find himself on the outside looking in come September.
Tomoyuki Sugano, SP, BAL (CBS: 45% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
April and May were solid. June and July weren’t as strong, but August has been excellent. Over his last five starts, he has allowed a total of six earned runs (28 1/3 innings) and secured three wins. Overall, it’s been a good year.
Carson Williams, SS, TBR (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
It was quite the debut for Carson Williams. He went 2-for-4 with a homer, three RBIs, and two runs scored. The only blemish was a caught stealing. Just remember when forming your bid this evening, that his power and speed are both very real, as is the flaw in his swing-and-miss game.
Closer Report
Jose Ferrer, RP, WAS (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
Yesterday, Ferrer extended his scoreless streak to seven games. During that stretch, he has achieved two wins and four saves, with three of those saves happening consecutively. Adding in an 8/0 strikeout-to-walk ratio, there’s a lot to like for both now and into 2026.
Hunter Gaddis, RP, CLE (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
Cade Smith has been struggling significantly, giving up earned runs in his last three appearances. Meanwhile, Hunter Gaddis has pitched eight straight shutout outings, earning one save and five holds. It might be time for the Guardians to consider giving Gaddis a look.
Victor Vodnik, RP, COL (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
Victor Vodnik is on a hot streak, recording six straight scoreless appearances with one win and a streak of four consecutive saves. I know it’s the Rockies and all, but a save is a save.
