Ezequiel Carrera, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (CBS: 2 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): Joey Bats hits the DL, and at least temporarily we get to see Carrera with regular at-bats. He’ll bring some pop and a smattering of stolen bases to the table, until the return of Bautista.
Willson Contreras, C, Chicago Cubs (CBS: 51 per cent owned, ESPN: 26 per cent): In some early FAAB bidding I saw some wild bidding. Why, I’m not quite sure. He’s been up since Friday and has accumulated the grand total of zero at-bats. The potential is there and should be acknowledged, but how much does one spend when there are still three catchers on the Cubs roster.
Dietrich Enns, SP, New York Yankees (CBS/ESPN: not listed): The 2012 19th rounder has been turning some heads down on the farm. A career Minor League ERA of 1.89 and better than a strikeout per inning is worth a stash on your Minor League roster in Dynasty Leagues.
Carlos Estevez, RP, Colorado Rockies (CBS: 33 per cent owned, ESPN: 22 per cent): We mentioned Estevez last week as the potential closer in Colorado while Jake McGee spends time on the DL tending to his wonky knee. He’s now converted three consecutive save opportunities and should own the ninth inning until at least the end of the month.
Yovani Gallardo, SP, Baltimore Orioles (CBS: 25 per cent owned, ESPN: 5 per cent): Gallardo held the Jays to only two runs in his first start since returning from a shoulder injury and has the Rays next on the agenda. Not a bad matchup, and in deeper Leagues, he could fill a role as that sixth starter in your Fantasy rotation. He will get no shortage of run support from the Baltimore offense.
Ender Inciarte, OF, Atlanta Braves (CBS: 26 per cent owned, ESPN: 18 per cent): Over the past ten games, Inciarte has scored six runs, driven in six, and stolen a couple of bases. Toss in the injury to Mallex Smith (a broken thumb) and a stint at the top-of-the-order for the Braves seems to be in the cards.
Jon Jay, OF, San Diego Padres (CBS: 15 per cent owned, ESPN: 10 per cent): Jon Jay has quietly been getting it done in the leadoff spot for the Friars. The .366 BA in June with 14 runs scored is about as good as it will ever get, and he’s definitely warranting of a roster spot in all formats.
Shawn Kelley, RP, Washington Nationals (CBS: 36 per cent owned, ESPN: 23 per cent): Jonathan Papelbon finds his way to the DL with a right intercostal strain and although Dusty Baker was originally reluctant to name a replacement, was there ever any doubt? Shawn Kelley has the job for the duration of Papelbon’s DL stint, and is a must-roster if you’re chasing saves.
Tom Koehler, SP, Miami Marlins (CBS: 21 per cent owned, ESPN: 11 per cent): The last time that Tom Koehler allowed more than three earned runs was on May 1, which was ten starts ago. In 18 IP in June he has 20 strikeouts and after today’s shut out win over the Rockies, three consecutive wins. Why is his ownership level so low?
Tim Lincecum, SP, Los Angeles Angels (CBS: per cent owned, ESPN: 26 per cent): A successful debut against the A’s, where he limited them to four hits and two walks over six innings, is cause for optimism in Anaheim. He’s got those same A’s on the schedule this week and a repeat of that successful debut could very well be on the agenda.
Daniel Mengden, SP, Oakland Athletics (CBS: 15 per cent owned, ESPN: 1 per cent): We mentioned Mengden last week, but the masses seem slow in picking up on his availability. With two solid starts under his belt in which he’s allowed only three earned runs, it’s time for a reminder.
Kendrys Morales, UT, Kansas City Royals (CBS: 36 per cent owned, ESPN: 22 per cent): Morales looks to finally have turned a corner. He’s now hit successfully in eight consecutive games, including a monster series this weekend against the Tigers where he went 7-for-11 with a homer, eight RBI, and seven runs scored. Better late than never, for the hulking DH.
Steven Moya, OF, Detroit Tigers (CBS: 10 per cent owned, ESPN: 2 per cent): The injury to J.D. Martinez, who will miss the next four-to-six weeks with a fractured elbow, has opened the door to regular at-bats for Moya. The power potential is there, but with only eight walks in 205 at-bats at Triple-A Toledo, the BA potential (or lack thereof) has to be a concern.
Cody Reed, SP, Cinicnnati Reds (CBS: 26 per cent owned, ESPN: 11 per cent): In his major league debut against the Astros, the 23-year-old southpaw went seven innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out nine. That strikeout potential is intriguing, isn’t it?
A.J. Reed, 1B, Houston Astros (CBS: 46 per cent owned, ESPN: 8 per cent): How much longer do the ‘Stros continue to roll out Marwin Gonzalez at first base? Tyler White was dispatched to the minors on Friday and Reed is starting to play much better at Triple-A. It’s getting to be time for Reed to be calling Houston home.