Brad Brach (BAL, RHP, 19% owned)

With Zach Britton hitting the DL because of a forearm strain, Brad Brach becomes an immediate pickup for those owners looking for saves.  Since there are scant details on the severity of the injury, we can only speculate that forearm strains usually last longer than a couple of weeks.

Avisail Garcia (CWS, OF, 28%)

Avisal Garcia has shown flashes in the past and is once again looking the part of an impact fantasy contributor.  Remember, it’s only been two weeks and while his BABIP sits at a unsustainable .577, Garcia still has an alluring blend of power and speed.  However, it also comes with a career 24% strikeout rate and a 6% walk rate.  In other words, temper your expectations.

Danny Espinosa (LAA, SS/2B, 14%)

Danny Espinosa hit 18 home runs in the first half last year before he turned into, well Danny Espinosa in the second half.  It might happen again, but let me check the calendar…oh yeah…

Taylor Motter (SEA, OF, 1%)

I saw Taylor Motter play a few years ago in the minors and thought his speed and power might play one day.  I then lost track of him until he started getting regular at-bats in Seattle this past week when Jean Segura hit the DL.  He can play the outfield as well and with Jarrod Dyson and Leonys Martin struggling, Motter has a chance to make some hay.

David Freese (PIT, 3B, 8%)

He’s boring and past his prime, but he’s got the full-time gig at third in Pittsburgh and is playing well.  You can do a lot worse than David Freese manning third base for you.

Max Kepler (MIN, OF, 43%)

Growing up in Germany, Max Kepler didn’t have the same opportunities as 99.9% of other kids in the Americas had in playing baseball.  It’s starting to click for the 24-year-old and if he’s on your waiver wire, go get him.

Joey Gallo (TEX, 3B, 41%)

I’ve never been a fan of Joey Gallo, but he has the gig for a bit longer in Texas, so he’s worth consideration.  While he’ll likely hit .220, he’ll also slug some home runs; and if you get bonus points for distance, all the better.

Joaquin Benoit (PHI, RHP, 36%)

The ageless Joaquin Benoit has the closer gig in Philadelphia, but do you want him?  He should get some save opportunities before the Phillies wise up and make Hector Neris their closer.

Hector Neris (PHI, RHP, 37%)

The fantasy market has predicted since January that Hector Neris would be the closer in Philadelphia.  While it still hasn’t happen, it will at some point and you want him on your team when it happens.

Joe Jimenez (DET, RHP, 8%)

We think Joe Jimenez is the future closer in Detroit and Step one is now complete – he’s been promoted.  Step two is an injury to K-Rod or more likely a trade sometime prior to the deadline.

Matt Boyd (DET, RHP, 10%)

Matt Boyd will be a sexy pickup after his strong performance against the Twins this week.  I’m still not buying it as I believe the stuff says back-of-the-rotation.

Chase Anderson (MIL, RHP, 12%)

Chase Anderson will do this – get hot and look like a stud pitcher.  Then, he will crush your soul.  You’re playing with dynamite when you roster him, but when he’s hot, he’ll be effective.  But remember, dynamite by it’s nature is unstable.

Tony Barnette (TEX, RHP, 8%)

The Rangers are in trouble as after Darvish and Hamels, there’s not much in the rotation; and when they do get a good start, the bullpen implodes.    Sam Dyson is hanging on to the closer job by a thread and Matt Bush is dealing with a shoulder issue.  That leaves Tony Barnette and Jeremy Jeffress.  Barnette closed effectively in Japan for a few years and Jeffress in Milwaukee.  Barnette seems to be next up and I guess if you want to play the FAAB roulette, have at it.

Five on the Farm to consider

Cody Bellinger (LAD, 1B/OF, 33% owned)

A few too many strikeouts in the early going but Cody Bellinger is just about ready.  I can’t believe the Dodgers will play the Super-2 game, so 150 ABs feels about right in Triple-A before Bellinger makes his way to Los Angeles.

Erick Fedde (WAS, RHP, 6%)

Erick Fedde has gotten off to a strong start in Triple-A and looks just about ready.  Who’s the fifth starter in Washington again?  Yeah, time to go pick this dude up.

Dan Vogelbach (SEA, 1B, 10%)

In a surprise move, the Mariners demoted Dan Voglebach to begin the season, opting instead to go with veteran Danny Valencia at first.   That hasn’t worked out too well as Valencia is really struggling, along with the Mariners.  I’m expecting we see Voglebach before too long.

Lucas Giolito (CHW, RHP, 35%)

Lucas Giolito’s first start in Triple-A was not good but his second start was more like it.  He’s still getting comfortable with his modified deliver and while there will be ups-and-downs, I still think he contributes in a meaningful way at some point in 2017.  The ownership is still relatively low and now might be the time to throw a buck down on him.

Roman Quinn (PHI, OF, 5%)

I saw Roman Quinn this week and was reminded of his 80-grade speed and elite defense.  I can’t help but think he sees the majors sometime in May or early June which will send Odubel Herrera to left and free up center field for Quinn.