Cody Bellinger (LAD, 1B/OF, 41% owned)
Cody Bellinger graduates from our Farm section to the Big Boy section. The Dodgers have publicly stated that he will only be up until Joc Pederson returns from the disabled list. While the clock is ticking, he has the kind of talent that can force the issue. But, he’s got to hit. Saturday night’s display might just be his ticket. We’ll ignore the brutal at-bats against Johnny Cueto earlier in the week…
Archie Bradley (ARI, RP, 18% owned)
I know there was talk of moving Archie Bradley back to the starting rotation, but he’s thrived in the bullpen and Fernando Rodney has not. This seems almost too obvious, GO PICK UP BRADLEY!
Bud Norris (LAA, RP, 12% owned)
I have longed chased Bud Norris as a starter and have paid the price. He’s always had a great arm but control and middling command have held him back from reaching his potential. With a move to the bullpen and now to the closer role, his stuff is playing even better. The fastball is bumping 96 to 97 and he’s added a splitter. He’ll still walk too many and give up the gopher ball because of his command issues, but this just might work.
Ben Gamel (SEA, OF, 1% owned)
With the unfortunate injury to Mitch Haniger, Ben Gamel gets the opportunity in Seattle. Haniger could be lost for 4 to 6 weeks, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the former Yankees farm hand. He has an average hit tool with slightly above-average speed, so the fantasy contribution will not be great, but he will at least get the at-bats.
Christian Arroyo (SF, SS/3B, 19% owned)
With a walk-off home run to his name, Christian Arroyo might get a longer look in San Francisco, even if Brandon Crawford isn’t lost for long to the disabled list.
Devin Mesoraco (CIN, C, 32% owned)
Devin Mesoraco was once a promising fantasy catcher, but after losing two seasons to a variety of injuries, how long will it take him to get to his old form? It honestly could take a while and even though he’s only owned in 32% of leagues, he should only be rostered in deeper leagues.
Hernan Perez (MIL, 3B, 28% owned)
It seems whenever Hernan Perez gets the chance to play, he contributes. The problem is Travis Shaw is playing very well and Orlando Arcia, while inconsistent, has shown flashes. He’s only rosterable in deeper leagues but if an injury opens up playing time, he’d be a guy to turn-to.
Leury Garcia (CHW, OF, 1% owned)
With Charlie Tilson injured, the White Sox have turned to Leury Garcia to fill-in at center field. He’s played well, hitting a couple of home runs and stealing a couple of bags. He’s not going to bring fantasy owners a championship flag, but could help fill an injury hole.
Eddie Rosario (MIN, OF, 7% owned)
With his poor approach at the plate, Eddie Rosario has developed into a fourth outfielder. That said, he’s getting regular at-bats with the Twins and his strikeout rate has improved; although the pessimist in me would say that it’s only been 21 games.
Miguel Gonzalez (CHW, SP, 39% owned)
Quick, roster Miguel Gonzalez before he turns back into well…Miguel Gonzalez. In other words, he’s hot…go pick him up.
Kyle Freeland (COL, SP, 11% owned)
In the Rockies desire to develop home grown starting pitcher, they invested a first round pick in 2014 (8th overall) in Kyle Freeland. He has above-average stuff and keeps the ball on the ground, but I do worry about his ability to pitch in Coors. Stream him away from Coors for now until we know more.
Jesse Hahn (OAK, SP, 19% owned)
Jesse Hahn has been effective in the past and has pitched very well so far this year. He’s an injury risk but his velo is back up to the 95 MPH and I think he’s worth an investment.
Justin Wilson (DET, RP, 18% owned)
The leash is long on KRod, but not forever. He just received Ausmus endorsement, or as we like to call it, the “Kiss of Death”. Wilson is next-in-line and worthy of a small bid and stash.
Scott Schebler (CIN, OF, 12% owned)
He lost the battle last year to Adam Duvall, but making up for lost time in 2017. Five homers (8 on the year) and nine RBI in the past week should guarantee steady playing time moving forward.
Didi Gregorius (NYY, SS, 51% owned)
He was activated Friday and in that high-flying Yankee offense is a must own. Don’t forget that he did hit 20 homers and steal seven bases in 2016.
Josh Harrison (PIT, 2B/3B, 38 per cent owned)
Freese hits the 10-day DL. Harrison hitting in leadoff slot and should generate speed/runs scored numbers. They really miss Kang.
Tommy Kahnle (CWS, RP, 1% owned)
Started the year at Triple-A Charlotte but since being called up April 6, has been lights out. Two holds, and in 9 IP he’s allowed only one earned run and is now up to 19 strikeouts. In Leagues that count holds and single formats, he’s a must roster.
Michael Taylor (WAS, OF, 2% owned)
Adam Eaton is finished for the year, if not longer. Taylor gets the full-time CF gig. Hot commodity this week in that high scoring offense. Batted in the two-hole ahead of Harper and Zimmerman in his first game. Gotta love it. That said, he’s had multiple opportunities in the past but has yet to established himself. The reason…a poor approach and an even worse ability to make contact. His 39% strikeout rate so far this year doesn’t bode well for success. I think the Nationals make a trade.
Zach Eflin (PHI, SP, 7% owned)
I don’t get it but that doesn’t matter. He’s getting it done. Three starts, three walks, and only 10 hits in the 19 IP. The K rates are low, but that low WHIP and ERA are screaming for you to find a roster spot for the young righty.
Five on the Farm to consider
Amed Rosario (NYM, SS/3B, 25% owned)
Jose Reyes showed a little sign of life this week, but the Mets could use some juice at the top of their lineup. Amed Rosario, the Mets top prospect and one of the best prospects in baseball looks about ready. Now is the time to pick him up.
Erick Fedde (WAS, RHP, 6% owned)
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.
Tyler Beede (SF, RHP, 11% owned)
With Madison Bumgarner out until the All Star break, the Giants need rotation help and I think Tyler Beede. Jump on him now while he’s cheap.
Lewis Brinson (MIL, OF, 24% owned)
Eventually Eric Thames will stop putting up video game numbers and it could highlight that Keon Broxton has been overmatched, striking out an astounding 46% of the time. Meanwhile, uber-prospect, Lewis Brinson has been on fire. He’ll strike out too much as well but something tells me less than KB.
Roman Quinn (PHI, OF, 5% owned)
I saw Roman Quinn last 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.
[…] Week 5 […]
[…] sees some under-owned players on the waiver wire that should be snatched up before Week […]