Week 4

The number of injuries is mounting and that is giving opportunities to younger players who could make a difference to your fantasy team.  There are a few young prospects including Ronald Guzman and Nick Senzel who could provide long-term value in keeper leagues as well.  If they are out on your waiver wire, it’s time to pick them up.

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Andrew Cashner, SP, BAL (CBS: 25% owned): Cash continues to defy the odds as the O’s “ace”. Back-to-back shutdown outings against the Yankees and Jays have propelled him to a 2.50 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. As much as many of us would like to, in deeper Leagues that strong start shouldn’t be ignored.

Chad Bettis, SP, COL (CBS: 10% owned): It’s hard to recommend Rockie starters, but Bettis is off to a great start, allowing a total of four earned runs in his first three starts against the Padres, Braves, and most recently the Nats. He’s currently dealing, so it’s time to take advantage of that hot streak.

Rajai Davis, OF, CLE (CBS: 9% owned): At 37-years-of-age he continues to run like a gazelle. In only 25 at-bats, he’s currently tied for fifth in stolen bases with four. If your need is speed, he’s still very capable of being an asset.

Chris Devenski, RP, HOU (CBS: 30% owned) Everyone gets save opportunities in Houston.

Robbie Erlin, SP, SD (CBS: 1% owned): He’s getting a spot start Monday against the Dodgers while Luis Perdomo pays the piper for his WWF routine from earlier in the week. Erlin is working his way back from TJ and will be on an innings limit, but those could be very productive innings.

Ben Gamel, OF, SEA (CBS: 4% owned): Gamel looks like he’s finally put the oblique issue in the rearview mirror and should be activated from the DL at the beginning of this week. For those struggling to field a full healthy outfield, he’s worthy of a small bid.

Ronald Guzman, TEX (CBS: 6% owned): The long list of injuries in Arlington continues, with Ronald Guzman being the most recent call-up. Playing time should be secure until at the earliest the end of the month when Delino Deshields is looking at a return. The power potential from Guzman is most intriguing.

Teoscar Hernandez, OF, TOR (CBS: 13% owned): He raked last September. He looked really good in spring training. In his first 18 at-bats at Triple-A, he hit two homers and stole a pair of bases. In his 2018 debut, last Friday, he went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base. Randall Grichuk and Curtis Granderson should be concerned. They should be very concerned.

Tommy Hunter, RP, PHI (CBS: 4% owned): Hunter has been out all season, dealing with a strained hamstring, but should be ready to rejoin the Phillies bullpen sometime in the next week. Hector Neris is currently sporting a 6.35 ERA. Need I say more?

Hernan Perez, 2B/3B/OF, MIL (CBS: 14% owned): After an incredibly slow start which has limited his opportunities, we’re finally seeing some life from Perez. In the past week, he’s hit a couple of homers and stole a base today. He’s currently the “hot-hand” in Milwaukee.  Find a spot for him and enjoy the ride.

Jurickson Profar, 2B, TEX (CBS: 11% owned): Rougned Odor is currently out with a hamstring strain and has no timetable for a return. Elvis Andrus is going to miss 6-to-8 weeks with a fractured right elbow. It’s time to see what Profar will bring to the table.

Bruce Rondon, RP, CWS (CBS: 1% owned) Rondon gets the call, and so far so good. In two appearances, totally 2 1/3 IP, he’s yet to allow a hit or a walk and has struck out five. Nate Jones and Joakim Soria are currently owning the ninth inning for the White Sox, but would it take all that much for the former Tiger “closer-of-the-future” to wind up being the current closer in Chicago?

Tyson Ross, SP, SD (CBS: 18% owned): Three starts into the season and he’s still healthy? Run, don’t walk to the Waiver Wire and part with some of that precious FAAB.

Nick Senzel, 3B, CIN (CBS: 56% owned): The Reds have now moved Senzel back to third base down on the farm, which doesn’t bode well for Eugenio Suarez owners. The broken thumb looks like a long as compared to short DL stint. The call is just around the corner for Senzel.

Braden Shipley, SP, ARZ (CBS: 1% owned): Taijuan Walker left his start Saturday with forearm tightness and has hit the DL, with tests to follow on Monday. Looking at Triple-A Reno for reinforcements, there isn’t all that much there other than Brandon Shipley and Kris Medlen. I’m going to toss a dart at Shipley, but either way, this is a move best left for those playing in NL-only Leagues.

Mallex Smith, OF, TB (CBS: 20% owned): It’s time for my annual Maalox moment. Do you know that he stole 88 bases in 2014 in A-ball?

Jose Urena, SP, MIA (CBS: 32% owned): He’s quietly bounced back very nicely after the opening day blow-up against the Cubbies. He has now put together two solid starts (against the Red Sox and Mets) and should be back on our Fantasy radar.

Zack Wheeler, SP, NYM (CBS: 36% owned): It was a spot start against the Marlins, but none-the-less was a gem. Seven innings of two-hit ball definitely breed hope for the future.

Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, CHC (CBS: 19% owned): He’s boring as old heck, but still quietly producing for the Cubs. One could do much worse trying to find a fill-in for those numerous outfield injuries.

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