We have a number of terrific names for you this week on the Waiver. The best part is most of them are young players with nice upside. Of course there are a few retreads like Ian Desmond, but for the most part, if you are looking for several young players with upside, this is the week for you.
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John Brebbia, RP, STL (CBS: 9% owned)
Here’s an off-the-radar option for those playing in leagues that count holds. In 19 1/3 IP, Brebbia has allowed 8 hits, 8 walks, has struck out 23 and is currently sporting a stellar .93 ERA. He has also chipped in with seven holds, good for a tie for third overall in the category. Why is he only owned at a 9% level?
Ian Desmond, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 43% owned)
After an incredibly slow start, Desmond is slowly turning things around. Two homers in the past week is a step in the right direction. He has been a 20-20 player three times in the past five years, and as recently as last year. It’s way too early to be ignoring that potential.
Jon Duplantier, SP, ARZ (CBS: 11% owned)
The DBacks have now moved the struggling Zack Godley to the bullpen, just in time for Duplantier to be finishing up his mandatory ten days down on the farm. In a relief capacity, Duplantier has made three appearances totaling eight innings and is yet to allow a runner to score. The strikeout per inning potential from the right-handed “slinger” should play very well in a starting capacity.
Lucas Giolito, SP, CWS (CBS: 26% owned)
Giolito held the Red Sox to only three earned runs in his last five-inning stint. For some pitchers that would be just an okay start. We’ll call that a major success for Giolito. The ChiSox are heading out on the road this week and Giolito is looking at a two-start week, facing off against the Indians and Jays. As a streaming option, it won’t get much better!
Mychal Givens, RP, BAL (CBS: 22% owned)
It would appear that the question marks in the O’s bullpen are slowly getting answered, with Givens earning saves in three consecutive appearances. In 13 1/3 IP, he’s now struck out eighteen and is starting to look more and more like the pitcher we witnessed in 2017.
Brian Goodwin, OF, LAA (CBS: 32% owned)
In his past seven games, he has gone 8-for-26 with a homer, stolen base, and five runs scored. He’s also hit in the three-hole in three of his past four outings. Justin Upton is at least a month away from returning, so in the interim take advantage of the hot hand.
Dakota Hudson, SP, STL (CBS: 27% owned)
Alex Reyes has punched his ticket (and a wall) to the St. Louis complex in Jupiter. It has been determined that Carlos Martinez will be returning in a relief capacity. This should provide some job security for Hudson, who has struggled but looked awful good in his last start against Washington. Has he turned a corner? A small bid will give you the opportunity to find out first hand.
Jonathan Loaisiga, SP, NYY (CBS: 16% owned)
The injury to James Paxton and subsequent 10-day IL stint likely means another kick at the can in the starting rotation for Loaisiga. While we wait on the MRI results for that wonky Paxton knee, it’s important to consider that this could be more than a one-and-done. At the same time, In the event that Paxton faces a short stint on the IL, it’s not like Loaisiga won’t get further starting opportunities over the balance of the season.
Nate Lowe, 1B, TAM (CBS: 41% owned)
The Rays have deemed it time to give the future at first base a good look, and at 6’ 4” and 245 pounds, there’s a lot to look at. Last year, Lowe moved through three levels and didn’t skip a beat, hitting 27 homers while driving in 102 runs with a .987 OPS. The Rays didn’t bring him up to ride the pine, and if successful this could be the start of a long run at first base for the Rays.
Hector Neris, RP, PHI (CBS: 50% owned)
The current 50% ownership level for Neris seems a bit low based on his current status in the Philly bullpen. He’s up to five saves on the season and has as good a grip on the ninth inning gig as any Philly reliever can have. Toss in the 22 strikeouts in 14 2/3 IP and that’s one really good reliever sitting as a free agent in half of the Leagues using CBS.
Ryan Pressly, RP, HOU (CBS: 24% owned)
In 13 1/3 IP Pressly is yet to allow an earned run. He also hasn’t given up a free pass. What he has done is record five holds and two saves while striking out 14 batters. In a setup role, Pressly is as good as it gets.
Jefry Rodriguez, SP, CLE (CBS: 9% owned)
In two starts totaling 12 1/3 innings, Rodriguez has allowed only three earned runs. The key to success will be in his ability to limit the free passes, something he has struggled with at the Minor League level. The former Gnat, acquired in the Yan Gomes deal, will undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities with Corey Kluber potentially sidelined for the bulk of the 2019 campaign as a result of the non-displaced ulna fracture suffered last week.
Lou Trivino, RP, OAK (CBS: 21% owned)
Blake Treinen is dealing with elbow discomfort and is on his way to visit the medical staff on Monday. Best case scenario? Some time off to let the irritation calm down. I don’t need to tell you the worst case scenario. Trivino looks to be the current favorite to move into the role and has the numbers to back it up. A pre-emptive bid could prove to be a most beneficial one.
Spencer Turnbull, SP, DET (CBS: 32% owned)
In his past three starts, against Pittsburgh, Boston, and Philadelphia, Turnbull has allowed only one earned run. In those 17 innings, he has limited the opposition to only eight hits with the same number of walks. The walks are still a bit concerning, but he’s on a roll and definitely should be holding down a roster spot in deeper formats.
Five Under Five%
Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B, KC (CBS: 2% owned)>
Gutierrez has been getting it done, going 11-for-32 with one homer and 9 RBI since being called up on April 26. The nine strikeouts with only one walk is a bit concerning, but as long as Ryan O’Hearn continues to struggle, Gutierrez will be the beneficiary.
Skye Bolt, OF, OAK (CBS: 2% owned)
The combination of power and speed is most intriguing if he can find his way into regular at-bats. It’s fair to say that the skye’s the limit.
Jake Fraley, OF, SEA (CBS: 1% owned)
Here’s a name worthy of getting the attention of Dynasty League owners. When the Mariners swapped Mike Zunino for Mallex Smith, there was a second player involved. The second piece in that deal, one Jake Fraley, is finally healthy and flashing the potential he displayed a couple of years back in the Australian Baseball League (ABL). At Double-A Arkansas, he’s amassed 5 homers, 7 stolen bases, and a great .378 OBP. He’s getting closer to Triple-A by the day, and eventually a spot in the Mariners outfield.
Jalen Beeks, RP, TAM (CBS: 5% owned)
The Rays just keep humming along and every fifth day are still playing the “opener” strategy. Ryne Stanek opens for what recently has been Jalen Beeks, and as the “follower” he has been quietly getting it done. Ryan Yarbrough reaped the rewards in 2018. Why not Jalen Beeks in 2019?
Josh VanMeter, 2B, CIN (CBS: 1% owned)
We sure didn’t see this move occurring. Last year, in 427 at-bats VanMeter hit 12 homers with 59 RBI and swiped 10 bases. This year in 110 at-bats he has hit 13 homers with 31 RBI and swiped 5 bases. He’s on fire, having blasted eight homers in his past ten games. Scooter Gennett is still at least a full month away from returning from the groin injury.
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