A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

Jordan Beck, OF, COL (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

Here we go again. I was very bullish on Jordan Beck heading into this season and brought it to everyone’s attention with mentions in both Week #1 and Week #2 of the Waiver Wire. He responded by struggling badly and was demoted for his efforts. He has hit five home runs in the six games since being recalled on April 20. He’s not as bad as he was or as good as what we’re currently witnessing, but the middle ground would be fine.

Bubba Chandler, SP, PIT (CBS: 66% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

How can you not like a player sporting the first name ‘Bubba’, especially when he can bring the fastball just shy of triple digits with a great change? In five starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, he has posted a minuscule 1.33 ERA and an impressive 27/6 K/BB ratio. The clock is ticking, and a much-deserved promotion should be just around the corner.

Logan Evans, SP, SEA (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Logan Gilbert is out indefinitely with a forearm strain, forcing the M’s to look into their farm system for respite. The options are getting lean, but don’t forget about Logan Evans. He’s getting the call and will be starting today against the Marlins. A 23/4 K/BB ratio in 25 2/3 innings at Triple-A Tacoma deserves our attention.

Tony Gonsolin, SP, LAD (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

It seems that Tony Gonsolin is ready to roll, and what better way to start than with a matchup against the Marlins? Even better, his second game back is also scheduled against the Fish. Does it get any better than that?

Ryan Gusto, SP, HOU (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Gusto has secured a pair of victories in his last two outings, allowing three earned runs. He has permitted only one free pass in those starts and a total of four walks, along with 23 strikeouts this year in 22 2/3 IP. The 2440 mph spin rate on his 94 mph fastball is getting the job done. It’s time to go for the Gusto!

Trevor Larnach, OF, MIN (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

He’s heating up with three homers in his last five games. Take advantage of the current streak and get him rostered and active in all formats.

Jordan Lawlar, SS, ARZ (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

I don’t know where he’ll fit into the stacked D-backs lineup, but when you’ve hit five homers, driven in 24 runs, swiped 11 bases, and have a 1.099 OPS in your first 99 at-bats at Triple-A, Arizona will eventually be forced to find him at-bats on the big league squad. Pay a penny now, or a heck of a lot more once he arrives.

Noelvi Marte, 3B, CIN (CBS: 46% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)

Back on the April 13 Waiver Wire (14% rostered), the question was whether Marte would get the opportunity for regular playing time. Since then, he has gone 12-for-27 with three homers and 12 RBI, along with a stolen base tossed in for good measure. He won’t come cheap, but he could prove worth every penny of the investment.

Andy Pages, OF, LAD (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Pages has the job in centerfield in a stacked lineup and has gone 9-for-15 with a pair of solo home runs and a stolen base in his past four outings. I’m surprised he’s available in 88% of the leagues playing at CBS and would take steps to rectify the situation.

Augustin Ramirez, C, MIA (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

This kid can hit and is quickly proving that point, going 7-for-14 with five extra-base hits since his call-up. The potential is there to see Ramirez as a top 10 catcher…this year. Let’s see what Rich has to say about his 2025 #3 ranked Marlins prospect. “He’s always made excellent contact, but in 2024, we are starting to see his power emerge. He’s more athletic than you think, provides an excellent target behind home, and will even steal the odd base.”

The upside is a starting catcher in the league who should produce 20+ home runs while hitting .260 plus.  He’s better than people think and should be owned in all Dynasty Leagues now.” Spend big or go home will be the only approach to take come Sunday when looking at Augustin Ramirez.

Colin Rea, SP/RP, CHC (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Rea started the season in a long relief role and, with the season-ending injury suffered by Justin Steele, has moved into the starting five. In both roles, we’ve seen success. Walking only three batters in his first 18 2/3 innings pitched is a recipe for success. He managed to win twelve games while posting a decent 4.29 ERA as a member of the Brew Crew in 2024, and as a #5 type starter, he could prove to be a ray of sunshine!

 Jose Tena, 3B, WAS (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Paul DeJong is undergoing surgery this coming week to repair the damage suffered from a plunking mid-month. He is expected to return at some point this year, but it will be a lengthy stay on the IL. This opens an opportunity for Jose Tena to play every day at the ‘hot corner’ in Washington. He has gone 9-for-24 with 5 RBI in his past six games as he settles into his full-time role.

Michael Toglia, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)

We finally have a Michael Toglia sighting. In the past three games, he has gone 6-for-13 with a homer (his second) and five RBI. If you’re searching for power numbers (and a ton of swing and miss) a small bid could allow you to enjoy what appears to be the start of a hot streak.

The Closer Report

David Bednar, RP, PIT (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 28% rostered)

Bednar had thrown three consecutive scoreless outings since being recalled, and the Pirates gave him the save opportunity last night. His scoreless streak has now extended to four straight outings, marking his first save since being recalled. In those four appearances, he struck out seven while allowing only one walk and is back in the driver’s seat for saves in Steel Town.

Garrett Cleavinger, RP, TBR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Cleavinger is off to a great start, amassing 16 strikeouts in his first 10 innings pitched with a 2.53 ERA and an outstanding .66 WHIP. On Friday, he earned his first save of the year against the Padres when the Rays gave the incumbent closer Peter Fairbanks the night off. He’s moved into the setup role, and in leagues using holds, he should have our attention, at least a lot more than the current 1% of leagues where he’s rostered at CBS.

Camilo Doval, RP, SFG (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)

Back-to-back poor outings by Ryan Walker on April 20 and 23 have prompted the Giants to turn to Camilo Doval for the ninth inning. Doval has now converted three consecutive save opportunities. Ryan Walker hasn’t been removed from the closer role, but until he rights the ship, Doval is proving to be a reliable option.

Shelby Miller, RP, ARZ (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

The injury to co-closer A.J. Puk is long-term at best and season-ending at worst. Shelby Miller will move into the setup role, one step closer to the ninth inning. In 10 2/3 innings this year, he has allowed only two hits and has yet to allow an earned run. A sneaky low bid has the potential to earn huge rewards, especially if the DBacks continue with what has been a very successful shared closer role.

Cade Smith, RP, CLE (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 27% rostered)

Emmanuel Clase is dealing with shoulder discomfort and has struggled significantly to start the season. If healthy, he will handle the ninth inning, but in the meantime, Cade Smith has recorded three consecutive saves and is proving to be a very capable replacement. Adding Cade Smith would be a wise and profitable move if Clase continues to struggle with his shoulder issues.

Will Vest, RP, DET (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

Just when it seemed that Tommy Kahnle was settling into the ninth inning in Tiger Town, along comes Will Vest, who reels off a string of three saves in four appearances. He’s having a fantastic year, posting a .75 ERA in 12 appearances, and is currently, at worst, in a job-sharing situation.

Luke Weaver, RP, NYY (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 42% rostered)

Devin Williams has struggled, allowing six earned runs in his last two outings, and has been removed ‘for now’ from the closer role. According to Yankee Manager Aaron Boone, Luke Weaver did a commendable job down the stretch last year and is set to get many save opportunities. Fernando Cruz (CBS: 9% rostered) could also find himself in the mix for save opportunities in the revamped Yankee bullpen.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

Brayan Bello, SP, BOS (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

The rehab program has concluded, and Bello will be returning next week, probably facing off against the Mariners early in the week. The fastball velocity was tracking on his rehab assignment in the mid-nineties, but he struggled with control. I’d probably let him knock the rust off on the bench, but wouldn’t shy away from acquiring him this week.

Osvaldo Bido, SP, ATH (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

Osvaldo Bido is scheduled to go up against Patrick Corbin and Davis Martin this coming week. That would seem to be two favorable matchups, especially with Bido sporting a 2.87 ERA over his last three starts. Let’s hope for better success this coming week, as Taijuan Walker clearly didn’t get it done last week.

Caleb Durbin, 2B, MIL (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Oliver Dunn couldn’t get it done, so the Brewers have called upon former Yankee Caleb Durbin to man the hot corner. He brings a little pop, good wheels, stolen base potential, and a great hit tool. He has the potential to be a very good player and one that we should be prepared to dig a bit deeper into our FAAB spending this week.

Logan Henderson, SP, MIL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Let’s turn Logan Henderson over to Rich for his always stellar analysis. “Logan Henderson was the Brewers’ fourth-round pick in 2021.  He missed the season’s first month with an oblique injury but had a strong season once he started pitching. The fastball has taken a tick up and is now sitting 93 to 94 (T 95) with a bit more spin and ride through the zone.  His change-up is a money pitch.  It has unusual movement, and hitters do not pick up the pitch well.  He also throws a cutter and slider, with the cutter being the better option.

Most importantly, he pounded the strike zone, and if he continues to do that, he could be a number three or four starter.  I wish he were taller (5-foot-10), as that could prove to make him homer-prone as he continues to play against better competition.”

Austin Hays, OF, CIN (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Austin Hays got off to a late start this year, spending time on the IL while dealing with a left calf strain. He was activated on April 15 and has been in the five games since, going 8-for-22 with three homers and seven RBI. He’s making up for lost time in a hurry.

Cade Horton, SP, CHC (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Justin Steele is lost for the year, having undergone UCL revision surgery on his left elbow. There is a need for an everyday starter on the Cubs, and it’s not a question of if Cade Horton arrives, but simply when he arrives. He worked five innings for the first time this year in his last start. The clock is ticking!

Heston Kjerstad, OF, BAL (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)

Kjerstad has gone 6-for-19 with three home runs and eight RBI over his past seven outings and looks to be at the worst, sharing the good side of a platoon. With Colton Cowser tentatively looking at a late-May/early June return from the broken left thumb, Kjerstad should have no problems finding a steady diet of short-term at-bats in which to boost his power numbers.

Lance McCullers, SP, HOU (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

McCullers is in the process of wrapping up his Minor League rehab and is scheduled to return by the end of April. There is no doubt about the stuff; it has always been great. His health, as evidenced by his last start occurring in 2022, has been far from great. Tread carefully, but still tread.

Connor Norby, 3B, MIA (CBS: 40% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)

Norby hit nine homers last year in 178 at-bats. He was activated on Thursday, and with 20+ home run potential, the Marlins have sorely missed his bat in the everyday lineup.

Tirso Ornelas, OF, SDP (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Ornelas was very quietly doing what he does down on the farm, amassing 13 walks in his first 79 PA with 17 runs scored, a homerun, and seven RBI. Jason Heyward was placed on the 10-day IL with left knee inflammation, giving Ornelas a window to demonstrate he’s ready to contribute at the big-league level. He’s best left for NL-only and deeper 20-team mixed formats.

Quinn Priester, SP, MIL (CBS: 23% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

The Brewers desperately need arms and have turned to one-time Pirate and Red Sox, Quinn Priester. He shut down the Tigers on one hit over five innings in gaining his first victory of the 2025 campaign. So far, so good, but be very cognizant of the fact that walking five batters in his first 10 innings pitched is not a recipe for long-term success.

Edgar Quero, C, CWS (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

The future at catcher, or at least 50% of it, has arrived in Chicago. Catchers, especially 22-year-old catchers, have a lot on their plates, but this kid can hit and should be around for the long haul. If you’re currently rostering a weak #2 type in two-catcher sets, he should prove to be an upgrade right out of the gate.

Chandler Simpson, OF, TBR (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)

“Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that DeLuca (shoulder) is likely to miss 2-to-4 weeks” “Manager Kevin Cash indicated earlier Friday that Simpson will play regularly while with the big club.” The only options currently on the roster who can play in centerfield are Jose Caballero, who bats right and hasn’t played a single game in CF this year, and Christopher Morel, who isn’t a CF. Richie Palacios has no timeline for a return. Josh Lowe is supposedly heading out on a rehab assignment and might be an option in a couple weeks assuming all goes well.

Based on all the above, I think Simpson has two to four weeks to prove he can hit at the big league level. If he can, he’ll put an easy 60 stolen bases in the bank over the balance of 2025—and quite possibly more. I saw him last Fall, and as I’ve mentioned numerous times, the only player I’ve personally seen with that level of speed is a young Billy Hamilton. Go get him!

Alex Verdugo, OF, ATL (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

Desperate times require desperate measures, and that phrase fits the Braves’ fate early in 2025. Yesterday, Verdugo went 4-for-5, hitting in the leadoff spot, and that performance should guarantee at-bats until, at the very least, Ronald Acuna is ready to return and maybe longer. Jarred Kelenic, the Braves’ everyday right fielder, is struggling and currently sporting a dreadful .170 BA.

Gage Workman, 3B, CHC (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Matt Shaw struggled badly and was sent to Triple-A Iowa to get his mechanics in order, and the Cubs turned to Gage Workman to hold down the fort. The speed potential is intriguing, as he stole 30 bases twice on his road to Wrigley. A small bid is in order.

The Closer Report

Liam Hendriks, BOS (CBS:16% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

The rehab is done and the Red Sox activated Liam Hendriks today. He’s not moving into the ninth inning right away, as Aroldis Chapman is more than getting the job done, but he will be working the 8’th inning readying himself for future save opportunities down the road.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

The game is continually getting younger, and the kids will be arriving soon, so this week, we’re taking a look at some of the potential early arrivals. Buying in early can save one a pile of that precious FAAB. You snooze, you lose.

Andrew Abbott, SP, CIN (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Abbott is currently rehabbing from a strained shoulder and could be activated as early as late next week. For those in deeper Leagues, a solid #4-type starter is there for the taking.

Luinder Avila, SP, KCR (CBS: not rostered, ESPN: not listed)

When a starter at Triple-A throws five innings of one-hit ball with 11 strikeouts, it should have our attention. Luinder Avila did just that on April 1. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Avila earlier this season.

“I wrote multiple times about Luinder Avila last season, as he had a solid season in Double-A (3.81 ERA with a strikeout per inning and a few too many walks – 4.68).  In looking at the data, he’s throwing harder this spring, with his fastball up to 98 MPH.  I had him topping out at 95 MPH in 2024.  He could be throwing harder because he’s pitching like a reliever.  While I think that’s ultimately where he winds up, he has plus-plus curveball that misses plenty of bats.  The change-up needs work, but he throws it hard (90 MPH). He’s intriguing and a kid I might add to some of my Dynasty Leagues.”

I concur!

Harrison Bader, OF, MIN (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

The BA hasn’t been great so far, but when three of those four hits leave the park and generate eight RBI, it’s worth noting. Bader has averaged 18 stolen bases over the past three years and, as a fifth outfielder or injury replacement, is worthy of a roster spot.

Brooks Baldwin, 2B, CWS (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

A little pop, a little speed, and a decent hit tool combined with an opportunity on the South Side make Baldwin an intriguing middle-infield option in deeper formats.

Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

It’s not a matter of whether he makes his debut this year, but when. In his first two games at Double-A, Bazzana has gone 6-for-8 with a home run, 3 RBI, 5 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases, while walking twice and striking out only once. The “when” could prove to be a lot sooner than expected.

Matthew Boyd, SP, CHC (CBS: 36% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Two starts in against pretty good squads in San Diego and Arizona, and Boyd has yet to allow an earned run. We are all familiar with his injury history, which is far from ideal, but when he’s healthy, he can be an above-average starter. Take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts.

Chase Dollander, SP, COL (CBS: 32% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

We all know the story, but the first chapter has gone exceptionally well, and Dollander is being rewarded with his MLB debut today, against the A’s. Can he beat the odds that have defied so many?

Wilmer Flores, 1B, SFG (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 24% rostered)

He’s no Brandon Belt, but he’s off to a hot start with four home runs in his first 32 at-bats and deserving of a bit more love than is reflected in his current 22% rostered status.

Tyler Mahle, SP, TEX (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s still knocking off the rust, but his last outing against the Rays, where he shut them down on one hit over five innings, is a good indication that he’s rounding into form. Rounding into form is a solid #4 starter, something we can all use over the course of 162 games.

Sean Murphy, C, ATL (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)

The past year has not been kind to Murphy, but the time lost due to a rib injury is coming to an end, with an activation as early as this coming Tuesday. Let’s hope for better results over the balance of ’25.

Mitchell Parker, SP, WAS (CBS: 22% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Parker moved to 2-0 yesterday with six innings of one-run ball against a pretty good offense in the Diamondbacks. His first start was against another pretty fair O, in the Phillies. He has to keep the walks down, but so far, so very good for the 25-year-old southpaw.

Geraldo Perdomo, SS, ARZ (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)

Nine games in, Geraldo Perdomo has hit a home run, driven in 11 runs, stolen two bases, and is hitting to the tune of a .344 batting average. He’s also rostered in only 27% of the Leagues using CBS. That needs to change!

Tim Tawa, OF, ARZ (CBS: 1% Rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Here’s an option for those playing in 20-team and NL-only Leagues. Ketel Marte was placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain yesterday, and the DBacks have turned to Tim Tawa to fill the void. Although it’s only a temporary gig, the 32 homers and 14 stolen bases accrued between Double and Triple-A last year are impressive.

Kyle Teel, C, CWS (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

It’s only a matter of time, and with Kyle Teel getting off to a strong start with two homers, nine RBI, a stolen base, and a .904 OPS in his first 30 at-bats, that time should be drawing near. Spend a penny now or considerably more down the road. It’s your call, but I know the route I’ll be taking.

Alek Thomas, OF, ARZ (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Jake McCarthy is 0-for-18 to start the season and is beginning to lose playing time to Alek Thomas, who is posting a .412 batting average with 6 RBI. Until McCarthy heats up, the hot hand will rule, and Thomas is currently all of that and then some.

Simeon Woods Richardson, SP, MIN (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Woods Richardson is looking at a two-start week, facing Detroit and Kansas City. I know it’s early, but if you’re looking to stream pitching in H2H formats, those aren’t bad matchups.

The Closer Report

Anthony Bender, MIA (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Calvin Faucher was the favorite to pitch the ninth for the Marlins, but the first save of the season in Miami went to Anthony Bender, and for good cause. Bender has been lights out thus far, and Faucher has struggled. Bender should be the favorite for the next opportunity and chance to establish his role as the ninth-inning guy in Miami.

Dennis Santana, PIT (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

I bet on Colin Holderman, but allowing earned runs in 4-of-his-first-5 outings and blowing two saves isn’t getting it done. Meanwhile, Dennis Santana has a save, a hold, and a far-from-stellar 4.15 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. He currently has a tenuous hold on the job, but right now, it’s his to hold.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.

It’s the All-Catcher version of the Waiver Wire. For those who went late on Catcher at the draft table, the rewards have been great. For those who didn’t, there are some solid options available that should generate considerable interest in two-catcher formats. Go get em!

If you’d like to receive our Waiver Wire early, consider becoming a Patreon member.  Click here for more details.

Miguel Amaya, C, CHC (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Well, Amaya hasn’t flashed any power yet but does manage to lead all Catchers with seven RBI. It is a small sample size, but so are the number of Fantasy teams taking advantage of this hot streak.

Jordan Beck, OF, COL (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Beck flashed the power in the Spring and now has a pair of stolen bases early in the season. He was rostered at 8% last week and 9% this week. That’s simply not enough growth for the potential rewards.

Osvaldo Bido, SP, OAK (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Bido wasn’t particularly sharp in his season debut, allowing four walks, but limited the damage to only one earned run in gaining his first 2025 win. In deeper Leagues, a small bid is in order.

Sean Burke, SP, CWS (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)

An ace is born, at least on the South Side.

Hunter Goodman, C/OF, COL (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

We have yet to witness the power from Hunter Goodman, but it will surface. What is important is that he has started back-to-back games at Catcher and has gone 3-for-8. Add the OF eligibility, and you have a solid backup Catcher and outfield depth, all neatly rolled into one package.

Jonah Heim, C, TEX (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)

That two-home run game should serve as a reminder that there is a very good chance the 2025 results will be closer to 2023 than 2024. Heim is currently rostered at 17% in CBS Leagues. Why?

Jack Leiter, SP, TEX (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Leiter got out of the gate strong, tossing five solid innings of five hit one run ball. He limited the free passes to a scant one, a very positive sign. Let’s see what Rich has to say about Mr. Leiter. “I’ve written about Leiter extensively, so I’ll keep this year’s update brief.  He boasts a substantial arsenal, featuring a fastball that can reach 98 MPH (with an average of 95.6 MPH) and a solid slider and changeup.  Everything plays up because of his impressive extension (6.8 feet).  However, he struggles to throw strikes, which suggests that this is who he will be.  It’s odd because his mechanics are quite simple.  He just can’t repeat them.

There’s a chance he figures it out, but realistically, he’s likely a high-end number four pitcher who will show flashes of being much better than that—much like I viewed Jon Gray early in his career. There’s also a non-zero chance that he will be moved to the bullpen.

Zack Littell, SP, TBR (CBS: 18% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Littell got out of the gate strong, tossing six innings of four hit no walk ball with seven strikeouts and allowing but a single earned run in a tough-luck 2-to-1 loss to the Rockies. Last year, he posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts over 156 1/3 IP. That 18% rosterability seems a tad on the low side.

Kameron Misner, OF, TBR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Richie Palacios fractured his finger and will be lost for several weeks. Yesterday, Josh Lowe suffered a strained right oblique and is heading to the IL for at least several weeks. Kameron Misner, who has already hit a home run this season, is likely to be the beneficiary. What I do find interesting is that Misner’s Minor League numbers are very Josh Lowe-ish in nature.

Jorge Polanco, 2B, SEA (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

The skills have always been solid and remain solid. The problem of late has been staying healthy and on the field. He is currently and shouldn’t be ignored.

Ben Rice, 1B, NYY (CBS: 41% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

He’s currently platooning, sitting against southpaws, but for how long? The power is of the “big boy” variety, and until the return of Giancarlo Stanton (which could be a while), he’s deserving of a spot on your Fantasy squad.

Keibert Ruiz, C, WAS (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 74% rostered)

Just another boring two-homer start to the season for what, early on, looks like an opportunity to invest in a solid bounce-back season. At the very least, one should roster Ruiz as a #2 catcher in two-catcher formats.

Victor Scott II, OF, STL (CBS: 49% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

Saturday, Scott got the wheels wheeling and swiped his first two bases of the ’25 campaign. If he can consistently put the ball in play, an easy 40 thefts are there for the taking.

Lenyn Sosa, 2B/3B, CWS (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

When he hits it, it’s with authority. When he doesn’t, the odds are high he’s walking back to the dugout. He’s also on the White Sox, which improves his opportunities for regular playing time.

Kyle Stowers, OF, MIA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s going to play every day and hit at the top of the order, probably in the two-hole. The counting stats won’t be high, but if you’re looking for an everyday bat for injury replacement purposes, he could fill that void.

Leody Taveras, OF, TEX (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

He’s still only 26 years old and off to a great start with a pair of stolen bases. Evan Carter might be the center fielder of the future, but the future isn’t here yet. Leody Taveras and his 10-to-15 homers and 20 thefts is now.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, DET (CBS: 50% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered)

Spencer Torkelson has followed up a great Spring with a hot start to the ’25 campaign, going 4-for-9 with a home run and an impressive (for Torkelson) 5/4 BB/K ratio. This week will prove to be the last opportunity to board the Torkelson train!

Closer Report

Jose Alvarado, PHI (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 6%)

It’s crowded in the Philly bullpen, and Jordan Romano didn’t make his case for the everyday closer role, as he tossed 29 pitches and allowed a pair of runs, blowing the save in his first opportunity in Philly. Jose Alvarado has the resume that suggests he’d be next in line, but both Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering are very capable of getting the job done.

Graham Ashcraft, CIN (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Emilio Pagan might have the job, but after living through the seven blown saves back in 2022, there isn’t enough Maalox available at my local pharmacy for me to take that plunge. I’ll go with what I think is a better long-term play and plunk down a buck or three on recently converted starter Graham Ashcraft. He has all the qualifications to work late into games with that solid mid-nineties’ fastball and a career 1.42 WHIP.

Jason Foley, DET (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Jason Foley posted a 3.15 ERA last year with 28 saves in 32 opportunities. He had a rough spring ERA-wise but did post a 10/0 K/BB ratio. Do the Tigers hate him or what? Brieske has been risky, so Foley might be back sooner rather than later.

Porter Hodge, CHC (CBS: 31% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)

Ryan Pressly got the save last night but struggled. He allowed two runs, and if not for a game-ending baserunning gaffe by Garrett Hampson, he could have taken his first blown save of the year. He has also allowed runs in both of his outings in Week 1 of the regular season. Meanwhile, Porter Hodge has made three appearances and has yet to allow a run, with five punchouts in the books. Hodge will earn saves this year, and that number could be a bit higher than was originally estimated.

Justin Slaten, BOS (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)

Liam Hendriks is expected to spend at least the first couple of weeks of the season on the injured list with a compressed nerve in his right elbow, which will likely move Justin Slaten into the setup role, at the very least. Slaten already has his first save in the books. There will be more to follow.

Blake Treinen, LAD (CHC: 20% rostered, ESPN: 16% rostered)

The Dodgers spent a substantial amount on the offseason signing of Tanner Scott, but that doesn’t mean he will automatically “own” the ninth inning. It looks like Dave Roberts will mix and match, and Blake Treinen will be part and parcel to his plans for ninth inning duties.

A new closer report is now available.  It can be found here.