Luis Castillo (CIN, SP, 9% owned)
The Reds went all the way to Double-A in search of starting pitching, and Castillo rewarded them for their efforts. He was consistently working in the 97/98 mph range with his four-seamer, the only concern being the free passes, as he allowed five. He did only walk 13 in 80 1/3 IP at Pensacola, so there is hope to see a better performance in his second start.
Andrew Moore (SEA, SP, 10% owned)
He got the call last week and didn’t disappoint. Seven strong innings against the Tigers and he emerged with his first win. The Mariners currently don’t need a fifth starter, so Moore has been dispatched to Triple-A Tacoma. Don’t let this dissuade you from buying in now, as he will be returning to Seattle sooner, rather than later.
Bruce Maxwell (OAK, C, 2% owned)
A couple of games in April, a week in May, and now with the release of Stephen Vogt, it looks like Maxwell could be up for good. Since the recall, he’s started three consecutive games, going 7-for-12. In two catcher formats it’s time to be investing.
Jose Urena (MIA, SP, 25% owned)
No, he’s not a flame-throwing high strikeout pitcher, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a solid asset. Three wins in his past four starts (two against the Cubs) and allowing a total of six earned runs in those starts, should have your attention.
Keone Kela (TEX, RP, 9% owned)
Matt Bush has a very precarious hold on the ninth inning gig. In the past week back-to-back blown saves against the Jays and Yankees haven’t endeared him to the Rangers faithful. He rebounded today with a clean inning and the save against the Yankees, but In the meantime, the once deposed Keone Kela, has now reversed course and has strung together seven consecutive scoreless appearances. Kela, as a Bush insurance policy, could pay dividends.
Jerry Blevins (NYM, RP, 3% owned)
The veteran southpaw deserves some love, on a team that isn’t getting much this season. Four wins, ten holds, and outstanding peripherals awaits those willing to spend a pittance. Who knows, with the Mets approaching fire sale time, he could even find himself in a situation where the odd save is in his future.
Tyler Austin (NYY, 1B, 5% owned)
The Chris Carter experiment has drawn to a close, with the Yankees designating him for assignment. All or nothing power bats simply don’t hold high value in our changing game. It’s time to move on and the Yankees are rolling with Austin, who was performing well at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In deeper Leagues, a small bid could help fill a corner-infield void.
Chad Kuhl (PIT, SP, 7% owned)
After a dreadful start, the 24-year-old Kuhl has righted the ship. In his past four starts he has allowed a total of eight earned runs over 20 innings. It’s definitely a step in the right direction and with the struggling Matt Moore and the Giants on the schedule for next week, there’s a lot to like in rolling the dice on one of the Kuhl kids.
Franklin Barreto (OAK, SS, 28% owned)
Back-to-back two hits games and a homer in his debut is a good sign that Barreto isn’t real keen on heading back to Triple-A. The fact that Jed Lowrie is currently dealing with an ailing knee, should guarantee playing time for the 21-year-old phenom in the short-term. The obvious skill set and the fact that the A’s are moving forward and promoting their youth, should guarantee the long-term playing time issue.
Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY, OF, 42% owned)
The news that Aaron Hicks is likely to be spending the next 3-to-4 weeks on the DL with an oblique injury, leads one to believe that Jacoby Ellsbury could find his way into steady at-bats in centerfield. He’s still looking at a short rehab stint before being activated off the DL, but if one needs some help in the speed game, a cheap bid now could help rectify that situation.