The “how can you not be romantic about baseball” line gets tossed around a lot these days. However, it only takes a few moments to reflect on this season to know it’s been a treat. The Orioles would be in the playoff if the season ended today. Juan Soto got dealt to the Padres, just for Fernando Tatis Jr to be suspended right before his return. Justin Verlander, after missing nearly two seasons and at 39 years old, is making a compelling case for another Cy Young award. The list goes on and on, and I for one, am truly excited to see how the rest of the season shakes out.
Notable Schedules:
Everyone plays at least six games, with the Tigers and Mets playing eight.
12 Team Adds
Nick Pivetta (BOS/SP) – Pivetta lacks the consistency to be a viable fantasy arm long-term. However, it doesn’t get much better than getting two starts against the Pirates and Orioles. (1-2% FAAB)
Nick Gordon (MIN/SS,OF) – Gordon will give you a little bit of everything across all five categories. He has 5 homers and 5 steals across 264 ABs while slashing .277/.324/.426. More power could be on the way as he has 11.6% barrel and a 48.6% hard hit. He’s not selling out to get there either, as he is only pulling the ball 38.1% of the time. (3-4% FAAB)
Ian Kennedy (ARZ/RP) – Recorded two saves over the last week, and appears to be the lead guy. (2-3% FAAB)
Kutter Crawford (BOS/SP) – There is nothing in Kutter’s profile that will blow you away. However, it’s hard to poke holes in it either. His 24.5% k-rate and 7.8% BB rate are manageable. Especially when you consider he only concedes a 7.9% barrel and hard hit under 35%. (3-4% FAAB)
Vaughn Grissom (ATL/2B) – You can dice up his minor league numbers all day (they’re good), but the Braves bringing him up straight from Double-A in the middle of a playoff hunt, should tell you everything you need to know about what they think of him. (5-6% FAAB)
Darick Hall (PH/1B) – Hall mashes the ball, a 19.2% barrel and a 50% hard hit. However, his hit contact skills leave something to be desired. He’ll be a nice power boost but don’t count on much more than that. (1-2% FAAB)
Dustin May (LAD/SP) – Should be back this weekend against Miami. The Dodgers have taken their time building him up and should be a full go for the rest of the season. (3-4% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Jose Quintana (STL/SP) – Quintana has shown a pulse this year but let’s not forget, zebras don’t change their stripes. He’ll be a useful streamer this week as he lines up against the Rockies and Diamondbacks. (1-2% FAAB)
Justin Steele (CHC/SP) – Steele has upped his slider usage over his last few starts. It’s seemingly worked a treat, since July 10th, he has a 20.5% K-BB and a 2.13 ERA (2.85 FIP).
James Kaprielian (OAK/SP) – A steamer in deeper formats, as he faces the Rangers and Mariners. (1% FAAB)
JJ Bleday (MIA/OF) – A power bat with plenty of risks, but playing nearly every day. (1% FAAB)
Franmil Reyes (CHC/DH,OF) – Reyes has shown better discipline over his last 50 PAs, his k-rate over that time is 22%. Granted, he hasn’t been able to do much with it. However, if he can sustain improved plate skills, the production should come. (2-3% FAAB)
