Have you not heard yet? The hottest goss (I promise no Avengers spoilers) is that the Los Angeles Angels will call up top prospect slash future OC-heartthrob Griffin Canning to start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. What a Friday for the rooks! We got Vlad, Kieboom, and Rengifo all in one night, and now Griffin Canning. It’s almost like a symbolic passing of the torch with all these young guys arriving this week. New replacing old, etc. And no, that was not an Endgame spoiler. Leave me alone, nerds! I haven’t even seen it yet you bought all the tickets! Normally, I’d save the prospect posts for Mike or Grey, but I don’t want you dear readers and even dearer web crawling robots missing out on another sexy call up this weekend. So let’s talk about Griffin Canning. Sounds like a very dangerous game or the new coolest extreme sport they might play at Hogwarts. Griffin’s got a 0.56 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 17/2 K/BB ratio through his first three starts at AAA Salt Lake Bees (bzzz), which to be fair, looks a whole lot better than anything the Angels starters have been doing over the past four weeks. Canning features four solid pitches including his mid-90s fastball and a real nasty curve. His past struggles have all been related to his command but he’s thrown 66% of his pitches for strikes so far this year and the 3.3 BB% indicates he may have figured things out. Griffin doesn’t necessarily profile as an top end ace, but he could be a solid back of the rotation starter and help your fantasy team immediately. Rookie pitchers may be my kryptonite (not a spoiler), but what are you waiting for? The prospect sweepstakes has begun and Griffin Canning is worth a flier in all leagues. The Angels think he’s got the stuff to help them win right now and methinks he could do the same for you.
Here’s what else I saw Friday in fantasy baseball:
Vlad Guerrero, Jr. – 1-for-4. Let’s get the important news out of the way first, I don’t want anyone skimming this post for juicy prospect gossip. I know we all just wanna know what the kids are doing! No skimming! Ignore that meh 1-for-4, Vlady hit a opposite field double in the 9th to start the Blue Jays rally in this one. They went on to win the game. He also almost went deep not once, but TWICE! Robbed by some nice defense and a few more feet. Clutch? Check. Power? Check. Excited? Double Check and a 100 emoji. This kid’s gonna be a star. Ha-cha-cha!
Carter Kieboom – 1-for-4, HR (1). Here Comes Kieboom! Struck out twice but dinged that dong and Kieboom’d that boomer. A game-tying 400-foot shot that came in the bottom of the eighth inning. He now leads all Friday prospects in homers. Grey gave you his Kieboom fantasy. Sounds like he’s seen Beaches a lot. I preferred 9-to-5. What can I say–I love Dolly!
Luis Rengifo – 2-for-2, RBI. Is it weird that I’m excited about the Angels? Because it feels weird! This is a team that has Mike Trout, the best player in baseball, and Shohei Ohtani, the most intriguing player in fantasy baseball, and still manages to bore me. But they’re calling up the kids, and seemingly making all the right moves and Mike Scioscia is no where to be seen. Grey gave you his Luis Rengifo fantasy. He wrote it while streaming “I Think You Should Leave” on Netflix. Which is exactly what the Angels said to Scioscia after 15+ years of losing.
Marcus Stroman – 7.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K. I can’t get over how high I drafted you last year. I will never forgive you for this. We will now communicate only through Vlad, Jr.
Mike Fiers – 7.0 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 5 K. You can’t touch Mike Fiers unless you ARE Michael [expletive deleted] Fiers!! Seems like you can’t really start him either. Only he knows what he’s going to do next.
Eric Sogard – 2-for-3, HR (2). Now that Guerrero has arrived, some of these Toronto hitters are starting to look a little more attractive. Sogard is slashing .394/.444/.636 and leading off. I could see adding him if those counting stats improve. That’s where Vlad comes in.
Matt Strahm – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 8 K. After one rough start to begin the year, Strahm has settled in nicely with his fourth straight quality start. He’s rocking a 3.04 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and the 21 Ks have been a welcome surprise. Yeah, I’d stream that.
Max Scherzer – 7.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 10 K. Wait. You’re tell me I don’t have to kill myself? Thanks for doing your job, Max.
Kirby Yates – 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, SV (13). That’s more saves than most of my fantasy teams have all year.
Eric Hosmer – 2-for-4, HR (3). Have you been asleep this whole time, Eric? You guys got Manny Machado now. Yeah, I know. Kind of a bummer.
Yan Gomes – 3-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI. This is the first catcher I am obligated to mention here because he had such a good night. That is all.
Victor Robles – 0-for-4, 2 SB (7). If you’re trying to replace Trea in my heart you’re doing a pretty decent job so far so keep it up thanks.
Max Fried – 5.1 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, 8 K and his first loss. Rocky Mountain Fried. His ERA went up a whole point after this start to 2.30. But I ain’t mad atcha, boo. I’m saying if this was his worst start of the season he’s been pretty stellar to date. He gets the Padres next week, why is he not owned everywhere.
Daniel Murphy – 3-for-5, run, RBI. Nolan Arenado (5) and Trevor Story (6) homered and Murphy sat back and collected the counting stats. I think he’s going to like it in Colorado, if he can stay healthy. And that is a Tormund Giantsbane, giant’s milk sized IF. Sick reference, bro!
Tyler Flowers – 4-for-4, 2 HR (3). This is the second catcher I am obligated to mention here because he had such a good night. Ugh, are we really doing this.
Anthony DeSclafani – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 1st win. It’s a weird week for ME! No, not that new Taylor Swift jam-jam, that’s a certified banger. It’s a weird week for ME the sort of human person because all the players I covered last week in the post pitched last night, too. That never happens. Last week I said about Anthony, “he’s got a tough test next week in Atlanta and I don’t want to be there for the results.” Well, I wasn’t there but if I was, I’d tell you DeSclafani is no sure-thing like a new Taylor single, so if you’re going to stream him proceed with caution.
Miles Mikolas – 5.0 IP, 6 hits, 4 ER, BB, 4 K. Miles has been consistent. Consistent that he’s gone 5 IP every time out. Consistent that he’s boring and makes me yawn and doesn’t strikeout anyone, and is exactly the kind of pitcher I want to avoid on draft day. But you can set your watch to that!
Joey Votto – 2-for-5, HR (3). Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker, Yasiel Puig and Jose Peraza also homered as the Reds scored 12 runs on 14 hits. It feels like every player in the league homered last night except the players on my team.
Nelson Cruz – 3-for-4, 2 HR (5). I was asked in the comments last week if someone should drop Cruz for Lindor and Cruz has hit four home runs since I answered. I have trouble answering these questions because I don’t play in any 8-team leagues. Is my answer still yes? Idk! Is Trout available? How does it work!
Eddie Rosario – 1-for-4, HR (11). Five dingers in the past week! He’s hotter than an Ariana set at Coachella. And she slayed, people! I’d break up with my girlfriend for you.
Collin McHugh – 5.2 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 K versus Corey Kluber (5.0 IP, 7 hits, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K). This is why Grey tells you not to draft top starters. You are getting the same stats from guys like McHugh only 5+ rounds later. Outside of Verlander have any top starters been anything less than slightly disappointing so far?
Francisco Lindor – 2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI. That’s 2 home runs and 3 weeks less at bats than Nelson Cruz, right?
Carlos Gonzalez – 2-for-4, HR (1). Show of hands if you thought he was retired. Just me then? CarGo without Coors is like HBO without Game of Thrones. I just don’t want to pay for it anymore.
Jose Ramirez – 0-for-3 batting .172, SB (8). Without those steals Ramirez would be about as valuable as Jeimer Candelario this year. Except Jeimer is batting about 100 points higher.
Jered Eickhoff – 7.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, BB, 6 K versus Miami. Jered fared much better in his second start of the year, but this one wasn’t in Coors and the Marlins are also very terrible. Still the 2.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 17 innings this season are promising and I could consider the prospect of maybe thinking about mulling over the possibility of contemplating whether or not I should review the option of potentially streaming him.
Bryce Harper – 1-for-3, 2-run HR (6). Realmuto and Maikel Franco also homered. If I’m the Phillies GM these are the exact three guys I want performing well every night to make myself look good.
Kole Calhoun – 2-for-3, HR (7). Three homers and 7 RBI in the past week and homered in his third straight game! Did someone say hot schmotato?
Tyler Skaggs – 5.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K in his return from the DL. Danny Duffy opposed him (5.0 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, 3 BB, K) and also returned from the DL last night. I hate to admit that I streamed Duffy last night in a error of judgement. Tbqhwy (<– new favorite acronym?) I was adding under the influence. Is there an app to prevent this from happening? Get on it, nerds! As for Skaggs, I like him a lot more than Duffy. He didn’t look amazing last night but his 3.15 ERA and 19/5 K/BB raises my eyebrow, Dwayne Johnson, and he gets the Blue Jays next week. Would add where available.
Cody Allen – Hit the DL. Ty Buttrey and Hansel Robles are your BUYs should get the first chances to End Games. No spoilers!
Carlos Rodon – 3.0 IP, 9 hits, 8 ER, 3 BB, 5 K. I said last week, “I have been too scared to go near Rodon (or any White Sox pitcher) this year for fear that he’ll burn me,” and that’s me quoting me while also quoting Grey! Well, it happened. Am I happy, now? No.
Tim Anderson – 4-for-6, HR (5), 2 runs, 2 RBI, SB (10). Whata wacky game. Hit a walk off home run after the White Sox came back 6 runs down 10-4. He’s the number one shortstop on the player rater and he’s slashing .402/.422/.632. If I could time travel like Captain Marvel (not a spoiler) I’d go back to March and draft Tim Anderson over Trea Turner and maybe I wouldn’t be so miserable all the time.
Eloy Jiminez – 1-for-1 left the game with an ankle sprain. Eloyyyyy vey iz mir. The x-rays came back negative but I would expect him to miss at least a few games
Jose Abreu – 4-for-5, HR (5), 5 RBI. Well, look who finally decided to join us. He’s got 2 homers and 12 RBI in the past week, but hard to say how much of it was just Friday’s nights wild game being wild. Leury Garcia and Yoan Moncada added three hits a piece as the White Sox scored 12 runs on 21 hits. Everyone was hitting everything is what I’m saying!
Miguel Cabrera – 4-for-6, HR (1), 3 RBI. That’s how you crack that slump, Miggy! W00t!
Nick Castellanos – 2-for-5, HR (2). Once again. Everyone was hitting everything in Chicago last night. There were 9 homers between the two teams. Grayson Grenier, Jacoby Jones and Sean Rodriguez also homered as Detroit scored 11 runs on 15 hits. Was a big day for AL-Central Only fantasy teams.
Robbie Ray – 5.0 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, BB, 7 K, 1st win. First win for RobRay, but it’s not going to get any easier next week in Coors. He looks like the same pitcher he did last year, and even less like the pitcher he did two years ago. Unfortunately, that’s the pitcher you want him to look like.
Kyle Hendricks – 5.0 IP, 10 hits, 7 ER, BB, 3 K. After his 7 inning 11 K gem last week I thought we were over this phase, Kyle! How u gon’ do me like that again. Too much Purple Haze?
Kris Bryant – 1-for-3, HR (2). THE POWER OF KRIS COMPELS ME! THE POWER OF KRIS COMPELS ME! Or should I say–lack of power? Meanwhile Javier Baez hit his 9th homer. Meanwhile, I own Bryant and I’m this close to spoiling the Avengers for myself because what’s the point I just can’t do this anymore.
Cody Bellinger – 2-for-3, HR (13), 2 RBI. And Bellinger rings up his 13th ding-dong! That’s league leading, folks. *cue gong sound effect*
Austin Barnes – 2-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI. This is the third catcher I am obligated to mention here because he had such a good night. Why is this happening to me. I know someone out there must appreciate this.
Josh Bell – 1-for-4, HR (6). His third homer in the past week, looks like Josh has finally found that power stroke that–zzzzzzzz. Oh sorry, I feel asleep thinking about Josh Bell. Pick him up if you hate yourself.
Hyun-Jin Ryu – 7.0 IP, 8 hits, 2 ER, 10 K, 3rd win. Something tells me he’s going to be the most valuable pitcher on the Dodgers this year. That’s not a knock people, that’s a full on hadouken!
Chris Archer – 4.0 IP, 6 hits, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K. Top 5 Archers–and go! Katniss, Robin Hood, Hawkeye (not a spoiler), Legolas, Rambo, uhh, Princess Merida…does Chris even make this list?
James Paxton – 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 3rd win. Pax the Destroyer guardians my galaxy. I promise that’s the last Endgame reference I’ll make (not a spoiler). I gotta get those juicy SEO clicks, people! You understand.
Luke Voit – 3-for-4, 2 runs, HR (8), 3 RBI. Luke’s hitting .375 in the past week with 4 home runs. Electric! We call that High Voit-tage! He’s also raised his average 40 points over the past 3 games which has been the biggest knock against him. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be owned everywhere at this point.
Madison Bumgarner – 5.2 IP, 11 hits, 5 ER, 5 K. Sigh. I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.
Jacob deGrom – 4.0 IP, 5 hits, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K. Good thing you drafted him with your second pick! Oh, it was your first pick? Oh. *slowly backs out of room*
Eric Thames – 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI. He was a BUY! Click the blue text to read more. It’s called a “hyperlink,” and I think it’s why they invented the internet!
Christian Yelich – 2-for-4, run, RBI, 2 SB (5). Is it not enough to lead the league in home runs, Christian!? Do you have to steal bases too to rub it in! Whata show off. No one likes a tryhard!
Nomar Mazara – 3-for-4, HR (5). As a New Englander, I am required to have blind unrequited love for all players and persons named Nomar. But this duuude is so boorrrrrrring.
Yusei Kikuchi – 1.0 IP, 2 K. I mean, if he’s going to pitch a one inning an outing every other start, at least it was a nice clean inning.
Rougned Odor – 0-for-5, 4 Ks in his return from the DL. Yep. Hasn’t missed a beat. Picked up right where he left off. Looks to be in mid-season form.
Anthony Swarzak – 1.0 IP, 1 hit, ER, 2 BB. Allowed a game tying pinch hit home run to Shin-Soo Choo of all players to blow his second save of the year. Now’s your chance to run away with the closer gig, Roenis Elias (2.0 IP, 2 K, got the win in relief). Would trust Swarzak about as much as Dany trusts Jon Snuh right now. When Jon drops the truth bombshell on Dany and all she cares about is her throne you know she is serious about being Queen bey. Who you guys got in your GoT Death Pool? Jon? What a self-loathing sad sack. We get it, the world’s gonna end, would it kill you to smile for once! I just hope Missandei the translator lives to see her own spin off involving all the Dornish beaches she’s always dreaming about. Now that’s a show I could really get into!
Thanks for reading! Questions? Problems? Complaints to management? Advice, small gifts or large bribes? Please leave it in the comments below. Join us next Saturday for another Friday recap as fantasy baseball continues next week, all week long!
