Michael Chavis continued to do nothing but hit Friday night going 2-for-4 with his fourth home run, a 459 foot 2-run shot (woh) off Reynaldo Lopez. Someone put a distress beacon on that ball so maybe Captain Marvel can find it in space!? Chavis is now slashing a real pretty .310/.442/.619 with four homers and two steals in just 42 at bats (13 games). Extrapolate that! If he started the season with the team he’d be the their home leader! I’m trying to figure out why he’s not owned in more leagues. Is it because he doesn’t have a sexy name like Skye Bolt or Carter Kieboom. Or maybe we haven’t done our due diligence as irritating members of Red Sox Nation to over hype this guy until you’re sick of hearing about him. Well, get ready to hear me gush about my newest BoSox heart throb because Chavis has done everything since arriving with Boston including five multi-hit games in his past 10. He’s famous around the clubhouse for the studious notes he takes after every at bat. Whaddaya think you’re some kinda smaht guy Hahvad boy? How do you like dem apples! Err, ok, wrong school but the reference still works. Did I mention the kid bats in the middle of a lineup that features Xander, JD and Mookie. Those are very good players we all know and love on a first name basis. Any hesitation most likely stems from the inevitable return of Eduardo Nunez and Dustin Pedroia (L out L) stealing his playing time, but I trust Alex Cora to play the young guys when the time comes. He was a BUY and needs to be owned wherever he’s available, Dustin and Eduardo don’t hit moon shots like that, folks. It’s time to join the Michael Chavis fan club.
Here’s what else I saw in fantasy baseball Friday night:
Chris Sale – 6.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, BB, 10 K, 1-5. And Chris Sale, of the famed 2018 World Series, finally gets his first win of the year in May. It was a few weeks coming as this was the third straight start where he’s looks much more Chris Sale-esque. The velocity seems to have returned which is huge if you were planning to sell. Despite his struggles, he still has a 42/11 K/BB and he gets the lowly O’s to beat up on next week. He should be back to his old ways going forward.
Reynaldo Lopez – 5.0 IP, 8 hits, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K. Oddly enough, position player Jose Rondon (1.0 IP, 2 hits) started this game, and I’ve been trying to figure out why. Regardless, Rey-Lo was a bit of a let down coming off his 14 K performance last week. I trust Lopez about as much as I trust Cersei Lannister. Even Bran contributed to the great war more than her, and Bran just flew around and did general bird stuff. Are we sure Bran is the one we should be listening, too, you guys?
Rafael Devers – 2-for-5, 2 runs, 3-run HR (1). His first of the year! Woof! Can’t let Michael Chavis upstage you. SOMEONE is extra upset the Red Sox banned Fortnite!
Kevin Gausman – 1.2 IP, 1 hits, ER, BB, K. The Gaus was ejected from the game for throwing behind Jose Urena’s head but Touki Toussaint (4.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 2-0) Touki over and dommed the Marlins like a 50 Shades movie. After looking similarly dominating against the Mets early April, Touki burned me good when he gave up 7 ER in one innings vs. Cleveland so I am reluctant to trust Touissant at the moment, but I guess that’s why we have a safe word.
Freddie Freeman – 2-for-5, HR (6). He’s slashing .311/.425/.525 with three homers in the past week but I need better than this, Freddie I’m sorry. I need the hard carry here! My boy Alt-165 aka AcuÑa has been struggling and so has my team. Maybe you could talk to him?
Shane Bieber – 7.2 IP, 6 hits, ER, BB, 8 K. When you’re married to a supermodel but in love with Selena Gomez. These are Bieber problems. No wonder he has to sleep in a fish tank. I think Shane is sleeping in the same O2 tank because he’s rocking a 3.16 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 42/12 K/BB. He’s the Ace of the Injians folks. The King of Cleveland. He can have any supermodel he wants, but still not Selena. Now you know how Justin feels.
Yusei Kikuchi – 7.0 IP, 3 hits, ER, BB, 10 K. I wish Lisa Loeb didn’t pop into my head whenever I see Kikuchi’s name but she does. I will spare you a parody version of the song with swapped fantasy baseball lyrics, but I am leaving the reference right here. Almost a third of Yusei’s season strikeouts (35) came in this game, so I don’t know if this is the new Yusei or Cleveland is really bad. Regardless, this is what you were expecting when you drafting Yusei too early, right? Maybe there’s still time to sell high off this performance. You’ve got 10 days till his next real start.
Anthony Swarzak – 0.2 IP, hit, ER, 2 BB, K. I thought Roenis Elias was the closer now but they went with Swarzak and lo and behold, I was right and the Mariners were wrong. Are you guys not reading my tweets at you? I will try sending a DM next time.
Matthew Boyd – 7.0 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, BB, 9 K, 3rd win. Thatta Boyd! He’s got a 3.05 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, but its the 57/11 K/BB that makes me wanna rap out loud! Yo Future, gimme a beat, Papa Doc about to get rekt.
Jorge Soler – 3-for-3, HR (8), 2 RBI. Hitting .308 with 2 homers over the past week. If you can run your fantasy team strictly on Soler power I’d say that counts as doing your part. I even watched Lil’ Dickey’s “Earth” video like four times. You’re welcome, planet.
Hector Neris – 1.0 IP, 1 hit 0 ER, 2 K, SV (5). BUY. Philly has a closer! Butler or Embiid? No! Neris. Hector has a 2.45 ERA and 22/3 K/BB and is 5-for-5 in save opps. How many saves does Jimmy Butler have? ThatsWhatIThought.
Rhys Hoskins – 2-for-3, 3-run HR (10). Rhys is hitting .400 with 3 homers in the past week. He’s also not getting booed by his hometown fans.
Jared Eickhoff – 5.0 IP, 3 hits, ER, 3 BB, 7 K. Laugh My Eickoff. Third straight QS for Jared and he’s sporting a real pretty 2.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 27/8 K/BB in that stretch. He gets the Cards next week. You telling me you wouldn’t own that?! Liar!
Jeremy Hellickson – 5.1 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 9 K. Nice start, but I’m telling you I wouldn’t own that.
Tyler Glasnow – 7.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 8 K, 6-0. More like GlasWOW. Amiright? Leads the league in ERA (1.47 ERA) and wins and looks like an early Cy Young contender. Did he steal Snell’s mojo or was he always this good? The Pirates seriously traded away 2018 Cy Young runner up Gerrit Cole and now Glasnow? How’s that feel, Bucs’ fans? Are you still out there? The real killer is they traded Glasnow AND Austin Meadows like really HOW STUPID CAN Y–*reception cuts out*
Gary Sanchez – 3-for-4, 2 HR (10). I feel like he’s been back from the DL for like a week and already has 10 home runs. That’s Gary Sanchez for you. He will probably be injured again in a few days but until then he’s gon’ rake.
James Paxton – 3.0 IP, 2 hits 0 ER, 3 BB, K. Left the game with knee soreness which reportedly was an issue previous to the game and not an injury that occurred last night, which is–good news? Pax just wants to join the DL party because all the coolest Yankees are there right now. I don’t blame him.
Jack Flaherty – 5.2 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 4 BB, 9 K. Took him 110 pitches to get through 5.2 IP but he managed to turn in a QS like a champ. The 45/10 K/B makes me smile and the pedigree makes me blush. I am buying, he’s better than his 4.76 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP.
Kyle Hendricks – 9.0 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 3 K, 2nd win. Add Kyle to the exclusive club of complete game shut out pitchers this season. No way to know if Hendricks is going to give you a clunker or a gem, but he will definitely give you anxiety. I’d sell high off this start if I could!
Anthony Rizzo – 3-for-3, HR (8), 3 RBI. Save some for Kris Bryant!
Brandon Woodruff – 5.0 IP, 6 hits, ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 4th win. Bee-Dubs (no T) has seemed like he’s been rougher to own than he actually has. Anyone with a 45/12 K/BB (! ! !) is worthy of my consideration. I’d grab him for his start against the Nats next week.
Steven Matz – 5.2 IP, 9 hits, 3 ER, BB, 3 K. Matz is owned in twice as many leagues as Woodruff, but is far less worthy, Wayne and Garth. The ratios are better but the K/BB is just “meh.” Hoping to see a big rebound in San Diego next week if I’m going to see him as anything outside a streamer.
Ryan Braun 3-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, SB (2). Braun likes to take his slam & legs intravenously. A shot of PEDs! That’s pancakes, eggs and drugs.
Josh Hader – 2.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, BB, 5 K, SV (8). Just another closer that is way better than any of the relievers on my team, most of whom aren’t even closers really, but they might be…? Are you trying to rub it in.
Josh Phegley – 4-for-5, 2 runs, HR (4), 8 RBI. Phegley’s Fuels with 8 Ball! Josh was so close to being your lede, but I was afraid of the ramification that might occur making a trendy preseason catcher the headline. That kind of waiver wire rush could fracture time lines or crash the whole ESPN Fantasy site (it’s already pretty unstable) and we don’t want that.
Matt Chapman – 3-for-6, 2 runs, HR (9), 2 RBI. When did Matt become the best Matt on the A’s? I don’t know, but he is! He’s batting .300 with 9 ding dongs and is the number 2 third baseman on the player rater. Do you own him?! If so, you’re probably doing well thanks to Matt!
Brett Anderson – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 4th win. Yeah sure, the Pirates offense is trash, but what really helped Anderson get the W were the 14 runs of support. OK, his ratios 3.89 ERA, 1.41 WHIP are “deec” but he’s still Brett Anderson. I am considering the prospect of maybe thinking about mulling over the possibility of contemplating whether or not I should review the option of potentially streaming him. But don’t tell anybody.
Joe Musgrove – 2.2 IP, 6 hits, 5 ER, 2 BB, K, 3rd loss. Just a blip, methinks? Now’s your chance to buy low.
Sonny Gray – 5.0 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. Sonny didn’t pitch well or anything but he was in line for the win if the bullpen didn’t give up 9 ER. His 3.89 ERA and 1.04 WHIP are respectable and the 38/11 K/BB is eh, fine. I would drop him, but then I’d have to activate someone from the DL so I guess I’ll just hold him for his revenge game versus Oakland next week.
Nick Senzel – 1-for-5, 2 BB, run. BUY. Ya’ll just missed out on my Senzel And Senzel’s Abilities lede that would have been chock full of romance and propriety and Jane Austen references and all the things fantasy baseball players love. The optimist in me says Nick was the catalyst for the Reds 11 run outburst. SO grab him!
Derek Dietrich – 3-for-4, 2 3-run HR (7), SB (1). The Cinncinati slam & legs is served on spaghetti with chili and so much cheese you won’t need the bathroom for a week! Derek hit .204 in April but has brought his slash up to .250/.355/.625 with the two bombs last night. Pick him up if you hate yourself.
Yasiel Puig – 2-for-5, 3 runs, RBI, SB (4). If you’re not gonna homer–then run lil piggy!
Joey Votto – 0-for-7, 3 strike outs as the Reds score 10 runs. Ouch. Whata ticker tease. Tbqhwy (<– my new favorite acronym) if he were on my team I would trade him for embarrassing me like that.
Evan Longoria – 3-for-5, GW HR (4), 2 RBI. Look at that .223/.263/.402 slash. *whistles* Doesn’t it make you nauseous.
Stephen Vogt – 3-for-3, HR (1). Hit the game tying home run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. Rockin’ the Vogt! Whata night for catchers!
Robbie Ray – 5.2 IP, 6 hits, 5 runs, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K. Ratios at 3.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP. Not sure you could have expected much better at Coors. I’ll take your 5 runs fantasy gods and raise you 1 ER? Whaddaya say? All it costs is my soul? Deal. I’ll just get a new one from Red Skull at Vormir. That’s how the MCU works.
Adam Jones – 3-for-5, 2 runs, HR (10). Addddaaaayuuuum! I wish I drafted you.
Ketel Marte – 3-for-5, 2 HR (9), 4 RBI. That’s two shots calling the Ketel bat! He’s hitting .400 with 3 homers, 7 runs, 5 RBI and a steal in the past week. At this point, I would own him even though I don’t really want to.
Eduardo Escobar 3-for-5, HR (6). Ed is hotter than pitch meeting for me and Grey’s Missandei & Grey Worm beach resort spin off. And it got pretty streamy in there let me tell you. He’s batting .391 with 3 homers in the past week he should be owned everywhere by now.
Ryan McMahon – 2-for-2, HR (3). Hey, remember me from your March sleeper posts? I didn’t start but I did homer and Garret Hampson started and got two hits and why can’t Colorado just play the kiddos? Do we need Daniel Murphy to get hurt again?
Clayton Kershaw – 6.0 IP, 6 hits, 3 ER, BB, 6 K. Kersh has been surprisingly himself in his four starts since returning from the DL, but that doesn’t change the fact that I can still get a similar stat line out of Eric Lauer (5.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) a pitcher I didn’t have to draft in the top 50.
Ian Kinsler – 1-for-4, HR (4). I feel like a week ago I read Ian was ready to be cut, now he’s dinging dongs and scolding his team mates for trying to high-five him afterwards.
Manny Machado – 1-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI batting .235. I blame Machado for my early season struggles. No, I didn’t draft him, I just like blaming my problems on him.
Franmil Reyes – 2-for-4, run. BUY. Hitting .400 with two homers over the past week and he was a BUY. If you click the blue text it could transport you to the Quantum Realm.
Mike Minor – 8.0 IP, 7 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K. So it’s not a Minor blip? This is who Mike Minor is now? A 2.40 ERA, 0.95 WHIP pitcher who pitches complete game shut outs and 13-K games and you scooped him off waiver wires like he was nothing to you. “Oh, this start looks favorable, maybe I’ll just grab the 2019 Cy Young for the day and see how that goes.” Let’s see how he does in Houston and I’ll let you know how this story is gonna end next week.
Trent Thornton – 7.0 IP, 1 hit, 2 BB, 5 K. Trent did his best Mike Minor impression and retired the first 12 hitters he faced. Thornton has been brilliant in stretches and awful in others. I have yet to figure out how to predict which one we’ll get, so until then he might be better off on some one else’s team.
Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. – 1-for-5. Batting .158! L-O-L! That’s terrible? How high did you pick him? Wow. You should probably just trade him at this point, huh? To me. Yeah. No but, seriously, what do you want.
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!
