The season is in full swing and unfortunately players are dropping like flies. Is it just me or does it feel like injuries have been through the roof this season? Don’t forget to check out JKJ’s injury roundup for the prognosis. Likely you’re now in need of replacements and if your team has avoided the injury bug, well good for you. In any case a little extra depth is never a bad thing. We’ll mostly be looking at hitters today but there is one notable pitcher who deserves your attention. Dylan Cease has turned in back to back starts that were everything you could hope for. The Ks are flowing, and the ceiling is the roof. His raw stuff is amazing but his control has always held him back. He was my bold pick for Cy Young so I’m loving watching him put it all together. He won’t last long.
Catcher:
Sean Murphy doesn’t have the prettiest numbers, in fact he ranks in the 300″s on the player rater. However, his last couple weeks have been encouraging for points leagues.
Kyle Higashioka has given the Yanks something to think about behind the dish, far outperforming Gary Sanchez at the plate. Sanchez may have been one of the top fantasy catchers, but now he’s just a name and it appears Higashioka is passing him by. I would be swapping those two on my roster and Sanchez is a drop regardless.
Mitch Garver has been bad according to the player rater but his power bat is keeping him in play in points leagues despite the absurdly high strikeout rate.. He hasn’t been a top option but he’s certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Corner Infield :
C.J. Cron should really be on more rosters even if he’s only cracking your lineup for home games.
Brandon Belt should see a boost in his roster percentage. He’s a streaky hitter who can give you ten bombs in a week and then disappear for a month. Fortunately his ability to take a walk doesn’t disappear and that gives him value even when the dongs aren’t there. He can be an upgrade for your CI position.
Hunter Dozier is turning it on after a slow start. I think we can chalk some of that up to his stint on the injured list. He had a breakout in 2019 so we know the potential is there. His average is on the rise and the power is starting to flow. You won’t have much longer to grab him before the rest of your league catches on. He has the potential to be a real difference make rest of season.
Pavin Smith has the leadoff spot locked down, taking his opportunity and running with it. I don’t doubt that he’ll keep climbing up the first base ranks. Definitely a guy to watch and he can help you right way if you need CI help.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is most likely already on a roster, but if he isn’t he should be on yours. He’s playing too well right now, with more power than I was expecting from him.
Matt Duffy is someone to keep an eye on after his recent performance filling in for Joc Pederson. Well Joc is back but Duffy could have value down the road, especially if the rumors about a possible Kris Bryant come to fruition.
Jeimer Candelario has upped his game this past week and has back to back three hit games. The hits could keep coming, but the RBIs may be lacking.
Middle Infield:
Kolten Wong is coming off a down week, but he was putting up point prior to that. His post injured list performance is very encouraging.
Josh Rojas is swinging a hot bat down in the desert right now and his roster percentage has not caught up. There’s a great opportunity here to scoop him up before everyone wises up. As an added bonus, he’s eligible in the outfield as well.
Josh Harrison strikes me more as a guy who can be a solid piece on your roster than a flashy start. He won’t win you your league but there’s value to be had.
Outfield
Tyler O’Neill has that hot bat that you’re looking for if you just lost an outfielder. He can provide some relief in the short term while he’s hot and there could be more if he can hold onto an everyday role. Watch him if you feel good about your outfield situation, grab him if you need help.
Jake Marisnick is showing off his bat but playing time will be the issue. Monitor this situation going forward.
Austin Hays is reminding us why we liked him going into the season. The average hasn’t quite caught up but the power is there. Don’t forget about him just because he missed some time with injury.
Robbie Grossman is here for you if you need deep league help. He may not be the most appealing option but you can’t deny that he’s been putting up points. At the end of the day, that’s what counts.
Adolis Garcia is finding his way onto more rosters but there’s still time to buy in while you still can.
