Garrett Hampson is hitting .053 with seven strikeouts in 19 plate appearances. With injuries to Daniel Murphy and Ryan McMahon, owners figured Hampson would at least get regular reps at second and maybe work his way out of the slump. Not so fast. Enter Pat Valaika. He got the start over Hampson at second yesterday. I like Hampson and I own him in a couple of leagues, but I’m running out of patience. In redrafts, I’d move on. In keepers, you might want to give him a longer lead. Here’s what else is happening in prospect news…
Alex Reyes, STL – Optioned to AAA because he’s been awful. In three innings of relief, Reyes has given up five earned runs, walked six, and struck out just one. Maybe this is better for everyone…he could stretch out as a starter and return when he’s ready.
Josh James, HOU – Off to a good start, albeit in relief. In five innings pitched, he’s struck out nine and walked two. Not a bad choice to stash in hopes that he earns a rotation spot later this year.
Victor Robles, WAS – Hopefully he can work his way up the lineup and out of the bottom third, because he’s hitting .300 with a pair of homers and three doubles. More counting stats should be coming. I don’t see the Nats keeping him buried there much longer.
Casey Mize, DET – Both Mize and fellow Tiger prospect Matt Manning had strong debuts. Mize struck out eight in five shutout innings, while Manning threw five frames of one-run ball and punched out five batters. I don’t think Mize will be up this year, but Manning might be one to keep an eye on.
Chris Paddack, SDP – Saturday’s start wasn’t the best – walking four and only lasting about four innings, but Paddack has been solid for owners who took a flyer on him in redrafts. I watched his first start and I love everything about this guy now. Sounds like he takes things in stride and is really eager to learn and improve.
Eloy Jimenez, CWS – No homers yet and a 10:1 K/BB so far, but you have to be patient and there’s no playing time issue like Hampson in Colorado. I’m confident he’ll bring a strong return even with the high draft day price, it just might not all come together this month.
Pete Alonso, NYM – The Mets have been aggressive with Alonso, giving him the gig on Opening Day and even plopping him in the top third of their lineup. He’s rewarded them for their confidence, hitting .367 with a pair of homers and eight RBI already. Unless you drafted after the season started, you probably got Alonso for a ridiculous price on draft day.
Christin Stewart, DET – Stewart makes contact about as often as I shoot par (that’s not often if you’ve ever seen my swing). But, when he does it tends to go far. He has two homers on the year, including a grand salami. Still a cheap power source if you can choke down that batting average.
Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP – The surprise callup, Tatis is holding his own with a pair of homers and a steal so far this season. His batting average isn’t where you’d like it, but given his age and competition, he’s going to have some rough patches.
Nolan Gorman, STL – Gorman picked up right where he left off last year. He went 4-for-4 Friday with three extra base hits for Single-A Peoria. If you had the top pick in your minor league draft, I hope you used it on this guy.
Yordan Alvarez, HOU – Alvarez is starting 2019 in AAA, and yesterday he hit three homers. He hit 20 bombs in all of 2018, and could easily top that career best this season. I’m expecting a call to Houston sometime this summer, but when and in what capacity depends on some luck, injury, and performance.
