Diamondbacks SS Jordan Lawlar is one-for-seven with three strikeouts through two games but has tended to adapt quickly even if he struggles a bit early at a new level. Good to see the team promote him after just 16 games in Triple-A. They might not take the World Series this season, but the sand snakes are going to be trouble for the next several cycles.
Just ten days after his 21st birthday, Rangers OF Evan Carter replaced the injured Adolis Garcia in the big league lineup, collecting a walk, a hit and a steal in his debut. He posted a .436 on base percentage in eight Triple-A games after a .411 in 97 Double-A games. He’s got 26 steals in 36 attempts across three levels and should be able to help there over the next couple weeks. Might even mess around and wind up the leadoff guy out of spring training next year.
Yankees OF Jasson Dominguez keeps hitting, blasting his fourth home run in his seventh big league game on Friday night. Swiped his first major league base, too. He’s been spectacular enough in one week to breathe new life into the team’s 2024 outlook.
Cubs LHP Jordan Wicks has caught fire at the perfect time for a club in search of startable pitchers. He has started three games and recorded three wins. Wish I had him in the league where a win or two will be the difference between first and second. Pitching has been wild in the National League this season, so while I was about to say Wicks probably isn’t this good for fantasy in that he doesn’t strike many guys out and doesn’t keep his WHIP especially tidy, beggars can’t be choosers. He’s a good fit for that park with a good defense behind him and is a pretty easy start this year and sleeper heading into next.
Speaking of sleepers, Guardians RHP Xzavion Curry might be a popular pick by spring. Cleveland could add some options that push him back to the pen, but that’s not typically their style.
Cardinals 1B Luken Baker has four plate appearances in the last seven days. Tough to earn a job that way.
Blue Jays 2B Davis Schneider was hitting cleanup as the designated hitter on Friday night. Pretty loud endorsement in that lineup. He went 2-for-2 with two walks. Tough to lose a job that way.
The Tigers have stared down at least ten chances to promote 3B/OF Justyn-Henry Malloy, so even with five home runs and a .519 on base percentage over his last 12 games, the 23-year-old remains in Toledo, where he’s posted a .432 on base percentage and 23 home runs in a 123 games.
Through six major league games, Royals 2B Nick Loftin has more walks (4) than strikeouts (3) and a slash line of .368/.478/.632. He’s ready. Just a matter how much impact his just-above-average power and speed can make at the highest level.
Angels 1B Nolan Schanuel isn’t the only 2023 draftee with little time for the minors. First-round hitters Dylan Crews, Wyatt Langford and Matt Shaw have all raced to Double-A this year. Crews is hitting .173 and slugging .231 across 14 games during what has been a weird time for the Washington Baseball Team. Langford is slashing .167/.353/.250 but it’s just four games, and he’s only struck out once. Shaw is slashing .313/.389/.531 with one home run and four stolen bases in just eight games. Does any of this matter? Not really. But I don’t understand why Crews skipped High-A. Any hope of getting Shaw outside the top six in a first-year-player draft is probably out the window.
Thanks for reading!
