Kyle Tucker has started the 2019 season cold. Like really cold. Like, the freezing point of helium cold. Shout out to my unfortunately-named high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Richard Sores. But, there is hope for the flowers. Tucker has hit safely in each of his last three games with a double and two homers in that span. Why is this important? If you own Tucker, who was a favorite to get called up at some point this season, he needs to play well to avoid getting leapfrogged by Yordan Alvarez and Myles Straw on the road to Houston. Here’s what else is happening around the minor leagues…
Griffin Canning, LAA – Set for a promotion and the start on Tuesday. Dan Pants did a nice job breaking down Canning in Saturday’s rundown. Here’s what I said about Canning in the offseason: “If this wasn’t a fantasy-centric list Canning would probably rank higher. He’s a college arm and kissed Triple-A already. Triple-A didn’t exactly kiss back though (5.49 ERA), so I doubt he’s going to be running away with a rotation slot in the spring. Like Suarez, he has four better-than-average offerings with decent control and strikeout potential – thanks in part to a plus change. It’s a mid-rotation profile with some injury history so I’m not exactly falling all over myself to scoop him up.” What a glowing report! The good news is Canning has only given up one run in 16 Triple-A innings to start the year. He’s struck out 17. Definitely an add in AL-only. I’m less crazy about him in mixed formats.
Nico Hoerner, CHC – Hit the IL with SWS (shitty wrist syndrome). Funny, that’s what me and all my buddies suffered from in middle school. It’s only a bruise and he should be back in a week. Hoerner was off to a decent start in Double-A with a .290+ average, and this doesn’t affect his value since it’s minimal time lost.
Yusniel Diaz, BAL – Also headed to the DL with the dreaded “undisclosed injury”. That’s what I put as my reason for sick leave at work. Mind your own business Karen from human resources! I had a chance to see Diaz in Akron recently and honestly he was just kinda meh. He’s hitting .225 to start the 2019 campaign with Bowie. Hopefully it’s nothing serious and the break helps him readjust.
Keston Hiura, MIL – 3-for-3 with two homers and a double Friday night. That brings his average up to .316 on the year and we can all take a big breath after a scary strikeout-riddled start to the 2019 season. There’s no room at the Milwaukee inn currently, but injury could open a door for Hiura this summer.
Enyel De Los Santos, PHI – Called up to the pen and possibly a spot start here or there. Luckily Kapler had enough sense not to make EDLS clean up Arrieta’s mess in the sixth when Jake peed down his leg. Instead, Enyel entered in the seventh with nobody on. He gave up a hit and a 2-run homer…so I’ll be screaming into a pillow if you need me. I’d monitor in NL-only leagues but in a bullpen role his value is diminished.
Nate Pearson, TOR – Punching out a ridiculous 14+ K/9 with 30 strikeouts in just 19 innings. The big righty has given up just two runs and two walks so far in High-A. Next stop is Double-A and a call to Toronto by the end of the summer might not be totally crazy. Unlike my uncle, who calls his dog “the fur person”. That’s totally crazy.
