Much like last week, it may be a bit too early to make sweeping declarations about team stolen base allowed numbers but there are a few interesting numbers that are beginning to form.
- The Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and Cleveland Guardians have allowed 9 stolen bases each with the Tigers yet to throw out a runner.
- The Colorado Rockies have yet to allow an SB at all and the Oakland Athletics have allowed just a single SB
- The Tigers face the Minnesota Twins and Los Angelos Dodgers next week so fire up the SB threats like Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux, and potentially Nick Gordon depending on Byron Buxton
As for adds this week aside from the aforementioned Gordon – who is dependent on Buxton’s health – there are a few other interesting names to watch for this week ahead:
- Aaron Hicks may be available in your leagues. He has led off the last three games and swiped a bag last night. He is getting on base at an elite clip and could run more if he continues to lead off
- While David Fletcher will likely be returning in the next week or so, Andrew Velasquez and Tyler Wade could be cheap sources of SBs until he does. One of them will also potentially retain the 2B job when he does return
- The Giants are one of the most frustrating teams for fantasy purposes but Steven Duggar is an interesting SB option. He has had three bags in the last seven days. His offensive output has been poor but if he plays fairly regularly he could replicate his slightly above-average offensive output from a year ago
- Since returning Taylor Ward has played four games, hitting 2nd with the Mike Trout injury but has attempted two steals. Ward showed really well last season and has gotten off to a hot start this year. He is a must-add if he continues to see regular at-bats once Trout returns.
This definitely tells me that the Angels have shown a willingness to run and will do so freely. If more of their regulars go down make sure to pay attention to the replacement because they could find themselves accruing more SBs than we would typically expect.
