With DL spots overflowing more than ever, let’s take a look at some names that can fill in while stars get healthy!
Hitters:
Coco Crisp OF – Everyone desires a five category player and as often as Coco slumps, he catches fire. If I had Braun, or Harper, or any number of ailing stars, give Coco a chance. If for no other reason, he has just a good a chance to get you 4 HR’s, 6 SB’s and a respectable .280 average over a two week run.
Nick Castellanos OF/3B – I still see this growing prospect showing up in a lot of free agent pools. An early platoon with D. Kelly has taken a back seat to full time work. His extra base power and low spot in the order may give you hesitation but if I had Aramis Ramirez or Moustakas from the Royals, I’d be rushing Nick the Stick into your lineup. He hasn’t been spectacular but very consistently solid. And while looking for stats, consistency goes a long way. Especially in head-to-head leagues.
Carlos Ruiz and Miguel Montero C – These two veterans have really stepped up lately! Montero has especially been a juggernaut the past two seasons but advanced stats show he has been the victim of the worst luck in baseball. I see Montero the more long term option but both have solid futures ahead.
Jonathan Villar SS – A top 5 projected SB leader in the preseason, I see him in several free agent pools. 8 of his last 12 hits have gone for extra bases so the SB’s are down but if you can get over the “Astros Factor” he has been very well rounded the last 2 weeks. With so many jumping on the Alcides Escobar fun bus, I’m taking Villar.
Pitchers:
Brandon McCarthy SP – The last 3 weeks, he has quietly put up a sub 2.50 ERA and near 1.00 WHIP. Most starters can easily enjoy a strong start or TWO. But when you see 3 straight, you HAVE to take notice. With so many studs going on the DL (Sale, Sanchez, etc.) this snake may just be what you need. Especially with a two start week ahead and a recent ability to throw K’s at over a strikeout per inning rate.
Dellin Betances RP – If you have missed out on the carosuel of closers and have to wait to jump on the next demotion/promotion from a manager, you may as well get a guy throwing up zeros and striking everyone out. Over the last 3 weeks, Dellin has struck out 20 over 11 1/3 innings. With Tex heating up and a Yankee lineup putting up solid offensive numbers, Dellin may get you a W or two while you wait on the next closer change.
Travis Wood SP – This guy can HIT. But while he does have some pop with the stick, he always seems to keep his team in the game. Over the last 3 weeks, 20 K’s to just 3 walks. And with just one start this year of more than 3 earned runs gives me the confidence to put him in. White Sox up next. And the Sox are a 10 run or 0 run kind of offense. Let’s hope for 0 run this turn in the rotation for Wood!
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