We roll into this week having nailed the last four streamers and inevitable MLB call-ups. This week, though, is the All-Star break so there isn’t much in the way of two-start pitchers or streamers with two series worth of killer matchups. Rather, we will cut the list down from 10 to 5 useful nuggets to help you in the coming week.
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#1 It’s time to admit Sonny Gray is solid
If you need a starting pitcher, Gray is still available in 60% of leagues. He started the season just fine and most chalked it up to a fluke thanks to last year’s struggles. He has kept it going, however, and is actually pitching great of late. In his last 8 starts, Gray has a 2.91 ERA to go with 55 Ks in 46 innings. To put that into perspective, Zack Greinke, who has been dominating, has a 2.67 ERA with 46 Ks in 57 innings over that time. It’s time to pinch your nose and make the pickup.
#2 Speaking of hot players…
Nate Lowe has been raging in the minors since being sent back down. Sure, he struggled in a limited 44 at-bat MLB sample size, but the kid is a beast and will be back up with Tampa before long. He now carries an Anthony Rizzo like .290/.419/.519 line with 31 extra-base hits in 241 Triple-A at-bats. Since June 1st, he has 9 homers, 26 RBIs and is batting .340 for the Durham Bulls. It’s only a matter of time before this 2% owned rookie is 72% owned.
#3 Someone in your league may have dropped a stud
Caleb Smith was dominating for the Marlins before being sent to the IL for a month with a hip injury. He is officially back as of today, however, with his sparkling 1.02 WHIP and 82 Ks in just 66 innings. Believe it or not, this fringe-ace is now available in 45% of leagues so be sure to check your waiver wire just in case, and while you are at is, don’t be surprised if you see Brad Peacock, the Red Sox new closer, Nathan Eovaldi, or perhaps even Tyler Glasnow.
#4 The top hitter pickup of the week is…
Not a player I thought I’d ever recommended picking up again, but here we are and Jackie Bradley has now been one of the best hitters in baseball over the last month with a .320/.411/.567 line to go with 5 homers and 3 steals. We know he can be a source of both power and speed, but now that his rolling K-rate has dropped from 35% to 15%, the reliable batting average may have finally returned as well. Calling him the top pickup, of course, is assuming you’ve already taken my advice and scooped up Avisail Garcia, who is a certified monster.
#5 Looking for a deep league future closer?
I’ve hyped up the likes of Reyes Moranta, James Karinchak and Ryan Pressly at points this season, but let’s turn our focus to this year’s version of Adam Ottavino. For the Rockies last year, Ottavino posted an absurd 2.43 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP and 13 K/9 despite playing half his games in Coors. Well, Scott Oberg has been every bit as good with a 1.27 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 10 K/9. Assuming the Rockies see four strong teams ahead of them for the Wild Card and sell, Oberg could be a monster if he gets dealt to a team like the Red Sox or Cardinals. If not, it seems inevitable that he will steal the Colorado job from Wade Davis.
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