Taking a look around the league, here’s a recap of last night’s action and suggestions for your fantasy baseball team.
Mr. Clutch (pitcher) – Julio Teheran had the best start of his major league career last night against the Pirates going 8.0 innings allowing one hit, zero runs and two walks while striking out 11. This young pitcher has taken his lumps this season but seems to be figuring out how to pitch in the bigs. In standard leagues, it would be hard to consider Julio Teheran anything more than a streamer option at this point, but definitely should be owned in a keeper league.
Mr. Clutch (hitter) – The Rockies lit up the Reds last night behind the 1-2 combination of Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. Though Tulo went 5-for-5 with two home runs, three runs and three RBIs, it was CarGo who had the spotlight. Gonzalez went 3-for-5 with three home runs, three runs and six RBIs. Right now, he is on pace for over 40 home runs! I suspect that CarGo cools off a bit because he is hitting a home run for every four fly balls right now, which is way above his career average.
Surprise, surprise! – Marlon Byrd, whom I did not even know was still in the league, had a monster game last night, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three runs and three RBIs. On the season, he has a respectable .255/.310/.489 slash line with eight home runs. Byrd is more than likely owned in leagues that he has value. Any 10- or 12-team mixed league he does not have any value. But, then again, if he keeps hitting like last night, he could find his way into the fray.
Here comes the heat – Kyle Seager continued his hot streak last night, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a run and four RBIs. He is on a nine-game hitting streak with a .351/.400/.568 slash line during that stretch. Third base has been decimated for much of the season, riddled with injury and poor performance. However, Seager has been a mainstay at the position this season. I think Seager finishes in the top 10 at third base this season. There is no reason to think that he won’t.
Left out in the breeze – Dan Haren was on the wrong end of the Marlon Byrd home run spree last night. He lasted 4.0 innings allowing seven hits and five earned runs while striking out only two. It has been a rough season for Haren, who seems to be on the downside of his career. He’s been prone to the home-run ball a bit more than usual, but I would not expect a classic second-half turn around like Haren owners are used to.
Who’s trending? – Anthony Rendon got called up last night and started at second base. Rendon could have some value going forward when he picks up 2B eligibility in a couple weeks. I would rather have his upside than someone like Neil Walker. If you need a second basemen, Rendon could be a decent guy to stash.
Bench me, please? – I’m ready to cut bait on Justin Morneau. He is like Lorenzo Cain with less pop and less speed, and at first base, that does not really cut it. He is getting on base, but Morneau is only SLG .383. Just not a guy I would want going forward. It is only a matter of time before he tweaks something, so if you can sell Morneau, now is the time.
The Streamer – Dan Straily shut down the White Sox last time out, there is every reason to think he can shut them down again. Deploy with confidence!
