Pitchers:
Tim Lincecum – Giants – SP – Y! 49% – ESPN 58%
Tim Lincecum has joined us again in terms of fantasy relevance. He has a 2.00 ERA through six starts, with a 7 K/9. He is holding lefties to just a .161 average this season, which is impressive. If he can tame right-handed bats a little more (.270), it is safe to say he is back to his old self. His last start sent his ownership up, but still available in 40-50% of leagues. I am firing up Lincecum in all his home starts, while maybe being a little cautious when he is on the road.
Jon Niese – Mets – SP – Y! 26% – ESPN 24%
Not your flashy fantasy pitcher, but Niese is getting the job done. Eight runs allowed in six starts is impressive, and catches my eye as I guy I need in weekly matchups. If you are in deeper leagues, or suffering through injuries, Niese seems to be a stable guy to get you through it.
Rafael Soriano/A.J. Ramos – FA/MIA – RP – Y! 6% – ESPN 4%
After another Steve Cishek blown save, A.J Ramos seems to be the likely play for some saves, but it is only confirmed as a save by committee. Miami has expressed interest in Soriano, and may be a guy to snag if you are desperate, as I am. He was likely to sign with a team this season, but this is the first time anything concrete as surfaced. Keep an eye on the news out of Miami.
Position Players:
Yunel Escobar – Nationals – SS, 3B – Y! 14% – ESPN 16%
His five hit game night sent his average up, but this season Escobar has been producing in the top of the lineup. He is a great source for runs, with 16 already this season, and the Nationals offense seems to be hitting their stride. Shortstop is a weak position, so by all means take this production while you can.
Jung Ho Kang – Pirates – SS – Y! 24% – ESPN 9%
Jung Ho Kang was a highly talented foreign prospect coming into 2015. With no production coming from Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, he has slipped into the lineup quite a bit over the last few days. He is hitting .333 with 2 HR, and nine RBI this season, a good pick up in NL leagues, or deeper dynasty leagues.
Marlon Byrd – Reds – OF – Y! 46% – ESPN 48%
Well, we drafted Marlon Byrd, waited a month and dropped him. Now he is showing the power we expected from him in Cincinnati. I am scooping him back up if he is available, at least for a bench spot. His average should creep up a little, I had him finishing .255 for this season, and believe that is where he will land. Here in May he is hitting .323, so hopefully the warm weather gets his bat going.
Andre Ethier – Dodgers – OF – Y! 20% – ESPN 32%
Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford are both out on the DL, and this frees up space for Ethier. In other scenarios he is an everyday starter, but L.A. did not want to trade him, and they are looking wise now. He is hitting .286 this season, with 4 HR, 10 RBI, and 16 R. Solid production in his amount of at-bats. The injuries leading to his playing time are ones that could linger for a while.
