Pitchers:
Addison Reed – Diamondbacks – RP – Y! % – ESPN 23%
The bullpen situation in Arizona has been a rotating carousal this season, but according to the Arizona Republic, Addison Reed is likely to step back into the closer role. This is not a for sure thing, given Brad Zeigler has the last three saves. It is something to keep an eye on, since there is a majority in the need for saves. Reed has been a bit more consistent in the setup role, and his groundball-strikeout rate has improved over the last few weeks. He is hardly owned anywhere, so if he does earn back the closer role, he will be a decent add.
Mike Fiers – Brewers – SP – Y! % – ESPN 30%
Browsing through the waiver wire the NL starters are looking a little weak. Mike Fiers has been an add/drop guy throughout much of this due to his inconsistency. His low groundball rate has been a concern, but the .379 BABIP is bound to come down and equal everything out. He had a 3.72 ERA in May, which he dropped down from April, but about 1.5 runs, and now has a 1.82 ERA so far in June. He has a 25.6% strikeout rate, so he is still racking up the k’s.
Rafael Soriano – Cubs – RP – Y! % – ESPN 2%
Rafael Soriano has finally been signed to a club, and he will start out in the Minors for a short time before being brought up to the pen. He is not an immediate pickup, but one to keep an eye on, or if you have an extra bench spot, go for it. Soriano is an established reliever who is headed to a team without a set closer. If he gets the role he will be a huge fantasy asset for the rest of the season.
Position Players:
Joe Panik – Giants – 2B – Y! % – ESPN 62%
These west coast guys fly under the radar sometimes, so I will show some Joe Panik love. He has 53 combined runs and RBI, and five home runs out of the two spot for San Francisco. He is hitting .318, and has a .384 OBP. Panik is not a guy who strikes out a lot, with just a 12.1% strikeout rate. Panik hit .327 in the second half last season, and is proving he is a talented hitter. If you are in the need for middle infield help, look to Panik.
Adam Lind – Brewers – 1B – Y! % – ESPN 42%
.283/.357/.497 slashing line for Adam Lind this season, who is performing nicely in Milwaukee this season. His OBP is about 30 points higher than his career average. He is hitting .346 in June, and is a bat I expect to really heat up over the next two months. Milwaukee is one of the better places for Lind, as it held a 126 park factor for left-handed home runs over the last three seasons.
Maikel Franco – Phillies – OF – Y! % – ESPN 25%
Maikel Franco is getting overlooked as one of the young prospects to be called up this season. Through 25 games he is hitting .275, with six home runs. He is hitting both left-handed pitching, and right-handed very well, and is keeping a low strikeout rate. He is heating up here in June, hitting .448. Hitting 5th in the lineup he is hitting in back of a few solid on-base guys, outside of Ryan Howard. Even though the Phillies have the worst offense in the league, Franco is a guy to own from in.
