Pitchers:
Jean Machi – Red Sox – RP – Y! 38% – ESPN 10%
After thinking Junichi Tazawa was going to become the closer, Jean Machi will be the closer. How long it lasts is up in the air. Over 164 career innings, he owns a 3.33 ERA. Not a bad reliever, but more average than anything. He is a source of cheap saves.
Chris Bassitt – A’s – SP – Y! 32% – ESPN 21%
Chris Bassitt has been very solid for the Oakland A’s, his strikeout upside has shown as well in the last two starts, striking out 17. The fly-ball rate is a little concerning, but out in Oakland, it is easier to manage. Over seven starts he has a 3.36 FIP, to go with a 2.48 ERA.
Bruce Rondon – Tigers – RP – Y! 53% – ESPN 4%
Keeping tabs on the bullpen in Detroit, Alex Wilson has been iffy due to soreness in his arm. However, Bruce Rondon has looked good filling in. If anything happens to Wilson, Rondon is the guy to grab.
Position Players:
Welington Castillo – Diamondbacks – C – Y! 22% – ESPN 33%
Welington Castillo has earned himself close to a full time role as the Diamondbacks’ backstop, which hasn’t been the case in the past. He was used in a platoon role. He is definitely enjoying Arizona, hitting .254 with 14 homers. If you need some power from your catcher position, Castillo is the only option off the waiver wire to bring it.
Odubel Hererra – Phillies – SS, OF – Y! 14% – ESPN 27%
The Phillies are showing some fantasy worth, and Odubel Hererra is a nice piece if you need runs and stolen bases. He has 11 on the season, and is hitting .290. Hererra’s downside was hitting lower in the lineup, but he has crept back up. The SS eligibility is a nice perk, and more so the reason he is listed.
Ben Paulsen – Rockies – 1B, OF – Y! 46% – ESPN 35%
Ben Paulsen will see plenty of playing time here on out, and he is a nice bat who enjoys Coors field. When he is on the road, it is a different story, like many of the Rockies’ bats. Paulsen is hitting .298 with eight homers, and 35 RBI. In 31 games in 2014, Paulsen hit over .300 with a few homers. He has solid power from the left side, and of course is solid when at home.
