Fantasy Baseball Today - Streaking Players, Eury Perez Set to Return & More! (6/4 Fantasy Baseball Podcast)

Episode Date: June 4, 2025

Scott is back! How was Chicago (2:15)? ... Lance McCullers makes it two quality starts in a row (7:25). ... Addison Barger is on a tear (9:45). ... News (17:40): Corbin Burnes was officially placed on the IL and Eury Perez is set to return next week. ... Jac Caglianone made his debut Tuesday (29:44). ... Michael Busch is hitting well but still not playing against lefties (32:26). ... Rank Tomoyuki Sugano, Landen Roupp, Cade Horton and Shane Smith (40:51). ... These players have gone streaking and have picked things up (45:25). ... What do we make of Strider, Kirby, Gallen and Alcantara (53:17)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpen updates and streamers (59:19). Fantasy Baseball Today is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download and Follow Fantasy Baseball Today on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sptfy.com/QiKv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get awesome Fantasy Baseball Today merch here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bit.ly/3y8dUqi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow FBT on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fbtpod?_t=8WyMkPdKOJ1&_r=1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our FBT team on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FBTPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPTowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CBSScottWhite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Roto_Frank⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Facebook group at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast from CBS Sports. Got a fantasy question? Email Fantasy Baseball at CBSI.com. Get ready to win your league. Well, fantasy. Now here's Frank Scott and Chris. Hello, welcome into fantasy baseball today on Wednesday, June 4th. I am Frank Stamphill, joined by the returning, the converted Cubs fan, Scott,

White, you're on the show. Is that what I am? Ah, I see you donning the Cubs hat. Look at you. I am wearing a Cubs hat after my first visit to Wrigley, saw a Cubs game. I am jealous. Yeah? Have you been to Wrigley before?

I have not. But I want to go. I've done that one. Well, I got to say, it was a good time, Frank. It was. So I will first put it out there because I left it kind of vague before I went. This wasn't a work trip. I didn't go to cover the Cubs or to interview Pete Crow Armstrong or anything.

It was actually an anniversary trip. It was the 10th anniversary for my wife and me in our 14th year of marriage because our 10th year of marriage was 2021. Yeah, we weren't traveling so much then. So we finally got around to doing the 10th anniversary in year 14 and she wanted to see Chicago. And if we're going to go to Chicago, we're going to go to any major. city got to got to check out a baseball game and uh just so happened that this was at one of the most beloved venues in all of baseball rigley field and it was uh it was a good time obviously i had i was keeping a close eye on p crow armstrong because for better or worse that's the

player i feel like i've been most tied to this year and he had a huge game and i will say he got the opening introductions, he got the loudest cheer by far from the fans. Like he's clearly a fan favorite. It's not surprising he's a fan favorite because he plays like his hair's on fire

and it's orange. So it kind of looks like it's on fire too, except when he colors it differently. But yeah, he always seemed destined to become that as a great defender with lots of speed and a high energy style of play. But of course,

he's been MVP caliber so far this year too. So that's only endeared him to the fan base more. And he does things like when he crossed the plate to score one of, I think, a couple runs he scored that game. This was on Sunday. He high-fives a fan behind the, you know, behind the netting, behind the backstop. So you got to love that. So clearly he's a fan favorite there now. and just the whole, like, atmosphere was great.

I'm sure I'm telling a bunch of people listening, they already know this. They may be already experienced it themselves, but like we're in the 400 level. Every seat was full. Of course, when the Cubs win, they play Go Cubs Go and everybody sings it. Nobody leaves when the game's over.

They stand up and wait until the song is done playing, singing it. And, you know, like you look around the stadium and it's not like every fan has one, but all over the stadium, they're holding up the white flags with the blue W on it. And it's just a really cool atmosphere. And we probably saw it as very best because the Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball this year.

So there's a lot of enthusiasm for them right now, obviously. But I understand it's not unusual. Like this is a long-time tradition for that fan base in that stadium. So it was really cool to experience firsthand. And I would say, you know, I haven't been to as many ballparks as you might expect someone who does what I do

and has done it for as long as I have because most of the work is done sitting in this chair behind a computer. But I would rate it second of all the, of all the stadiums I've been to. San Francisco is number one. And I don't, I'm not given a lot of like bonus points for the historic nature of the venue.

I'm just rating it as I experienced it. And so I'd put Riggily number two right after AT&T. I love it. I am jealous. And I've got to get out there, man. I've been telling my wife too. So hopefully it does happen soon. Get out there to Rigley, but I am jealous.

And I will point out that behind the scenes, when I linked up with Scott here, he was singing the Go Cubs Go song. It's been in my head. Ever since. I've just kind of been singing it under my breath constantly. Pete Crow Armstrong. Pete Crow Armstrong, by the way. Or eat Crow Armstrong, as I saw you posted on Twitter this weekend.

Updated 162 game pace after Tuesday. 40 homers, 129 runs, 137 RBI, 56 steals. I would still take the under, but you know what? He just keeps proving us wrong. So just thought I would provide that to everybody. Today on the show, we are going streaking. What does that mean? We'll take a look at players who have really picked things up lately.

They're streaking in a good way. Also, some polarizing pitchers and waiver wire moves, plus much more. Let's jump in. Oh, my goodness gracious. You know what? It would have made more sense for me to use a Cubs soundbite, right, if I was paying attention. But of course I wasn't. Scott, your player of the night, Lance McCullors.

He did it again. Lance McCullors. six shutout innings, only two hits allowed, one walk, seven strikeouts. This was coming off the game that kind of put him back on the fantasy map. It was his previous outing 12 strikeouts against the athletics. So this is two really valuable starts in a row. I do need to point out that this particular start came against what I think is the worst offensive baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

And so that, you know, you have to grade it on a little bit of a curve there. But he did again is the point. back-to-back starts. And I was really nervous about recommending him as a sleeper pitcher coming off the 12th strikeout game. I felt like he obviously had to be not just one of the sleeper pitchers, but number one among those rostered in less than 80% of CBS Sports Leagues, because not only was he lined up for two starts, but they were two great matchups.

And I just knew, like, given, okay, Lance McCullors, he's, as, as, good as that start was against the athletics with all the strikeouts. You know, it's not like his velocity returned pre-surgery. It probably was just a flash in the pan and it's all going to blow up in our face now. That was kind of my, that was kind of the urge I was fighting against as I was looking at the matchups and looking at the alternatives and deciding he needed to be number one. But lo and behold, he came through against the pirates. So we continue to.

to hope against hope. Maybe that's not even the right way to put it. We continue to let it play out. Let it play out, see how long Lance McCullors can keep this going with the reduced velocity. He does have two great breaking balls. He didn't emphasize them as much in this start as he did in the athletic start. So I was thinking maybe that was the key for him. If he really leaned into those two pitches at the expense of everything else,

maybe he could find a way to make it work. And he didn't continue with that against the pirates. And it worked anyway. So I think, you know, if McCuller still happens to be out there in your league, or if you picked them up just for the two starts, you just stick with them a little longer. See how long he can make it work. All right.

Let's talk about my player of the night. Addison, Barger, who will not stop hitting home runs, two for four with his sixth home run of the season. I believe this is four games in a row with a home run for Barger. but this has been going on for quite some time. Not all the home runs, but just doing damage. So last 23 games for Barger, 325 batting average, 6 homers, 16 RBI,

an OPS over 1,000, and just crushing the ball. 95.6 average exit velocity, 17% barrel rate. Once upon a time, there was some prospect pedigree here with Barger. He's getting a chance to play. What looks like, every day he has sat out one time since May 8th, So he is playing quite a bit here for the Blue Jays. 34% rostered, Scott, just feels way too low for someone that's homered in 4 straight and has looked this good over the past month or so.

Yeah, we're starting to see the production to back up the very impressive data. I mean, very impressive. Like all the reasons I liked Jonathan Ronda coming into the year, they apply to Addison Barger. as well. 95th percentile XBA and X-SL 99th percentile average exit velocity.

99th percentile average exit velocity. And if you're thinking, oh, but what about max exit velocity? That's 97th percentile. So it's like, the line I use for a player like this is his baseball savant page looks like Urkel's report card.

And that is true for Addison Barger. And that's with a high pull air rate. So it's not like he's falling short. in that regard, that's with a strikeout rate of only 21%, which isn't bad at all. And it's all coming together for barger. So if you didn't see fit to make a move for him yet, because, okay, that's all fine and good, but where's the actual production? Well, now it's coming.

And that should, you should take a second look at that data and buy into him for sure now. Mm-hmm. So Barger has third base and outfield eligibility, just looking at some potential names that maybe we can drop here. Well, I guess we'll talk about this in a bit, but Mark Viantos goes in the IL, so that's a pretty clear just injury replacement at the position. If you do need help there. But someone like Aeronado, who we spoke about recently, Scott, like, I think there's a little bit more punch with Barger. I would be okay making that move, dropping Aeronado for Barger. Yeah, yeah, I would say so. what about Royce Lewis who is I mean entering two I think he was like oh for his last 30 or something

he's just in a crazy slump right now he is and he was in a crazy slump for basically the entire second half last year too so that's that's a lot of slumping all in a row even with the off season in between obviously the case for a

Royce Lewis decline isn't as strong as it is for Aeronado. Aeronado obviously being at the tail end of his career. Lewis theoretically being in the prime of his career. So I'd be a little more hesitant to make that move. I think at a very shallow league where you can only roster one third basement, you need the production right now.

Maybe you could justify swapping out Lewis for Barger. But in the case of a standard-sized league, I would hope you have someone lesser you can drop. Would you take Barger over any of these names that have popped up on the wire lately. Max Muncie, Miguel Vargas, and Brett Beatty. I kind of like all of them, so that's a tough one. But I think so. Yeah, I think Barger needs to go to the top of that list. I think the upside is higher. Max Muncie, by the way, just hit his second home run of the game, which tied the game in the ninth inning. And let's see if I can get these stats updated here. In 28 games since putting the

glasses on for Max Muncie, which has helped tremendously. He is hitting 267 with eight home runs, 30 RBI, and an OPS over 900. That's a, that's a 28 game stretch there from well. Yeah. Yeah. And obviously he has a a lot of proven upside. He is also toward closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Like we were saying about Aeronado, 34 years old is Max Muncie. And he's been sitting a lot more against left-handers this year than a year's past. If this continues much longer, could that change? I suppose it could. And I do think he's under-roastered.

He needs to be picked up in a lot more leagues than he is, obviously, because being able to see the ball better is important. And he was still hitting the ball plenty hard, even when he was struggling. It's closest between Muncie and Barger With the others you mentioned there Brett Beatty and who was the fourth Miguel Vargas Miguel Vargas yeah

I would say Muncie and Barger Are the top two of those four In terms of my interest level You know Muncie and points leagues Has the walks At least he normally does I'm not actually familiar with his walk rate So far this year

Let's see Yeah it's still really high Yeah you might might give the edge to Muncie in a points league at least, but it's really close between him and Barger. All right, before we hit our first break, just a programming note that, all right, Scott, you had your little time off here.

Next up is me. We're just swapping places pretty much because I'm going to be out the next three podcasts actually going to be in Puerto Rico. So if any of our listeners have recommendations on where to go in San Juan, hit me up. I mean, I've done a bunch of research already, but if anyone knows any more, please.

Let me know. But obviously you'll be in good hands here. Scott and Chris will hold you down on the podcast while I'm out. So that will be for tomorrow night, Thursday night, and then the weekend recap for that I'll be gone. And these guys will be here to do the podcast. Thanks to those watching us live. Make sure to hit the like button and subscribe on YouTube.

If you haven't already, let's take that break. And we'll be back right after this. Welcome back in Fantasy Baseball today. News and Notes. And Scott, this will be a little opportunity to catch you up as well on some things. but Corbin Burns was officially placed on the IL with right elbow inflammation on top of that. He's getting a second opinion from well-known surgeon,

Dr. Neil Eletrage, and look, which is always an ominous sign. So don't know how this is going to go. I mean, I'm always pessimistic. I always lean like, all right, it's probably not going to go well. But obviously we're still waiting to learn more about Corbyn Burns. Ryan Nelson will take his place in the rotation in the meantime. It is ominous.

even more ominous that what was the exact line the concern levels more than minimal from Tori LaVello now I think he's getting a second opinion because it was inconclusive what they could what they saw with the swelling and inflammation from the first look at it so you know it's it's not decided yet but I'm definitely concerned about Corbyn Burns, yes. Do you have any interest in Ryan Nelson? It's not zero. It's not high.

He strangely has been very effective the last couple of years when he throws his foreseamer a ton, when he throws it like upward of 60%. And he had a stretch toward the end of last year where he was doing that consistently and he just kept having success. I think it's kind of fake. I don't see a lot in the day. data other than just he's using his fastball a lot to explain why he's so strong when he does that. But I can imagine worse pitchers to take a flyer on, at least in a deeper league.

All right. Next up, Uri Perez is set to make his season debut on Monday of next week against the Pirates. So that should line him up as a two-star pitcher in his final start at AAA. On Tuesday, he went four in a third innings, two runs, three walks, four strikeouts. up to 82 pitches, had 10 whiffs. He averaged 97.9 miles per hour on the fastball. I love seeing that pitch count get up here, Scott. If Yuri Perez is all the way up to 82,

I have no reason to think, you know, first couple of times out, he's going to give you at least 80 to 90 pitches here. So 74% rostered. We've been saying it for the past month. I mean, this is your last chance to get Yuri Perez. Yeah, presumably. He's 44th in my rest of season rankings at starting pitcher,

which might surprise a lot of people. Been steadily moving up as his approach near. Velocity has looked good. We only have the two AAA rehab starts to judge it on, but the velocity seems normal. Slider uses a little down. It was, I think, 31% when we last saw them, and it's been like 19% in those two AAA starts.

And sometimes pitchers seem hesitant to use that pitch coming off a major elbow problem. So that's something to monitor with you. Uri Perez, but I think it's, to the degree it's a concern, it's a short-term concern. And overall, I think we have every reason to be encouraged by what he's done, the minors, and the upside is enormous. All right. Next up, Hunter Green left his start early due to a flare up of his groin injury,

and that's not good because he went on the IL earlier this season. He hasn't looked the same since coming off the IL, too, so I wonder if maybe he just wasn't right the entire time. Maybe they rushed them back a little bit, but obviously not great, and wouldn't be surprised if either misses a start or has to go back on the IL again. That is Hunter Green. Pablo Lopez was removed from Tuesday's start due to a shoulder injury, shoulder tightness that he suffered during warmups in the sixth inning.

And Pablo Lopez has a history of shoulder injuries as well. So not great. We'll wait to learn more on that. Kyle Tucker was out of the lineup with a jammed right ring finger he suffered this weekend. Craig Counsel downplayed any concern there. Bryce Harper returned to the lineup after missing five straight with a bruise elbow. He went one for three with his ninth home run of the season. Cole Reagan's is scheduled to return Thursday against the Cardinals.

He missed a couple of weeks with a groin injury of his own. Mookie Betts returned to the lineup after missing four games with a fractured toe. Jazz Chisholm was reinstated after missing a month due to an oblique strain. He went two for three with his eighth home run of the season. After the Dodgers loss on Monday, Dave Roberts said the team currently has, quote, no dedicated closer. Although it seems like that's how they kind of always operate. So I'm not. He's telling us what we already know.

Tanner Scott in his last seven games before Tuesday, because I think he actually just came in. and pitch pretty well. It was a 15 ERA and a 267 whip, so obviously... What if they had treated him like a dedicated closer? Would it have gone better? Perhaps. We'll never know. Tanner Scott, by the way, a clean inning, a clean ninth, ninth, tenth?

I think it was a 10th inning. Yeah, clean 10th inning with two strikeouts. So, yeah, nice little bounce back outing there for him. I guess there's a chance like Alex Vessio or Ben Casperius can maybe pick up a couple saves along the way. I don't know. No surprise, but with Luke Weaver going on the aisle, Aaron Boone said Devin Williams will be the team's primary closer.

And of course, he was thrust right into the action. Got the ninth inning with a two-run lead. He gave up a run on two hits, but did pick up his sixth save of the season. So, look, it wasn't easy, but he's the guy. Yeah, and this was his second save since April 17th. The first save was also very rocky, even though for the most part, he's pitched great since from being.

removed from the closer rule. I almost wonder if there's something mental going on there at some point, but he'll get a lot of runway this time. And my hunch is that four to six weeks is enough time for him to just nail down the roll again. And probably we're done with Luke Weaver as a saves guy. I'm not saying if in Leaguesworth Saves are skis, you go ahead and drop Weaver. Certainly, if you can stash him in an IL spot, that's preferable. But if you're if you're asking me, to predict the one way this goes and not leave open a bunch of alternate paths with, you know, a certain probability of them happening as well. I just got one shot to get it right. My guess is Devin Williams is going to nail it down again.

All right. Mark Vientos is headed to the I.L. with a right hamstring strain. As a result, Ronnie Maricio was recalled. And Maricio, a big name prospect. He missed all of last year with a torn ACL in 19 games in the minors. This season was hitting 323 with three homers, six deals, and 892 OPS, 22% rostered on CBS, where he has second base eligibility, but obviously could pick up third base eligibility now as well. It's got any interest in Ronnie Maricio? I mean, I'm not confident he's going to play a ton. I think the Vientos injury really gives the Mets an opportunity to give Brett Beatty a full run at full time at Bats again.

And the way he's played recently, he's earned it. So that would be my initial take. Does Maricio have upside? Of course he does. He hits the ball very hard. He has speed to go along with that power. But the on-based skills are lacking and that might also,

just in terms of finding him at bats, might work against him. Yeah, he did start here on Tuesday, but it was against a lefty and Clayton Kirshaw. So perhaps a short side platoon here for Maricio to start, but I am intrigued by the skill set. There's power, there's speed, so it's a situation I definitely want to pay attention to.

Tyler Glass now downplayed his general body soreness and said he's likely to throw another bullpen Friday or Saturday. Ray's president Eric Neander said that Shane McClanahan could potentially return in late July or early August. We're still pretty far away from that point. Anthony Santander will rest five to seven days. days after receiving a PRP injection in his injured left shoulder. Max Meyer can't hurt us anymore, Scott.

He went on the IL with a left hip impingement. But, I mean, Chris and I basically gave him a fantasy funeral yesterday. We said it was okay. It was time to go ahead and drop Max Meyer. Jason Dominguez was out of the lineup on Tuesday and is day-to-day with a jammed left thumb. Brandon Woodruff will undergo x-rays after being hit on the right elbow by a comebacker during a minor league rehab start. Ezekiel Tovar will be out until at least Friday with a tweaked oblique.

Reese Olson received an injection to address the inflammation in his right ring finger and is expected to resume playing catch on Thursday. Max Scherzer will pitch either in a Florida Complex League game or a simulated game this weekend. He lasts through a 40-pitch bullpen here on Tuesday and is ready to take the next step in his rehab. Evan Carter was reinstated from the IL, and he is 34% roster. It's got any interest in a Evan Carter here.

Sure, in five outfielder leagues. I like the upside still. I would not even think about adding Evan Carter if Addison Barger is still available. It's not a contest there. Yeah. What about Parker Meadows, who returned on Monday and had a great game? I would prefer Meadows to Carter, too.

You just reminded me I need to move him way up my rankings, which I thought I was done with. Many hours spent in the rankings today, but... We're never done, Scott. Never done with the rankings. Bill before I sleep. Nick Gonzalez was reinstated from the 60-day IL. He's been out since March with a fractured ankle, 7% rostered any interest in a Nick Gonzalez.

Not really. Yeah, I think it's mostly NL only at this point. Sawyer Gibson Long of the Tigers will start Wednesday against the White Sox, taking Jackson Job's spot in the rotation. Numbers look good in the minor, Scott. I mean, there was some prospect pedigree here. I think it's a, you know, scout team. Let's watch and see how this goes.

But I think there's a little bit of upside here with Sawyer Gibson Long. So, yeah, if you'll remember, 2023, he came up late in the year, four starts for the Major League Club, had a 270 ERA 110 whip, 11.7K per 9. and I remember the following spring, he didn't get much love from the prospect hounds at all. Coming off that, I had him in my top 100, very low in my top 100, so I was higher on him the most. And then he ended up having Tommy John surgery. So it's been kind of a moot point for the past couple years.

But yeah, I see a lot to like here in Sawyer Gibson Long, good ground ball skills. kind of reminds me of of Reese Olson and maybe this is why he didn't get much prospect love like the the slider and change up are great they get a lot of whiffs and he throws them a lot more than the average pitcher does it's just the foreseamer isn't very good and so and so that scares people away but it's worked for Reese Olson and maybe it could work for Sawyer Gibson long too All right, Hunter Dobbins will reenter the Red Sox rotation with Richard Fitz, optioned back to AAA. And some prospect news, the Giants promoted first base prospect Bryce Eldridge to AAA. He's got big power. We could see him up at some point later to the season. And Jack Caglione's guy, while you're away, Cags got the call.

So very exciting times. He was batting sixth in his debut and already flashing premium exit velocities. He went 0 for 5, but if you dig in here, He had four hard hit balls, one that was 113.9 exit velocity, another that was 112.1, and the XBA on three of his bat at balls was over 325. So it seems a little like some tough luck here for the rookie. And no strikeouts. Yeah.

Five of bats, first five major league of bats, no strikeouts. For as powerful as he is, and he has as much power, as much raw power as basically anyone. I mean, his hardest hit ball in the minors this year is a mark matched by only five major leaguers in all of stat cast history. So Jack Caglione can square it up with the best of them. And for somebody who hits the ball that hard, his strikeout rate has been reasonable for the little bit of professional ball he's played. I also thought it was interesting that he started at DH. We were imagining him getting most of his playing time in the outfield. which is out of position for him.

He's gotten some exposure there in the minors this year, but he's a first baseman by nature. So on days where Salvador Perez catches and Vinnie Pasquantino plays first, D.H is open for Caglio, but you know Perez is going to need a lot of that D.H. time, too. And I presume Caglione will go to the outfield when that happens. It's just a presumption right now, though.

And I am pulling up your rankings real quick, Scott, to see where you put Caglione, and it is 18th in the first base rankings, which is just ahead of Jake Berger, Jonathan Aronda, Ben Rice, and Michael Bush. And yeah, that sounds right. I think the other day Chris and I were talking, and I said, like, around the 15, 16 range made a lot of sense to me. I haven't updated my rankings yet. I'm going to do it on Wednesday, so. Yeah, it's tough for a player like that because you know he has the upside to be higher, top 12, top 10 even. but since he's newly promoted after a very brief minor league career,

it's possible he goes, you know, one for 24 and gets sent back town. So you kind of try to find the middle ground there. I don't feel great about having Caglione ahead of Jonathan Aranda, but I don't want to undersell the upside either. I was surprised to see that on your end, but I think it makes sense. I mean, Aranda's still sitting out against some lefties here and there, I presume Caglione will play every day. So let's hope that is the case.

Let's run through some waiver wire options from Tuesday's action. And Michael Bush had himself a big game, three for four with his ninth home run, and he is homered in back-to-back games. 76% rostered. So, I mean, this is just a shallow league name here. He's doing all the right things, Scott. He's hitting the ball hard.

The plate discipline is improved. He still just isn't playing against lefties. So it puts a cap on Michael Bush's upside. And as a result, I think 76% rostered is, about right for him. Yeah, I mean, it's sort of the same situation as Aranda, except I don't think Bush is quite as good as Aranda. I think he's good.

I mean, his OPS is up near 900 now with the kind of run he's been on. But he basically never plays against left-handers, even less than Aranda. So that, at a position that's becoming deeper with every call-up, that pushes Bush outside the top 20 there for me. All right, we already spoke about Max Muncie earlier in the podcast. He is on fire. Two more home runs here on Tuesday.

Welcome back to Colton Couser, who was in the lineup batting sixth for the Orioles, and he went one for four with his second home run. Last year, second in AL rookie of the year voting, hit 242 with 24 homers, nine steals and a 768 OPS. 68% rostered for Colton Couser, Scott. Do you think that number needs to be higher? Probably not.

I think he needs to be rostered in five outfielder leagues, but very few three outfielder leagues are going to go deep enough in the outfield rankings to prioritize him with his little data as we have to go on. I mean, he was decent enough as a rookie, obviously second in AL voting. It was a weak AAL class.

I'll note, remember the winner was Luis Heel. Whoa, whoa, whoa. No Luis Heel Slander. Come on, Scott. I'm just saying, like, all the best rookies were in the NL last year. Like the four best, clearly. Anyway, and he struck out 31% of the time did Kouser as a rookie. Single digits and stolen bases.

Yeah, I just don't see him as three outfielder material until he proves he is. You know, he's still young enough. He hits the ball hard enough that if he can make some improvements, I could see him becoming that, but fresh off the IEL, basically his season's just starting. I don't think he's there yet. Would you take him over Barger and Parker Meadows? I don't think I'd take Kouser over either one of those.

I don't think so either. Yeah. But I don't know. Maybe we're selling them a little bit short here. I think there's up. So he was a legit prospect. Yeah. But yeah, I see more reason for excitement with those other two than Kouser.

Two other outfielder, Sal Freelick is doing some things lately last 19 games hitting 333 with three homers, three steals, an OPS over 850. And Alec Berluson quietly has also been pretty good here. Last 21 games hitting 338 with five home runs and an OPS over 950s hitting the ball really hard as well. But Burleson does not play against left-handed pitching. Burleson at 53% rostered. Sal Freelik at 61%. I think those numbers probably sound about right, Scott? What do you think?

Yeah, I think they're about right. I think Freelick's a little better for fantasy purposes. And, you know, in large part because Burleson sits as often as he does. And hopefully that'll change. But I have no reason to just trust that it will. and Burleson for all his hard contact it's not the most optimal his pull air rate is pretty low

which is why this was just his what fifth home run of the season yeah they've all come in the past 21 games though okay yeah so I don't know if it's improved during that time but for the season the pull air rate is low the flatball rate is

actually pretty good, just in pure fly ball rate. Yeah, I mean, obviously he was pretty good last year, and he could get back to that. But I think his things currently stand, I would take a free lick between the two of them, and they're both probably just five outfielding material. I could see using Freelick in a points league just because he doesn't strike out much,

if the matchups are good and you have a need. I can't really see that for Burleson right now. Tyler Stevenson continues his hot stretch with the Reds. Last eight games, he's hitting 367 with four home runs. 48% rostered for Tyler Stevenson. There are three catchers that are rostered in more leagues than him just above Tyler Stevenson. Gabriel Moreno, Cabr Ruiz, Carson Kelly.

I think I would take Stevenson overall three. I do have him ranked that way, but I was hedging. I was hedging with Gabriel Moreno, especially. So it's a close call. All right. And last name here is Willie Castro, who is picking things up two for four with a. a double dung, second multi-homer game in his last five.

During that span, he has nine hits, four homers, eight runs, one stolen base, 30% rostered, has second, third base, shortstop, and outfield eligibility. I think mostly a, you know, 12-team roto or deeper type player, Scott, you can move Willie Castro around. He has some utility, but, um, yeah, no, I'm not, I'm not sure that he's like a must add despite a great game. Yeah. I mean, he's, he's not going to be a huge.

power guy, even though he's had a couple multi-homer games recently. And I'll note his pull air rate is up. It's the best it's ever been. But I, it's, it's, it's been pretty good in the past. And, you know, the, the two fantasy relevant years he's had 2024 and 2023, it combined 21 home runs between the two. So I don't think this is a power guy. He did have 33 steals in 2023.

And if he was still running like that, it might be a different story. but he hasn't really shown that anywhere close to that same inclination to steel bases. Only has three of those this year, just Willie Castro. All right. Who would you take between him and Jose Caballero, who's another just, you know,

awesome position eligibility, you can move him around type player for fantasy? Well, if you desperately need steals, I think Caballero is the way to go. I think Willie Castro is a little better overall, though. Yeah, I would agree with that. All right, let's take our final break. When we return, some Waverwire pitchers, players who are streaking, and much more. We'll do that right after this. Welcome back in Fantasy Baseball today. Quickly run through the Waverwire pitchers here. Tomoyuki Sugano had a great start at the Mariners, seven innings, one run with five strikeouts.

Kate Horton, an okay start at the Nationals. Five and a third, three runs allowed with three strikeouts. He also changed up his pitchmakes quite a bit in that one. Kate Horton, that was a little interesting. Shane Smith actually picked up a win. How about that? Against the Tigers, five and a third shutout with six strikeouts. He had 13 whiffs on 85 pitches. Another one who changed up his pitch mix, mostly fastballs and curveballs in that one.

And Landon Root, a quality start against the Padres, six and a third shutout with five strikeouts there. 13 whiffs on 92 pitches, and stop me if you've heard this before. But he changed up his pitch mix quite a bit in the start. He threw a bunch more. changeups and it was a great pitch for him Scott so how would you rank this group

Landon Roup, Shane Smith Kate Horton and Tomoyuki Sugano I would rank them Shane Smith number one pretty clearly and it wasn't just that

he won a game here like he he had been his last couple starts were among his worst and it looked like, okay, maybe he's running out of steam. But everything was up one to two miles per hour in this start. He threw his curveball a lot more, and it's been a good whiff pitch. It was responsible over six of the 13 in this start.

And I just, I think there's a lot more to like than dislike about Shane Smith, with the main thing to dislike being his supporting cast, obviously. But I think 57% rostered is way too low, given how he's looked overall this year. So Shane Smith is number one. It's a closer call for number two because obviously Sugano has been you know, 304 ERA 104 whips, steady enough in a really unexciting way.

And in a way, I don't totally trust to continue because the strikeouts are so lacking. But I can see you defaulting to Sagano as number two just with that ERA and whip and how deep pitches into games. But I've really liked what Landon Rup has shown here lately. So Land and Roup,

six and the third shoutout innings here on Tuesday. And this is four starts now, four starts stretch for Land and Rup with one run allowed between them. So, one and run over his last four starts combined. This was also his fourth straight start with increased changeup usage.

It started out low. You know, he was leaning so much into that, curveball and then more changeups has a good start, more, more, more, more, up to 35% in this one, eight whiffs on the changeup of the 13 total that he got in this start against the Padres. So I think he's figured something out because we know the curveball is good if he's, you know, out of this other pitch to keep pitters honest, and he's finding the success he has recently by doing that, I could see Rup turning into something still.

is it enough for me to put him ahead of Sagano? I mean, I'm so, I'm so underwhelmed by Sugano's, I don't know the best way to put it. I guess just his lack of whiffs that, yeah, maybe, maybe Roop beats him out for me with this change up use. It could be transformative for him. Yeah, I like it. I like that call.

And Landa Rube, I mean, something that really stood out for me is, he's throwing a lot more strikes, Scott. I mean, he only has two walks or fewer in seven straight outings here for Landon Rup. And that was a huge problem for him early on in the season. I mean, he throws that curveball so much. It's hard to command. It's hard to throw it for strikes. So, you know, mixing in some other things, throwing the sinker, throwing a change-up more.

It seems like he has better command of those pitches and as a result, throwing more strikes. So I do like Shane Smith and Landon Rup at the top of this list. They're both RP eligible for those in points leagues. and then I would go Sugano and Cade Horton after that. Horton has been okay at run prevention so far, but he's not going deep into stars and strikeouts haven't been there either. He's still super young and he can figure things out.

It's just I've been a little bit underwhelmed so far from Cade Horton. We're going streaking, Scott. Let's start with some of the hitters here. Some names that have really picked things up lately. Jose Ramirez is on fire. Last 30 games, he's hitting 385 with six homers, 11C,

steals and a 1074 OPS. He's awesome. I mean, this is what we're expecting from Jose Ramirez. Trey Turner also on a tear here. Last 14 games, hitting 339 with five homers, six steals. 13 runs, 13 RBI during that time. So nice to see that after a bit of a slow start from Trey Turner. Junior Caminero.

You know, somebody should probably sign Junior Camerro's hitting coach from the Dominican Republic because that dude works wonders. one for three with a sock in the shoe here for Caminero. And I think it was on May 22nd. He was betting 2.30 with a 662 OPS. In 11 games since, he's hit 395 with six homers, 18 RBI, and lifting the ball more, hitting it very hard, obviously. And boom, all of a sudden, the overall numbers just look awesome here for Junior Camerro.

A couple of their names here, Christian Walker. Last eight games hitting 321 with three homers. Esoc Paredes has eight home runs over his last 20 games. Fly ball rate, pull rate, way up for him. And Alec Bome, last 26 games hitting 347 with five home runs and an OPS over 900. So lots of names here, lots of numbers, Scott, but anything that stands out for these hitters who are streaking right now. I mean, Cominero stands out the most. And obviously he had a world of talent.

and so those who were patient with them are being rewarded now, it was tough because there were times. And frankly, if third base had looked better overall, I probably would have dropped Common Arrow down my rankings, but I basically kept him in the same spot, which is, let's see, it is that seventh, seventh in my third base rankings. It may have been eighth when Alex Breast. Bregman was still healthy.

Yeah. It looks like you have six. Yeah, sixth and I've moved into sixth and roto. I think I'm seventh and head to head points. But it's actually the head to head points number I was going to comment on here because his head to head points per game now, Junior Cominero, is now almost to where Manny Machado's is, which a few weeks ago, it was, it was bad. It was more like, uh, it was more like, uh, it was more like Josh Smith.

level. And the turnaround is just so stark for Junior Commonero. But, you know, the expected stats back it up. Of course, he hits the ball incredibly hard. That's always true. It doesn't strike out much for somebody who hits the ball that hard. And normally that works out. Don't tell that to Jordan Walker, but normally it works out.

And it seems to be working. Maybe Jordan Walker needs to go visit that. Any coach, I don't know. Though, to be honest, Junior Jordan Walker's strikeout rate is. really blown up here. Trending the wrong direction. But yeah, Junior Common Arrow's great. Yeah. One name who's streaking in the wrong direction

is Wyatt Langford. He went 0 for four with two strikeouts. He has just one multi-hit game since April 26th. And during that span, 34 games. He's hitting 169. Does have five homer, seven steals. 29% strikeout rate, that is elevated. But Langford's still hitting the ball hard during that stretch. His babbip is just 207.

And so when I dig in a little bit deeper here, Scott, it feels like Langford has been pretty unlucky. And if anybody out there is worrying, I would be looking to buy on a Wyatt Langford. Sure. Yeah. I agree. I haven't moved him down. He is one of the outfielders. I've moved Pete Crow Armstrong ahead of, though.

Got Pete Crow Armstrong up to 14th now. All right. Cubs fan, Scott. That's the most interesting thing I have to say about Wyatt Langford. All right, what about pitchers who are streaking right now? Carlos Rodan over his last nine starts, a 127 ERA and a 0.85 whip, 70 strikeouts over 56 and 2 thirds. He has been awesome.

Tanner Bybee over his last eight starts, a 310 ERA, a 114 whip. Strikeouts still aren't there and, you know, really change up the pitch mix here. It still just kind of seems like Tanner Bybee is searching right now. And then Drew Rasmussen, who over his last four starts, all shutout starts, 23 shotout innings, 10 hits, three walks, 21 strikeouts here during that stretch for Drew Rasmussen. Scott, anything on these three.

Rasmussen, Bibi, and Carlos Rodon. Yeah, Rodon continues to do his thing. I think he's up to 20th, 20th, and my rest of season rankings at starting pitcher. But we've told his story pretty often at this point. Don't really need to get into that more. Bybee, you mentioned he's changed his pitch mix. He practically ditched the sinker and cutter in this start, and both of those

pitches have a high batting average against. So there may be something too. That for Bybee obviously got a good result against a good offensive club here in the Yankees. And he has looked better overall recently. He kind of hit or miss. But I think overall he's trending the right direction and you're going to be happy you held on to him. Let's talk about Rasmussen. Because I almost chose him for, oh my goodness, gracious player, the night. And then I decided Lance McCullors was more of a, actually earned more of that reaction for me than Rasmussen. But Rasmussen had a great start.

One hit in five innings, eight strikeouts, no walks. It was his fourth straight scoreless start. But he went only five innings. The previous three, he went six innings. And those were his first three, six innings starts at the year. So you think, okay, maybe the raise. are letting him go longer now finally. The thing is,

I think he went six innings in those start just because he happened to be so ridiculously efficient. He has yet to throw 90 pitches, 90, yet to throw 90 pitches in a single start this year, Drew Rasmus. And only once has he gotten to 85. So that is a really limited workload. And not only that, his BAPIP for the year is 225. I think maybe you could make the case for that continuing for a fly ball pitcher,

but that's not Drew Rasmus and he's a ground ball pitcher. And you look historically at his babs. They're higher than 225. This is an outlier for his career. So if the limited pitch usage continues and we see some Babbitt progress, for him. I don't know. I think there will be stretches

where we're not as thrilled with him. And we've only recently gotten his roster rate up to a high level. I think the limited innings were constraining it. So I don't know how high you could really sell on Rasmussen. And I'm not saying you have to. Obviously, he's doing your ratios a lot of good.

He's relief pitcher eligible in points leagues, which you love. If you want to stick with him, it's fine. But I do think it's more likely he gets less valuable from this very point coming off the fourth straight scoreless outing than that he gets more valuable. Yeah, I think that's well said. Let's run through some polarizing pitchers here, Scott. We had too bad and too good here on Tuesday.

Spencer Strider struggled once again against the debacks, five innings, five runs, three homers allowed in this one. He did have 14 whiffs on 85 pitches. and I know Chris a couple of weeks ago brought up the stat that, and I don't know what it is exactly, but it was something along the lines of, in games where Strider has averaged like 96 miles per hour or less on his fastball,

he gives up a lot more hard contact. And I just wonder how much of a consistent issue that's going to be for him, because that really has been the biggest problem for Strider so far through four starts. And the other one here was George Kirby. he was okay. Like he wasn't bad or anything. He was, you know, better than he had been. Actually got hit in the face by a line drive, but his glove kind of like slowed it down a little bit.

So he was like bleeding from his mouth, but it seems like he's okay. That's good there. Five innings, two runs, three strikeouts here for George Kirby. And before we get into Kirby, let's talk about Strider because I guess Chris was watching and he wanted to weigh in on. No, actually, I just wanted to, did you guys see the Pablo Lopez update? Oh, no, I didn't see that. LAT strain probably going on the I.L. Oh. Just wanted to jump in here and mention that. Also, hello, Scott.

Hello. Nice to see you. I hope your vacation was nice. It was good. We'll be seeing a lot of each other in the next couple days. Yeah, yeah. We don't need to talk today. We'll be talking about.

Also, Spencer Strider, after this week, Homestar v. Colorado at Miami area's next two starts. So there are reasons to be worried. He's probably going to be pretty good for at least. a couple of weeks there. Yeah. The remedy is coming. That's all I'm going to say, maybe.

It better be. I hope so. Let's make this a thing. Whenever there's breaking news, Chris, you can just hop on. All right. Well, okay, but we've done this before and I've accidentally ended the stream. So this time I'm just going to close out. Yes, just just and not.

X out the tab. Like don't touch anything else. All right. I'll see you guys. Appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I appreciate it.

Thank you. All right, Scott. So it's polarizing pitchers here. Just quickly. Oh, we're still here. It's a strider. Kirby, Zach Allen, and Sandy Alcantz, anything you like to add on those

four, I mean, you know, exactly that. Very polarizing seasons so far for all of them. Yeah. Oh, man. I feel like there's a lot to get into and not a lot of time to do it. Let's start with Kirby. It is best start, clearly,

but also clearly not where we want them to be, nine base runners in five innings, only three strikeouts. I still don't see a lot underneath that really explains it, not even strike rate. His strike rate's been fine. I think it was 67% strikes in this one. I don't know.

I think in the long run, he's going to be fine. It's just taking a while to get there. Strider, I don't know if he's going to be fine. It's really kind of depressing because I've never had more fun watching a pitcher than Strider at his best when it just seemed like he was. nobody could touch him, you know. And he clearly can't blow away hitters like that with the velocity he has. Now, I do think there's a path to success,

presuming he doesn't regain the velocity, because his secondary offerings all have a very high whiff rate. And he used them more in this start. He used more curveballs. I don't think he actually used more changeups, but of the five changeups, he threw three got whiffs. I think that was the pitch. Catele-Marte hit 440-something feet too, though.

But anyway, he's got the slider, the curveball, the change-up, all with a really high whiff rate. He's learning to use the curveball and change-up more. And that might make him effective still. Will it make him the must-see TV blow every hitter away kind of pitcher he was prior to the elbow surgery? No, but for fantasy purposes, it might be enough. but he's got to locate better than he has. And like he can't, he can't get away with the stuff that he used to get away with is the bottom line.

And, you know, asking a pitcher to just command better. Like, you know, that's a skill that not everybody has. And, uh,

you know, we're kind of asking that of strider even with as good as his secondary offerings are. So I know that's kind of a, a mushy mouth dancer and doesn't really, say anything definitive, but yeah,

it's, it's concern. I'm concerned. I see reasons for optimism and Chris mentioned the upcoming matchups which are

favorable and probably why you just got to hold your breath and start them. But, you know, I wish I had,

it's a lot more hoping than believing at this point, I would say, for Spencer Strider. Is that Gallant through 73% of his pitches for strikes that have been a huge problem for him this year, only 61%.

He also changed his pitch mix a little bit, but more than anything, I just think if he's able to throw strikes like this, he's going to be okay. One start doesn't confirm he will be, but it's a good step for Zach Allen. And then finally Sandy Alcantara, kind of the same thing. The control had been so bad. And in this start, he threw six. 66% of his pitches for strikes. It was against the Rockies, so I think there's even more reason for skepticism with Alcantra. I'm not ready to start him again.

And I don't think he needs to be added everywhere he was dropped after this start. But it is a step in the right direction. All right. Some other leftovers here on the pitching side. Paul Skeen took a tough luck loss against the Astros, eight innings, one run, eight strikeouts, 21 whiffs on 99 pitches for him. Friday Peralta, a quality start at the Reds, six plus innings, three runs with a season high, nine strikeouts.

He had 20 whiffs on 103 pitches, and Christopher Sanchez, a quality start at the Blue Jays, six innings, one run, four strikeouts. Also had four walks, and I noticed he has three or more walks in five of seven starts since he was dealing with that arm injury back on April 22nd. He still mostly has been fine, but the control has been a little bit off since then. Scott, anything on Sanchez, Parolta, and Paul Skeins? I mean, it's frustrating what's going on with Sanchez's control. And we saw this from him last year when he was throwing the ball harder as well. It wasn't there at the beginning of this year. The walks, it was just out of Velastity and the control's still good.

And wow, what does the upside look like if that's the case? But the control has clearly dropped off here. is it a worthy tradeoff for Sanchez, the extra velocity for reduced control? I'm still not sure that it is. So five of his last seven starts now, three walks or more. And he's been okay. But the whip is getting pretty high at this point. He's still closer to must start than not, I would say, Sanchez.

But I don't think this is the best we've ever seen him. All right. On the hitting side of things, a couple leftovers here. for the D-backs, huge games for both of their stars here. Corbyn-Carrul-Carrul-3-4 with a double-dong and had four RBI. He hit just 2-14 in May. The power and speed obviously has still been great. He's already up to 18 home runs.

I think his career high is 25, so yeah, Corbyn-Carrul-Carrul-Carrul-Cherl has had a ridiculous season. Only 10 Seals is kind of weird for him, but obviously you'll take it. Catelle-Marte, 3-4-3 with a double-dong, 3-RBI. Speaking of the RBI, Scott, Catel Marte has 10 homers and 16 RBI on the season, which almost seems impossible. As Corby and Carroll keeps homering ahead of him. That is true.

Never on base. Bobby Witt went two for four with his seventh home run. Powered down a little bit this season. You know, pulled air percentages down a little bit, barrel rate down a little bit. I don't know. I would still expect, you know, maybe Bobby Witt doesn't get all the way back to last year's power, but I still would expect it to pick up a little bit here. And Juan Soto, one for five, with his 11th home run,

and he's been hitting for more power lately as well. So good see. Yeah, I'm sure you're frustrated if you took Bobby Witt ahead of either Otani or Judge or perhaps even both. But I want to check last year. I feel like it took a while for the power to pick up last year too. So we hit four home runs in April, five in May, three in June. So halfway through the season, he only had 12.

He had 17. I combined 17 in July and August. Okay. And that's the way it goes, you know? It's not like it's a steady distribution all season long. You know, the weather's heating up, Scott. So hopefully that ball starts flying out. Not for our pitcher's sake, but for Bobby Wood's sake, that would be nice.

Call to the bullpen for the Rockies. Zach Agnos is on the bereavement list. So Seth Halverson got the ninth inning and picked up his third save and the first series win for the Rockies all season. How about that? For the Astros, Josh Hader struck out two for his 16th save. For the Reds, Emilio Pagan struck out one for his 15th save. For the Royals, Carlos Estevez gave up a hit and a walk but picked up his 17th save. For the Giants, uh-oh, trouble in paradise, Camilo Doval got the ninth inning with a two-run lead.

He gave up two runs on two walks and two hits, took his six. third blown save and the Padres would eventually win that game in extra innings. For the Mets, Edwin Diaz was unavailable after pitching yesterday. Wascar Brazaban got the ninth inning and he gave up that solo homer to Max Muncie to tie the game and the Mets would wind up losing in extra innings as well. To stream or not to stream for Wednesday we have Luis Ortiz at the Yankees, Clark Schmidt, home against the Guardians, Jose Soriano at the Red Sox, Lucas Julito, home against the Angels, Mick Abel at the Blue Jays, Noah Cameron at the Cardinals, Kyle Harrison

versus the Padres, and Zebby Matthews at the Athletics. Okay, there's some interesting names here. I think I'm most interested in using Clark Schmidt against the Guardians. Obviously, Mick Abel and Zebby Matthews have a lot of upside. Abel has the better matchup, I would say, at Toronto versus Matthews at the athletics. But I worry about

length for both of them. Obviously, Sacramento is looking like a tough place to pitch for Zippy Matthews there. And Abel is just one start that we're going on. He went back to the minors and the two starts he had there were strong enough, but he walked a decent number of hitters.

I think it was like, six walks between the two starts. And that was the weird thing about his major league debut is just how, why his control was so good, because we hadn't seen that from him in the minors. And it'd be awfully gutsy to start him in his first game back, I would say. I guess this is a bad time to tell you that Chris and I picked him up

in the NFBC League and we're starting him this week. The team we share? Yeah. We picked up McAbel and we're starting him. I mean, there's nothing wrong with picking him up. He has upside and, you know, hopefully he's here to stay this time. Yeah. But, yeah, it was actually seven walks in 10 and two-thirds innings.

His two starts back at AAA. Yeah. He did have eight strikeouts in each, but yeah, I totally hear you on the control there from McAble. And then on Thursday, surprisingly enough, we actually have a pretty big slate of games on Thursday, 12 games, but a lot of good pitchers. I mean, most of these guys are already rostered. I mean, there's only three names. and I saw that might be available. Slate, Cicone at the Yankees,

Sean Burke versus the Tigers, and Jake Irvin versus the Cubs. Yeah, I don't know. Better to stream Wednesday than Thursday. I think that's probably the answer. All right, Scott, welcome back. Happy to have you back on the podcast. Reminder to everyone again,

I'll be gone for the next three podcasts, but Scott and Chris will be here to hold it down for you guys. We're going to wrap there for Scott. I'm Frank. Thanks, as always, for tuning in to Fantasy Baseball today. Please make sure to follow and leave a 5-star rating on Apple or Spotify,

and we will be back again tomorrow. Bye-bye. Paramount Podcasts.