While cold and damp weather made headlines in a dismal April, things seem to be heating up in baseball. No, not the Astros and Indians Twitter feud, on-field results. After returning to the lineup in an extra-inning affair on Tuesday, Mookie Betts resumed his spot at lead-off launching three home runs against the Royals. Power from such a player considered small by some scouts may seem surprising, but Betts seems on the precipice of a power breakout.
He finished April leading the majors in average (.367), slugging (.797) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.255). Betts also tied for the lead with 29 runs. Over the last 12 games, he’s hit nine home runs. Plus, Betts now holds the Red Sox team record for most three home run games with four during his Age-25 season.
In a surprise outburst, Edwin Encarnación also crushed three home runs at home against the beleaguered Rangers pitching staff. Encarnacion entered the game hitting .063 versus southpaws on the year with a home run and two RBI along with a paltry .169 average in home games with only two home runs in 59 at-bats. Then, he salvaged his slow start in one game pushing his season home run total to nine with an isolated power (.255) higher than his batting average (.191). This outburst could open the window for his owners to sell if they’re scared his slow start could mean the beginning of his production decline. However, Encarnacion’s hit at least 30 home runs for six straight years. Decisions, decisions.
That Just Happened
Continuing with the theme, Nolan Arenado hit two home runs in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon. He’s vowed to make up for lost time due to his suspension and production like this helps cushion the blow of losing him due to his charging the mound. Arenado finished 3-for-6 with five RBI and two runs scored to go with the double dong day.
Detroit’s hard luck starter Michael Fulmer escaped another one run loss when his team rallied in the seventh getting a second run off of Blake Snell . Fulmer’s already lost one 1 - 0 game this year and received a no-decision in a second. On Fulmer’s 109th pitch, he hit 96 MPH on the radar and has exceeded expectations for fantasy. With the Tigers in a full rebuild, Fulmer’s been linked to the Yankees scouting department. Stay tuned. This could be foreshadowing.
On the opposite side of the ledger, Blake Snell continues his breakout season with another quality start in Detroit. Although Snell’s four game win streak continues, it will not be in five straight decisions. However, he’s recorded a 1.89 ERA with 38 strikeouts over his last 33.3 innings of work.
Speaking of dealing, Carlos Martínez notched his third win of the year on Wednesday. He’s only yielded three runs in his last 40 innings (0.68 ERA). Newly anointed closer Bud Norris saved his sixth game retiring all four batter he faced.
Rookie Fernando Romero made quite a first impression in Minnesota giving the team a much needed boost working 5.2 shutout innings during his major league debut giving up four hits, three walks and striking out five. There’s no guarantee he will get an extended stay in the rotation with Ervin Santana working his way back, but Romero could kick the door down. He registered 12 swinging strikes of his 97 pitches (12.4 swinging strike rate) with 17 called strikes against the Blue Jays.
Perhaps Eddie Rosario ’s waking up in May. He homered for the second straight day going 2-for-4 with an RBI along with his third stolen base.
Francisco Lindor owners hope Wednesday’s three-hit outburst means more positive regression going forward. Lindor scored three runs with an RBI on Wednesday and crushed his fifth home run. He’s also recorded multiple hits in three straight games.
Lost in the Texas trouncing, Joey Gallo hit his 10th home run and Nomar Mazara his fifth. Both left-handed hitters provide power upside for a team replete with fantasy goodness this year. If either’s available from a frustrated owner, see what it would take to add them to your roster.
Looking to break out of slumps, both Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs and Trevor Story of the Rockies homered in their game on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. It’s Rizzo’s third and Story’s seventh of the year.
Over the last 17 games, J.D. Martínez has hit four home runs and five doubles with a .422 average (27-for-64). He’s also driven in nine runs in his last eight games in spite of playing through a swollen thumb. Keep tabs on his health.
So, Kansas City stinks, but ignoring what Jorge Soler ’s doing would be foolish. He’s on an eight-game hit streak, reached base in 17 straight and hitting .315/.436/.517 after 26 games this year. Yes, more power would be nice instead of his three home runs, but with 27 strikeouts and 18 walks this year, added discipline with possible power upside as the season progresses seems silly to ignore.
Rays catcher Wilson Ramos extended his personal hit streak to 11 games on Wednesday. He racked up three more hits in five at-bats with an RBI in Detroit. During his streak, he’s hitting a robust .407 (22-for-54) with five doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI increasing his average from .115 to .313 presently.
Night Moves
As per usual, injuries continue to shape the landscape of the fantasy season. After the Yankees downplayed Jordan Montgomery leaving Tuesday night’s start, he will be shut down for at least two-to-three weeks and could miss up to six-to-eight weeks going forward. In the short term, look for Domingo Germán to take his spot in the rotation. Long view, plan on the Yankees paying for Michael Fulmer as hinted at earlier in the Closing Bell. You heard me.
Yoan Moncada left Wednesday’s game as a precaution. He’s nursing a bruised right foot, a tight left hamstring and a sore left thumb. Just like us after playing pickup basketball. It stinks getting old. Fortunately, Moncada’s young and considered day-to-day. Breathe.
Against the Brewers, Yu Darvish owns a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings with 17 strikeouts. Against the rest of the majors this year, a 9.50 ERA with 20 strikeouts, 13 walks and 20 hits in 18 innings. He’s failed to finish the fifth inning in any start other than versus Milwaukee and Darvish’s fifth inning ERA of 31.50 should scare about any fantasy owner.
Giants starter Johnny Cueto will seek a second and potentially third opinion on his elbow. He will also consult with the dreaded Dr. Andrews when the team visits Atlanta. Plan accordingly.
Colorado hinted Geraldo Parra will be a veteran bench presence, opening the door for David Dahl to play full-time. Read between the lines kids.
Burning Questions
Which Luis Castillo will show up tonight versus the Brewers? Can Jacob deGrom shut down the powerful Braves offense? Who gets the ninth if the Angels lead tonight? Will Zach Godley bounce back in Arizona tonight? Who turns in the better outing, Luis Severino or Dallas Keuchel in Houston? If it’s Severino, will Giles punch himself? All of this and more with tons of baseball on tap.
Be sure to stop back in the morning for the Round Up on Fantasy Alarm to catch up on the evening slate.
Statistical Credits:
MLB.com
Fangraphs.com