MLB Closing Bell: Choo, Choo's Chosen

Published: Jul 09, 2018

Amidst the All-Star banter, a worthy player will make his first trip riding a 47 game on-base streak as the first position player from his country. Many overlook Shin-Soo Choo ’s consistency in the latter rounds of drafts, but he’s rewarded those who chose him with 52 runs, 17 home runs, 42 RBI and three stolen bases. Choo’s slashing .339/.464/.600 during his streak pushing his average this season over .290 as a result. Sometimes those boring old veterans work out for fantasy purposes over the shiny new toys.

We’re going streaking

Xander Bogaerts only played five games last week, but he only struck out once going 6-for-15 with six runs, two doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI and eight walks. He’s recorded multiple RBI in each of his last four games and faces a southpaw at Fenway tonight.

Over his last 157 games played, Aaron Hicks has been terrific. In fact, he’s scored 98 runs with 31 home runs, 94 RBI and 17 stolen bases. He’s currently pacing towards 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases in only 129 games this year yet seems under valued in the fantasy community. Remember this next year.

Mark Trumbo lost time due to injury early on, but he’s back crushing baseballs already hitting his ninth home run since June 17th (21 games) in the first game of today’s doubleheader versus the Yankees. He moved into sole possession of second place in the American League during this time frame, one ahead of the aforementioned Aaron Hicks .

Another player who lost considerable time this year to injury, Wil Myers would like your attention. He launched three home runs on Saturday, in a game the Padres lost by double digits, stole two bases on Sunday and hit the game winning home run. Myers has hit safely in seven of his last nine games going 12-for-33 (.364) with two doubles, a triple, five home runs, 12 RBI, three stolen bases and six walks in them. And four multi-hit games for good measure. It’s a bit late to salvage his season in fantasy, but here’s to a potentially beneficial second half in power and speed.

Targeting a player on the Mets seems like fools gold. But, Asdrubal Cabrera has hit three home runs with seven RBI (including his home run in game one this afternoon) his last seven games. Entering today’s doubleheader, Cabrera’s last 18 games yields a .329 average in 73 at-bats with eight runs, two doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI along with a .402 on-base percentage.

Night Moves

Make sure to account for J.T. Realmuto landing on paternity leave and he will miss at least two games to start the week. He may not return until the Marlins face the Phillies later this week. Plan accordingly.

Texas demoted their leader in starting pitcher ERA, Austin Bibbens-Dirx, in order to activate Cory Gearrin in an effort to bolster their depleted bullpen. With Martín Pérez slated to return to the rotation this weekend, Bibbens-Dirx became expendable for now, but he should be back soon after the Rangers make some trades.

Good news for Noah Syndergaard owners. He pitched five innings during his rehab start on Sunday allowing two hits, one run and a walk with seven strikeouts. Perhaps he will return before the All-Star break.

Teammate Todd Frazier landed on the 10-day disabled list due to a rib injury. In the first game today, José Reyes started at third base. Why? I have no idea. Keep in mind, Wilmer Flores has hit .295 (38-for-129) his last 40 games with 13 runs, 11 doubles, five home runs, 21 RBI and 10 walks. And by the way, Jeff McNeil’s hitting .393/.453/.655 in 21 games at Triple-A with eight doubles, a triple, four home runs and 21 RBI, but let’s get at-bats for Reyes. Sigh.

What To Watch For

With both teams in New York participating in doubleheaders, and nine other games on tap, a busy night lies ahead.

Can Gerrit Cole recapture his early season magic with a big game versus the A’s at home?

Will surging Andrew Suarez outduel a struggling Kyle Hendricks at home? The Cubs loaded their lineup with right-handed batters including Addison Russell hitting second for the first time in his career.

Two southpaws will toe the rubber in Boston tonight with Mike Minor , on a heater of late, facing Eduardo Rodríguez . Rodriguez could set his career high for wins if he’s victorious and Boston’s won 14 of his 17 starts.

A battle for Ohio with Cincinnati heading to Cleveland. The Reds get the benefit from the designated hitter, so the four outfield rotation could all be in play the next three games.

Chris Archer makes his return tonight for the Rays. Fantasy owners will be tracking his start versus the Tigers very closely.

Just Because

An interesting debate between members of the staff this afternoon about where Manny Machado ’s likely to end up. Which potential spray chart do you prefer? These show all his singles, doubles, triples, home runs and field outs which were fly balls or line drives.

Dodgers