Things That Make You Go “Hmmmm…”

According to manager Brian Snitker, José Bautista will be the Braves starting third baseman once he is called up from the minor leagues. Bautista has impressed the Braves front office and will give him the opportunity to play everyday in the Majors. He is worth adding in NL only leagues and deeper mixed leagues, especially ones that use OBP.

Mac Williamson hit his second home run of the season versus the Nationals on Monday. He has only had four hits since getting called up, but both have been long home runs. Williamson reworked his swing in the offseason and it is paying dividends. He had six homers in AAA prior to his call up in just 50 plate appearances. He is worth an add in 15-team mixed leagues or deeper.

The Indians have signed Melky Cabrera to a minor league contract. With Lonnie Chisenhall on the DL and Michael Brantley injury history, it makes sense for Cleveland to take a shot on the Melk-Man. His power tailed off last year after his trade to Kansas City, but he could be a nice source of average and runs in deeper formats.

Yoan Moncada was a single short of a cycle Monday night versus the Mariners. He also scared Seattle catcher Mike Zunino during a throw:

 

Seriously though, Moncada has started the year with four home runs and four stolen bases and while the average sucks, his 13.6% walk rate helps soften that blow. He is looking like a legit 20/20 guy and potentially more.

Didi Gregorius hit another huge bomb for the Yankees. He is currently hitting .324/.429/.746 with seven homers and 24 RBIs. Gregorious is definitely on an unsustainable hot streak, but considering the lineup his he is, it is hard to believe he cannot keep some of these gains.

 

What We’ll Be Watching Today

How good is Vince velasquez? He has shown huge upside in the past, but has really struggled with his health and command. Currently is sporting a 3.80 ERA with an even lower FIP and xFIP.

Will Addison Russell play? He was rushed to the hospital while still in Denver because of a seafood allergy. He has met the team in Cleveland, but it is unknown if he will be able to suit up.

Faria vs Cobb. Cobb gets to face his old team have getting destroyed in his first start of the year. Faria has rebounded well recently and gets a struggling O’s team.

Ohtani vs Houston. Ohtani dealt with a blister issue. Can he get a big win over the other best team in the AL?

Is Hamels done? Cole Hamels had a great start against the A’s to begin the year, but can he repeat that with his decline in skills?

 

Baseball. Lots of baseball.