Fantasy Baseball Category Impact: August 14

As you read this article, I’m in San Francisco, out on the West Coast for the first time! It may be a mini-vacation, but I can’t get away from the game. The game being fantasy baseball. I’m here on another Saturday to give you a trio of guys that can, and will, help your team down the stretch run of the fantasy season. It’s getting closer to playoffs and you need to set yourself up for success. These three guys can help you in different categories, but come together for the common goal of getting you a championship.

@colbyrconway on Twitter.

Jameson Taillon, SP PIT— HOW THE HELL IS THIS GUY ONLY OWNED IN 45 PERCENT OF ESPN FANTASY LEAGUES. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I’m one of the biggest fans of this Pittsburgh right-hander, but the guy can ball out. He’s 3-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.08 WHIP on the season. His K/9 may only sit around 7.05 for the entire season, but tonight was the first time since July 19 in which he didn’t strikeout at least as many batters as innings pitched. He only struck out four Padres in his last start, but he also fired eight shutout innings. The guy pitches with a poise well beyond his years, and he’s been the most consistent Pirates pitcher since he returned from the disabled list. His 1.20 BB/9 is exceptional and since returning from the disabled list, he’s walked just three batters in 32 innings of work. Listen to me, this kid is legit and heeds to available in all formats. For the month of August, he’s 17thamong all pitchers in WAR, which is a testament to how good he’s really been. Make sure he is on your team for the stretch run.

Adam Ottavino, RP COL— Ottavino was really good last season for many fantasy owners, myself included, but it was only for 10.1 innings. He went under the knife to get his UCL fixed, but he’s back now and he’s looking extremely good. He’s back to being the closer for the Colorado Rockies and the stadium sucks for a pitcher, but his stuff is that good to overcome that. He has an impressive 12:3 K/BB ratio in 12 innings of work, with a dazzling 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Yes, he’s just 12 innings removed from Tommy John surgery, but the velocity on his pitches is fairly similar, which is good.

Each pitch might be one or two miles an hour off, but it will creep back closer as he gets more distant from his surgery. He’s been dominant for the Rockies this season and he should be for your fantasy team moving forward as well. Add this guy now.

Devon Travis, 2B TOR— In the last seven days, Travis has the highest WAR (wins above replacement) at 0.8 in all of baseball. Yes, you read that right. Sure, he’s still striking out a bit too much, but when you’re slashing .484/.484/.871 over the past week, you can live with the strikeouts. He isn’t walking, but he’s hitting enough to get on base and be productive in all fantasy formats. Travis’ .570 wOBA and 270 wRC+ rank fifth in baseball over the last week, and that .387 ISO is nothing to scoff about either. Travis had an incredible start to the year last season, but an unfortunate injury knocked him out. After getting all of that worked out, he’s been incredible for Toronto this season. He’s worked his way back to the top of the order, where he belongs, and as long as Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion are behind him, he is going to score plenty of runs. Travis needs to be owned in every league out there.