Your waiver wire is going to be a hotbed of activity this weekend as the call-ups have been abundant and a number of player are both going on and coming off the disabled list. Not to mention, we’re starting to see some of those hot starts cool off and cold start heat up. You should find yourself active, though that doesn’t mean you’re making it rain at Club FAAB. If you have needs, it’s one thing, but if you’re just looking to build some strong depth, this could be a key week.
Here are a few things you need to know regarding some potential waiver claims:
The Texas Rangers called up Ronald Guzman and will move Joey Gallo to left field. Guzman is a decent bat who will play first base for the near-distant future. The big lefty hasn’t really shown much more than 15-20 home run power in the minors, but he hits for a solid average and posts a real nice OBP. He’s only 23-years old so the power could develop, but for now, if you’re in an AL-only league or mixed league with 12 or more teams, he could prove to be a nice add.
Big bummer for Josh Donaldson owners as the third baseman lands on the DL, but there’s definitely a silver lining here as the move opens up a roster spot for rookie outfielder Teoscar Hernandez . Who was called up Friday. If Hernandez hits right out of the gate, the Jays won’t have to deal with the lousy play of Randal Grichuk . You’re only going to have about two weeks to watch this because once Morales and/or Donaldson return, the team will have to make a final decision as to who stays and who goes.
Craig Mish broke the story today that the Marlins were going to move Brian Anderson from third to right field once Martín Prado comes off the DL. When that happens, Cameron Maybin and Lewis Brinson are in trouble. Probably more Brinson than Maybin as he looks like he would benefit from additional time in the minors. If you need to drop someone from your roster, Maybin or Brinson seem like prospective roster casualties.
Don’t forget about Franchy Cordero this weekend! He joined the Padres on Wednesday, but if your league requires weekly FAAB or waiver claims, then Cordero might just be available. He is expected to hang out in the leadoff spot for the time being, so that’s got some decent value.
Yulieski Gurriel just came off the DL and is back at first base for the Astros. That should mean Marwin González goes back to left field with Derek Fisher and Jay Marisnick fight it out for the fourth outfielder spot. However, Gonzalez has had a real rough start to the season, so perhaps A.J. Hinch keeps him as a utility man. Watch the Astros lineups for the next few days to see how things shake out.
The Brewers got Lorenzo Cain back from his quad issue today and are expected to get Christian Yelich back on Sunday. Even if he’s delayed a bit, keep in mind that all this playing time Eric Thames has been seeing could go away. He may have homered his way into a more direct lefty/righty split wit Ryan Braun , but he’s still just a one-trick pony when there’s a righty on the mound.
Scott Schebler is expected to return to action early-to-mid next week, so if you have to adjust your roster to get him active, make sure you’re making the right moves. Jesse Winker will certainly lose at-bats, even if Bryan Price continues this goofy four-man outfield rotation.
And finally, if you’re looking for a catcher, the Mets just put Kevin Plawecki on the DL which means José Lobatón is going to see a massive increase in playing time. It’s not the tastiest of options, but Lobaton can do enough to not hurt you and possibly even lend a hand.
Time to go lament not using Jordan Montgomery in my DFS lineups because of weather concerns. Everything looks just fine in Detroit, including the way he’s pitched. Chad Kuhl – you better be on your best tonight!
Bender out.