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And just like that, the calendar turned to May. Par for the course, we've had more injuries to significant fantasy players again this week, including Mike Trout and Steven Kwan, but again, we got some players back, like Vaughn Grissom and Kyle Bradish. On a brighter note, we've seen a plethora of call-ups of young talent, including Joey Loperfido, Tyler Black, and Christian Scott. Looking ahead, it seems like we're quickly moving closer to some exciting call-ups like Junior Caminero, Orelvis Martinez, and Kyle Manzardo (confirmed).
For those keeping track of last week's topics, Alec Bohm kept his hit streak alive, Willi Castro continued to hit LHP and came through as expected Monday against Garrett Crochet, while Loperfido looks like he belongs in the majors. Shota Imanaga, Ranger Suarez, and Seth Lugo all continued to pitch well to begin the year. Also, after another week and two IP, Kirby Yates still hasn't given up a run all season for Texas.
We'll touch on some intriguing hitters below, both for DFS and season-long, including one who's about to make his big league debut. We'll also discuss some pitchers that have some captivating matchups coming up this week. I've got my eye on these guys, and perhaps you should, too.
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Players to Watch: Hitters
What I'm watching: Hit streak
I had him in here last week, and my prediction that this streak would last until Sunday came to fruition, with Alec Bohm extending his hit streak to 17 games before seeing Logan Webb on Sunday night in Philadelphia. Despite the Phillies scoring four runs off Webb, the righty held Bohm in check. Down to his final at-bat of the game, however, Bohm extended his hitting streak to 18 games, roping a double down the line off of Giants reliever Taylor Rogers.
During the streak Bohm is hitting .464 (32-for-69) with 11 doubles, three home runs, 22 RBI, and 15 runs scored. Looking ahead, Bohm will have to face a tough Jose Berrios on Tuesday and then Chris Bassitt on Wednesday, who he is 2-for-12 off of a lifetime. If he can manage to extend the streak through that, he's got some easier matchups against the Marlins later in the week.
What I'm watching: MLB debut on Tuesday
Steven Kwan was off to a fantastic start in 2024, but a hamstring injury has put his campaign on hold for at least a week and a half. We were all wondering when the Guardians would call up their hottest-hitting prospect, but Kwan's injury has made it happen sooner rather than later. Kyle Manzardo was hitting .303 at Triple-A Columbus, with eight home runs in his last 13 games and nine on the season. The 23-year-old also has a keen eye at the plate with strong walk rates at each stop in the minors. He should debut Monday against the Tigers and Jack Flaherty who is coming off a 14 K performance Tuesday.
The @CleGuardians are expected to call up Kyle Manzardo tomorrow, @MandyBell02 reports.
Scouting report, tool grades, video, news and more on MLB's No. 52 prospect: https://t.co/e4g3KAlRVX pic.twitter.com/ULgjRwkIhC
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 5, 2024
Key Matchups: Hitters
These hitters caught my eye when looking over batter vs. pitcher matchups. These guys are already rostered in most leagues, so you aren't running out to snag them off the waiver wire, but they could be targets for your DFS lineups. While sometimes there isn't enough matchup history worth looking at, there is frequency with these, and with frequency comes familiarity. These pitchers likely don't have any more tricks up their sleeves versus these batters.
Marcus Semien vs. Alex Wood - Monday, May 6
4-for-9 (.444), three XBH
Jeff McNeil vs. Kyle Gibson - Monday, May 6
6-for-18 (.333), two HR, three XBH
Rafael Devers vs. Reynaldo Lopez - Tuesday, May 7
5-for-11 (.455), one HR, two XBH
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Jose Quintana - Wednesday, May 8
12-for-22 (.545), three HR, six XBH, only 2 K
Eloy Jimenez vs. Aaron Civale - Wednesday, May 8
7-for-16 (.545), two HR, three XBH
Marcell Ozuna vs. Nick Pivetta - Wednesday, May 8
6-for-24 (.250), four HR
Carlos Correa vs. Yusei Kikuchi - Friday, May 10
9-for-19 (.474), three XBH
Nolan Arenado vs. Freddy Peralta - Friday, May 10
10-for-28 (.357), four HR
Shohei Ohtani vs. Michael King - Friday, May 10
4-for-9 (.444), three HR, four XBH
Jazz Chisholm vs. Taijuan Walker - Saturday, May 11
5-for-12 (.417), three XBH, five BB
Ian Happ vs. Mitch Keller - Sunday, May 12
9-for-22 (.409), three HR, five XBH, five BB
Players to Watch: Starting Pitchers
What I'm watching: What will he do for an encore?
Christian Scott made his highly anticipated major league debut this past week and did not disappoint. The 24-year-old went six-and-two-thirds innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing just one earned run on five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. While it was a commendable debut, he'll immediately face a much more formidable opponent in the Atlanta Braves in his next start. Regardless of the outcome, Scott should probably be rostered in most leagues. A 2021 draft pick, the righty rose quickly through the system, posting strong strikeout and low walk rates throughout his minor league career.
“I know my stuff is going to play at this level."
Top @Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott retired 12 straight and struck out 6 in his MLB debut: https://t.co/lreprjZjPW pic.twitter.com/pIJX8SeZzn
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 5, 2024
What I'm watching: Revenge game
Chris Sale is having a renaissance with the Braves this season, posting a 3.44 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 24.1% K-BB% with a 4-1 record. The 35-year-old's next game happens to line up with his former club, the Boston Red Sox, on Wednesday. In fantasy football, this would be called a revenge game. The term doesn't get used as much in baseball, but we had a notable "revenge game" this past week when the Tigers' Flaherty went up against the Cardinals and gave up two hits in six-and-two-thirds IP while striking out 14 batters to just one walk. Will we see something similar in Atlanta?
Players to Watch: Relief Pitchers
What I'm watching: Season debut
After injuring his oblique in the pre-season, Paul Sewald is expected to make his season debut on Tuesday finally. The 33-year-old is expected to resume his closer role once he returns. Between Seattle and Arizona last season, the righty collected 34 saves with a 3.12 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 22.5% K-BB%. Arizona is struggling in the win column so far this season, but Sewald should get a decent amount of chances. Unfortunately for Kevin Ginkel managers (2.77 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, five saves), they will have to find saves elsewhere.
Relievers with a 33+% strikeout rate and sub-3.00 ERA combined over the last three seasons. Min 150 IP.
Josh Hader: 2.45 ERA, 39.8% K
Devin Williams: 1.97 ERA, 38.7% K
Raisel Iglesias: 2.59 ERA, 33.2% K
Paul Sewald: 2.95 ERA, 33.9% K pic.twitter.com/YLsR0wKgcR— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) October 8, 2023
What I'm watching: Who is the new closer in L.A.?
Yoo-hoo! Ginkel managers! Over here! Speaking of trying to find saves elsewhere, we have a situation to figure out in Los Angeles now that closer Evan Phillips will be heading to the IL. Unfortunately, it's a vague situation, with either Daniel Hudson or Blake Treinen taking over closing duties and Joe Kelly or Alex Vesia possibly used as well. For fantasy's sake, hopefully, it will end up being just one of them. Thankfully for the Dodgers, it sounds like it will be a minimum stay on the IL. Phillips had eight saves with a 0.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 23.6% K-BB% in 14 appearances in 2024.
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