X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Looking at Recent Call-Ups and Rookie Performances (Week 1)

Rookies and prospects who have recently been called up to the Major Leagues. Max Brill evaluates the most relevant rookies for Week 1 of the 2018 fantasy baseball season.

Fortunately, there are plenty of rookies and recent call-ups to analyze because the season just started. Unfortunately, barring Shohei Ohtani, there have not been a handful of true impact performances from youngsters. With that being said, the MLBers with little experience can be valuable in deeper leagues until we see the bulk of the blue-chip prospects make their debuts later this year.

This list will come out each week and will likely contain a mix of the biggest names and hottest non-names in baseball among prospects. That means that Shohei Ohtani will likely be a mainstay, but Christian Villanueva might be gone come next week.

Note: the Braves are holding Ronald Acuna, who might possibly have the most impact of any rookie this year, in the minors until they can secure an extra year of service time for him. This, once again, means this week's list is going to be relatively devoid of big names.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Recent Call-Up and Rookie Performances

Shohei Ohtani (P/DH, LAA)

There's nothing to say about Ohtani except that he has handsomely rewarded fantasy owners who play on platforms where he is just one player. And on platforms where he is two players (looking at you, Yahoo...) he hasn't been half bad either. In his inaugural MLB start on the mound, he went six innings with 3 ER, 6 K, 3 H, and 1 BB. Ohtani is next scheduled to start on the mound on Sunday, April 8th.

On the other side of the ball, Ohtani has been nothing short of stellar. Through Wednesday's games, he is 6/14 with two HR, three R, and five RBI. He has yet to draw a walk, but if he keeps mashing like this his walk rate will be irrelevant. As of right now, manager Mike Scioscia is going to hold off on starting Ohtani at DH on the days leading up to his starts but it looks as though Ohtani might force his hand. This is a situation to monitor because if Ohtani starts getting 5 games a week at DH, he instantly becomes one of the top players in all of fantasy baseball.

Christian Villanueva (3B, SD) 

Villanueva, unlike Ohtani, came out of nowhere. He had one monster game on Tuesday night, though: 3/4 with three HR, four R, and five RBI. He now has seven HR in 44 MLB PA (through Wednesday night). Is this pace going to keep up? Probably not, but if you have the roster space Villanueva is certainly worth a stash.

Scott Kingery (2B/3B/SS/OF, PHI)

Kingery was not expected to start the year in the majors but on the heels of a six-year extension with three team options, the Phillies added him to the Opening Day roster and he may now be in Philadelphia for good. After manager Gabe Kapler gave the youngster a day off on Opening Day, the 23-year-old collected two hits in each of his first two contests, two of which went for extra bases. He has yet to pick up a hit since those back-to-back two-hit jobs, but given his versatility (he has already appeared at three different spots around the diamond), he will see 5+ starts a week and will be a valuable fantasy utility player this year.

Jordan Hicks (RP, STL)

Hicks, like Kingery, was a surprise addition to his team's Opening Day roster. Hicks has shown everyone why he deserves to be in the Show despite not throwing a pitch above A-ball prior to this year. So far the fireballing 21-year-old has thrown 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball with three strikeouts, one walk, and one hit allowed. He's been nothing short of dominant and should continue to see high-leverage work throughout the season.

Tyler Mahle (SP, CIN)

Mahle, after a pitiful debut last season, made a lights-out first start in 2018. He picked up the win in a six-inning, seven-strikeout effort that saw him allow just three baserunners (one hit, two walks). I don't think the strikeout upside is real, but an innings eater who can maintain a K/9 around 7.0 and a BB/9 around 2.5 or 3 is valuable in nearly every format. Mahle is trending in the right direction.

Jack Flaherty (SP, STL)

It's a good sign for the Cards that they have two names on this list. Flaherty took Adam Wainwright's turn in the rotation the first time through (Wainwright was on the shelf with a hamstring injury), and it went swimmingly. Flaherty threw five innings against the Brewers on Tuesday, allowing just six hits, one walk, and ringing up nine opposing batters. Flaherty has shown that he can succeed at the highest level, so it is only a matter of time before he returns to the big leagues and continues to demonstrate his brilliance.

Dillon Peters (SP, MIA) 

Peters, whose stuff is extremely underwhelming, managed to stymy the Cubs in his first start of the season. He struck just two batters out in six innings, but the fact that he was even able to get through two-thirds of the contest was very impressive. He allowed no runs on six hits and one walk in his win against the Cubs on Sunday. His performance Sunday may end up being his best of the year, but given that the Marlins do not exactly have a litany of starting pitchers from which to choose from, Peters should have ample opportunities to best himself.

Brian Anderson (3B, MIA) 

Anderson was mostly a light-hitter during his tenure in the minor leagues. Don't get me wrong, .264/.341/.417 through 1,742 MiLB PA is not bad, it just doesn't scream "MLB star." To be sure, Anderson hasn't been a stud, but he has quietly collected a hit in each of the Marlins' first six contest. He's also added six runs, six RBI, and one HR on the young season. Anderson isn't a guy to run and grab in leagues of 12 teams or less, especially given the state of corner infielders in the big leagues, but if you're in a deeper league or a dynasty league, he might be a guy to go scoop if you have space. This could be the last time you have the chance to buy cheap before the breakout comes. After all, Anderson is just 24 and should get plenty of AB for the rebuilding Marlins.

 

More 2018 MLB Prospects Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Brock Purdy

"a Long Shot" to Play on Sunday
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP