Injuries are becoming more and more of an issue this season. Fantasy owners are stalking the waiver wire on a daily basis looking for ways to replace their star player that just landed on the disabled list.
Trade offers are also appearing on fantasy owners team pages with increasing regularity. Some good ones, and some that are just “head scratchers” like this one below.
We are here to tell you that there’s no need to panic just yet. With this weeks player breakdowns we can help steer you toward the players that can help your team get back on track. And maybe pressure you to get rid of some players that are hurting your chances.
American League
Jason Vargas- Normally a name that would appear on the list of players to not pursue, Jason Vargas has really begun to improve as a starter in Kansas City. In 2014, Vargas is 4-1, with a 3.00 ERA, 40 K’s, and three perfect PQS starts. Vargas only has one start this season with a PQS score below three. Advice- If you need help at starting pitcher, you should invest quickly.
Ricky Nolasco- Many fantasy owners have been sucked in to adding Ricky Nolasco to their rosters because of past success. That strategy has not paid off as of yet, and could potentially do more harm than good. Nolasco is 2-3, with a 5.51 ERA, 34 K’s, and just one perfect PQS start this season. Nolasco also has only one start this season in which he hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs. Advice- Send Nolasco packing before he continues to destroy your team’s ERA.
Yangervis Solarte- Since he was brought up earlier this season Yangervis Solarte has really begun to make a name for himself with the Yankees (and fantasy owners). Solarte is 43/134, with 5 HR, 24 RBI, a .313 batting average, and a .387 OBP. Advice- Solarte is eligible at third-base, second base, shortstop, and outfield in some leagues. He would be a great addition to your squad if you need help with any of these positions.
Chris Carter- Playing for the Astros is bad enough, but it also doesn’t help when you aren’t performing well for them either. In 2014 Chris Carter is 29/134, with 5 HR, 15 RBI, a .194 batting average, and a .283 OBP. Advice- Even though he does have decent power numbers, Carter’s downside may be too much for fantasy owners to take on. Drop him if he’s on your roster.
National League
Jordan Lyles- It’s not often that there are many good things to say about Colorado Rockies pitching. Especially their starters, however in 2014, Jordan Lyles is the exception. Lyles is 5-1, with a 3.50 ERA, 35 K’s ,and two perfect PQS starts. Lyles only has two starts with a PQS score below three this season. Advice- Lyles is a good pitcher, but one trend that we have noticed is that he tends to walk a lot of batters and he doesn’t strike out that many batters. At least add him to your watch-list, if not your roster.
Zack Wheeler- The supposed ace on the mound for the Mets has not panned out so far this season. And in the minds of many fantasy owners Zack Wheeler is one bad start away from “dropsville.”In 2014 Wheeler is 1-3, with a 4.53 ERA. 41 K’s, and three perfect PQS starts. Wheeler has also registered two zero PQS starts in the month of May. Advice- Wheeler should spend some time on your bench until he can right the ship.
Rickie Weeks- Fresh off of the disabled list, Ricky Weeks is back in the Brewers lineup and producing again. Weeks is 19/53, with 1 HR, 5 RBI, a .358 batting average, and a .414 OBP. Advice- Finding a good back up at second base can be a difficult task unless you’re willing to make a trade. Weeks should be on the waiver wire and ready to pick up if you need him.
B.J. Upton- Fantasy owners are done waiting for B.J. Uptons performance to make them “lose their minds Upton-here, Upton-here.” Since joining the Braves in the off-season last year B.J. Upton has continued to stink it up at the plate. This year is no different, Upton is 29/143, with 3 HR, 9 RBI, a .203 batting average, and a .272 OBP. Advice- Do yourself a favor, drop him into the waiver wire and don’t look back.
That’s wraps up another edition of between the seams, check back with us next week for more player updates, and more fantasy analysis and advice.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @SprayBall
