Monday’s evening slate began on a somber note with the passing of 27-year-old Tyler Skaggs. Thoughts and prayers to the Angels organization.
The day began with an afternoon tilt north of the border and ended on the left coast. Here’s a look at the abbreviated five-game schedule with a fantasy twist.
Blue Jays soar on Canada Day
The Toronto Blue Jays winged the Kansas City Royals 11-4 in Monday’s matinee. The Blue Jays were led by a pair of blasts courtesy of Freddy Galvis. Galvis is keeping shortstop warm for Bo Bichette. However, injuries have reduced the chance a third second-generation prospect joins the Blue Jays infield before September. In the interim, Galvis is quietly producing to a mixed league level.
Toronto is extending Teoscar Hernandez a long look in center field. June was not kind to the 26-year-old fly chaser as he posted a tepid .719 OPS for the month, though he did swat four homers and swipe two bags. A 31.6% strikeout clip tempered more production. Perhaps July will be better as Hernandez joined Galvis going deep on Canada Day.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continued his stellar campaign with a 3-for-4 effort, crossing the plate three times. Gurriel Jr. has taken well to the super-utility role, able to play both infield and outfield. Marwin Gonzalez has been fantasy friendly in that role and it looks like Gurriel Jr. is following in his footsteps.
Raise the Jolly Roger
Josh Bell must have thought the Home Run Derby was last night and not next Monday. The All-Star left PNC Park thrice in the Pirates 18-5 beating of the Cubs. Bell went 4-for-6, knocking in seven with four runs scored. There’s no indication he’s due for a slowdown over the second half. If a competitor is looking to sell high, don’t hesitate to take advantage.
Adam Frazier smacked four doubles among his five knocks, scoring three with two RBI. Frazier isn’t producing on last season’s level, but he retains important dual eligibility at second and the outfield thus is a useful piece in deeper mixed formats.
Colin Moran also notched five safeties with a pair of runs and RBI. Moran is cemented into a platoon at the hot corner, albeit on the good side. His power is low, especially in today’s climate, but his floor is safe if you’re looking for someone to hold the fort until you secure an upgrade.
Adbert Alzolay took it on the chin for the Cubs, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits. While not a top prospect, things will get better for the rookie. That said, he’s best left for others in mixed formats.
Craig Kimbrel had a rough outing where he was just trying to get some work. This isn’t unusual for veteran relievers so used to harnessing the adrenaline rush associated with save chances.
McKay debuts… again
Brendan McKay’s hitting debut didn’t go as well as his mound debut as he finished 0-for-4 in the Rays 6-3 victory over the Orioles. It was a little surprising Tampa deployed McKay at designated hitter. The rookie could continue to hit but appears to be a much better pitcher than batter, at least for now. McKay is ticketed to head to the hill again on Friday against the Yankees.
The most noteworthy fantasy takeaway from the contest is Jose Alvarado was immediately given a save opportunity, which he converted. Emilio Pagan set up in the eighth. The Rays are known to change things up, but with Diego Castillo out Alvarez looks to be the main guy in the ninth.
Brewers outlast Reds
A pitcher’s duel turned into a slugfest with the Brewers prevailing 8-6 over the Reds. Keston Hiura opened the Milwaukee floodgates in the fifth win a 442-foot shot before Christian Yelich capped the victors scoring with his 30th, a meager 349-foot opposite field dinger. In between, Lorenzo Cain also homered while Eugenio Suarez clubbed a pair for Cincinnati along with a solo shot from Jesse Winker.
The deployment of the Brewers bullpen was intriguing as they went back to last season’s formula of Josh Hader setting up Jeremy Jeffress. It isn’t clear if this will be the norm, but Jeffress joins the likes of Michael Lorenzen and the entire Red Sox bullpen as options for an off save here and there.
Shark cages the Padres
Jeff Samardzija remains one of the most befuddling starters in fantasy. Start him and he struggles, bench him and he cruises. Last night was one of the good outings as he tossed eight frames of six-hit ball, fanning six with two walks, yielding just two runs. Keep in mind the Padres offense has been clicking so this wasn’t a pushover effort.
Newly promoted Austin Slater announced his presence with authority with a homer highlighting his 2-for-5 effort. The Giants are playing musical chairs with their outfield with Slater playing right last night. However, Slater is being converted into a utilityman, capturing starts at second and third with Triple-A Sacramento. He’s worth a look in deeper formats.
Logan Allen had his first rough outing for the Padres. Allen is a solid prospect, just not elite. He doesn’t profile as a big swing-and-miss guy, so he’ll be vulnerable to subpar efforts until he improves command and control. Long term, Allen is ticketed for a mid-rotation spot but since he’ll work half the time in Petco, he’ll be a fantasy asset.
