Monday offered a short but still action-packed slate with a couple of East Coast slugfests, a rain-delayed walk off and windy Wrigley Field. Here’s the deetz with a fantasy spin.
Yankees outslug Jays, tie HR record
Keyed by Giancarlo’s first home run of the season, the Bronx Bombers outlasted the Blue Jays 10-8, leaving the yard for the 27th game in a row, which tied the 2001 Rangers for the MLB record. The Yankees offense was spurred by DJ Lemahieu’s 4-for-4 with a walk effort from the leadoff spot. Much has been made of the playing time crunch with the returns of Aaron Judge and Stanton along with the acquisition of Edwin Encarnacion. With Judge getting the night off, LeMahieu grabbed his first baseman’s mitt with Luke Voit occupying the designated hitter spot. Look for Bret Boone to find creative ways to keep Lemahieu in the lineup, with occasional starts at first and second plus frequent action at the hot corner.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Freddy Galvis went deep for Toronto. Gurriel Jr.’s 10th blast continues a surprising power surge. When signed, the Cuban defector was thought to have good plate skills but limited power or speed. Well, that looks to be half right. Galvis’ steady play gives the Blue Jays the chance to delay Bo Bichette’s service time, I mean, work of his defense. It’s a tough call deciding whether Bichette will be called up this season. It’s not a sure thing.
Phillies snap losing streak
The New York Mets were the necessary chicken soup for the Phillies, falling 13-7 in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia, losers of the previous seven games, cranked four long balls, including Maikel Franco’s 10th. The beleaguered third baseman is reportedly on the trading block, so the 3-for-4 effort with two runs and three RBI was a welcome site. Franco’s fate revolves around what the club does in center field as potential third base replacement Scott Kingery can also play the outfield. Currently, Roman Quinn is paroling center, but Philly may look to upgrade for the playoff push.
On the hill, Zack Eflin managed to escape with the win, but he did give up six runs in five frames, surrendering 11 hits and a walk. Even with the subpar performance, Eflin is still having a solid campaign, roster-worthy in all fantasy formats, though still a matchup play with a tepid 77 whiffs in 91 innings.
Kipnis walks it off in the 10th
The few fans waiting out a two-hour, 23-minute rain delay were rewarded when Jason Kipnis lead off the 10th with a 390-foot shot, clearing the right field fence and sending everyone home happy. On June 16, Kipnis was hitting .207. Less that two weeks later, he’s up to .248 after a 16-for-34 stretch, including four homers. Kipnis, a known swing tinkerer, made some adjustments after studying video and it’s paid off. The Tribe’s Bobby Bradley doubled for the second straight game, hinting at the power he packs. Bradley is ticketed for strong side of the platoon action, putting himself in play for fantasy in deeper leagues. Jordan Luplow is also slated for more action for the surging Indians and their 15-6 June record.
Cubs defeat Braves 8-3
Wrigley Field is perhaps the venue most influenced by the weather. It plays big in April and May when it’s cold then morphs into a hitter’s delight as the temperatures warm. The winds tend to blow in during the spring before heading out to the ivy in the summer. Last night, the winds were whipping in that direction with Wilson Contreras and Jason Heyward taking advantage. The forecast calls for 15 mph winds out to center, so it could be another high-scoring night in the Windy City.
Red Sox come from behind
In a matchup of emerging would-be aces, Eduardo Rodriguez faced Lucas Giolito in Fenway Park. Neither brought their A-game but they didn’t figure into the decision as Boston scored a single run in the 5th-innng on, eeking out a 6-5 victory. Both hurlers were left in to try to maneuver out of their own mess, something their respective managers are trying to instill into each. It’s actually refreshing to see this old-school approach in an era many skippers are falling back on the “third-time-through” parachute with early hooks.
Miscellaneous
St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks is likely headed for Tommy John surgery. John Gant was initially named as interim closer, but with Hicks prognosis clarified, Carlos Martinez could slide in.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow will be shut down for three works after experiencing discomfort in a bullpen session. Glasnow was diagnosed with right flexor inflammation. Considering the uncertainty surrounding his return, dropping the promising righty in redraft formats is on the table.
