My apologies for the late (and short) offering. I was indisposed today. Plenty of my previous rec’s are still widely available, given that these tend toward the deeper options.
Dallas Keuchel
An Astros starting pitcher? Really? Believe me, I’m as shocked as you are. And I don’t blame you for passing; he’s not likely to help your win totals, after all. On the other hand, he’s generating tons of grounders while holding slightly above average strikeout and walk rates. So far it has resulted in a 3.96 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, but peripherals like those usually come with low- to mid- three ERA’s. That should be owned in 12 team and up mixed leagues. Keuchel started throwing a slider in 2013, and appears to have worked out the kinks somewhat this season.
Yusmeiro Petit
Matt Cain has been DL’ed, setting up Petit for a 2-start week. Both on the road, unfortunately, but it could be worse than at Pitt and LAD. And Petit is probably better than you think he is. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Ryan Vogelsong is the odd man out once Cain returns.
Carlos Quentin
Should be back this week. Don’t drop anyone good for him, but when he’s healthy, he has a tendency to return value. Just don’t be shy about throwing him back once you start smelling another DL stint.
Chris Heisey
I’ve never been the biggest fan, but with Jay Bruce on the shelf for 3-4 weeks, playing time is no longer an issue for Heisey. He’s shown power in the past. Well, just 2011 really. And he used to steal bases when he was in the minors. Five years ago. This isn’t going well, is it?
What I meant to say was he’ll be playing most days in Great American Ballpark. That has value in very deep leagues.
Aaron Loup
Sergio Santos is out for now in Toronto, but it’s not at all clear where they are going with the role. Loup should be OK, poor performance to date notwithstanding. He’s traditionally had good control and induced lots of grounders. On the other hand, Marcus Stroman has been called up (as predicted last week) and joined the bullpen (not predicted last week). Whether they are aiming him towards the closer role or easing his transition to the big-league rotation or planning to use him as a sort of super-middleman is anyone’s guess. I wouldn’t spend much on Loup.
Ernesto Frieri
Well, I thought Joe Smith would have a short leash, but even I didn’t imagine it would be this short. Three scoreless outings, three saves, and out. Hopefully you held Frieri, you intrepid save-chaser, you.