2073 - Waiver Wire - June 11, 2023 - a podcast by Rich Wilson

Ji-Hwan Bae, 2B/OF, PIT (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered): Why is Ji-Hwan Bae rostered to such a low level? He’s 19-of-24 swiping bases, good for fifth overall as we enter mid-June. It’s time to give your Free Agent pool a scan to see if somehow he has been overlooked. He shouldn’t be.

Will Brennan, OF, CLE (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): In the past seven games, Brennan has gone 11-for-29 with two homers and seven RBI. On most teams, that would be a good week. In Cleveland, it’s otherworldly.

Kerry Carpenter, OF, DET (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The injuries to Riley Greene and now Akil Baddoo have allowed Kerry Carpenter to play full-time. He has gone 10-for-15 in his past four games and should see a steady diet of at-bats until the walking wounded are back walking.

Colton Cowser, OF, BAL (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): If it wasn’t for the quad injury, there’s a good chance Cowser would already be plying his trade in Baltimore. Now recovered, how long will it take to see him plying his trade in Baltimore? My guess is not very long.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B, CIN (CBS: 45% rostered, ESPN: Everyone else has been called up in Cincinnati. It’s only a matter of time before Encarnacion-Strand gets his opportunity. With 17 home runs and a .427 BA in 177 at-bats at Triple-A Louisville, that opportunity will likely come sooner rather than later.

Stuart Fairchild, OF, CIN (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Jake Fraley once again hits the IL, joining Wil Myers and Nick Senzel. Stuart Fairchild has helped pick up the slack and thus far has done an admirable job, slugging a couple of homers with 19 RBI and seven thefts. The outfield has taken a big hit injury-wise in the past couple of weeks. Fairchild could provide at least a temporary option.

Nolan Jones, OF, COL (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered): Are we finally seeing a breakout from Nolan Jones? In five games this week, he has gone 6-for-16 with a pair of homers. It’s worth a small bid to determine if this hot streak is sustained.

Corey Julks, OF, HOU (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Long-term, Julks is more than likely a fourth outfielder, but short-term, the stolen base potential is providing sneaky value. He has four thefts this week with more to come, and for a small investment could be accumulating them on your Fantasy squad.

Nick Pratto, 1B/OF, KCR (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): Over the past seven games, Pratto has gone 6-for-22 with a homer and 3 RBI, hitting mainly out of the leadoff slot. Playing time should not be an issue with Vinnie Pasquantino on the IL with right shoulder instability.

Emmanuel Rivera, 1B/3B, ARZ (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): It’s crowded in Arizona, with Josh Rojas and Emmanuel Rivera in a job share, but Rivera appears to be slowly winning the battle. The power and speed are limited, but there’s no doubting Rivera’s ability to control the strike zone. In deeper Leagues, that .860 OPS provides value.

Tarik Skubal, SP, DET (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): The rehab clock has started, and so far, so good. We’re looking at a much-anticipated early July return to the Tigers rotation. Buying in early will save you some of that precious FAAB.

A.J. Smith-Shawver, SP, ATL (CBS: 58% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): The 20-year-old righthander got that first start under his belt and handled it in fine fashion. He went 5 1/3 innings allowing two unearned runs in a no-decision. That has earned him another start against the Tigers. Go get him and get him active.

Mark Vientos, 3B, NYM (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Pete Alonso got plunked on the wrist last Wednesday, suffering a bone bruise and sprained left wrist that will leave him sidelined for the next month. There will be opportunities in New York for additional at-bats, and it’s worth a small bid to see if Vientos and that power potential gets his share of them.

Bryan Woo, SP, SEA (CBS: 13% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): The first game was underwhelming, to say the least, but Woo bounced back nicely in his second outing, holding the Angels to two runs over 4 2/3 innings while chipping in with seven strikeouts. He has earned another start.

The Closer Report

Adbert Alzolay, RP, DET (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): With two saves in his past five appearances and sporting a 30/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 30 appearances, Alzolay has moved into the setup role with an eye towards working the ninth regularly.

Scott McGough, RP, ARZ (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): McGough got off to a rough start and lost the closer job but has rebounded nicely. He hasn’t allowed an earned run since May 12, a span of 10 appearances (14 IP). Over that span, he has amassed 21 strikeouts. In Leagues that count holds, it’s time to include him in your future plans.

A.J. Minter, RP, ATL (CBS: 24% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered): The season has been one of very high highs and very low lows, but after both the success and failure, Minter has shown a return to the “good AJ”. He has two saves and a win this week and has solidified his hold on the setup gig. It’s time to get him rostered and active, again.

Andres Munoz, RP, SEA (CBS: 51% rostered, ESPN: 47% rostered): There was considerable debate as to whether Paul Sewald would own the ninth inning for the M’s heading into 2023. A right shoulder strain suffered by Munoz back in early April made that decision a moot point. Well, Munoz has returned from the IL and is already flashing that huge strikeout potential. In a worst-case scenario, you wind up with a high K/9 setup man. At the best, a job share closing and save opportunities. It seems like a win/win to us.

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