Bud Norris -- Norris was traded from Houston to Baltimore at yesterday's trade deadline. The move wasn't the best case scenario for his value, but Norris still gets a small value boost. He remains in the American League and in a hitter's park, but at least he'll receive better offensive support, which should help his win total a bit. Norris will contribute some strikeouts, but he's roughly a 4.25 ERA pitcher, so he's mostly a deep mixed and AL-only option.
L.J. Hoes -- The Astros acquired L.J. Hoes as part of the Bud Norris deal at yesterday's trade deadline and immediately planted him into left field and the number-two spot in the order. He went 0-for-5 with 2 K. Hoes doesn't have much power or speed, so the bat is really going to have to play, and scouts have been split on it. He shows good plate discipline numbers in the minors, but he's going to have to make consistent hard contact to remain a starter in the majors given his average defensive profile. Houston has a lot of outfield options but should give him a chance to show what he can do.
Justin Maxwell -- The Royals acquired Justin Maxwell at yesterday's trade deadline. Maxwell has spent a lot of time on the shelf this year for Houston and hasn't performed up to expectations when on the field. In Kansas City, it seems likely he'll only see time against lefties as part of a right field platoon with David Lough. He has impressive raw power despite just 2 HR in 151 PA this year, so he's worth a grab in any AL-only league he isn't already owned, but don't expect too much from him, especially since high strikeout rates will keep his batting average down.
Alex Rios -- Some of the best deals for fantasy value are the ones that don't get made. Pittsburgh was rumored to have heavy interest in Alex Rios, which would have had a big negative impact on his value. Rios currently plays in the best park in baseball for righty home runs. Pittsburgh is one of the worst. That he is staying put is a big boost to his value, which was diminished in recent weeks with the threat of this trade. There still exists a small possibility he passes through waivers and is traded this month, but owners should rest easy for getting through the hardest part today.
Brett Oberholtzer -- Making an emergency start with Erik Bedard a late scratch, Brett Oberholtzer dominated the Orioles last night with 7 three-hit shutout innings and a 6/0 K/BB. Oberholtzer throws 91 mph and has mediocre stuff, but he has good control and could earn a spot in Houston's rotation, namely Bud Norris's vacated spot. Stay tuned to see what happens, but Oberholtzer is worth a stash in AL-only leagues just in case. He could prove useful in deep mixed leagues as a spot-starter if he gets a rotation spot.
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