Kolten Wong (INF-STL): The Cardinals announced they will call up Kolten Wong from AAA Memphis before Friday's game. Wong was hitting .303/.369/.466 with 10 homers and 20 steals in 107 games. While these numbers are inflated by the PCL, scouts have raved about Wong's approach and bat speed since college, and his EYE and contact rates in the minors haven't disappointed. He isn't getting the call to sit, and is likely to see plenty of AB's across the infield, with David Freese's value most likely to take a hit. If you need an extra bat in mixed leagues, pick him up.
Andrew Lambo (OF-PIT): Andrew Lambo collected his first MLB hit, going 1 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored. Interestingly, Lambo was lifted for a pinch hitter so Jose Tabata could face the lefty, even though Lambo hit them to the tune of a .908 OPS at AAA. While his 31 homers and .576 slugging percentage across two levels this season indicate significant upside, I'm concerned about the .32 EYE and 28% K-rate. The Garret Jones comps I've heard sound reasonable, so as long as you temper expectations and use him properly, he could be an asset down the stretch.
A.J. Burnett (SP-PIT): Burnett dominated the Cardinals through 4 innings but then unraveled in the 5th, allowing 5 earned runs in the frame in earning the no-decision. He has now had back-to-back 5 earned run outings after reeling off 7 consecutive quality starts. Even though he's ranked 40th on ESPN's Player Rater among SP's, don't be fooled: he has a 3.18 ERA/2.94 xFIP, and a stellar 26% K-rate. He has the Padres and Giants coming up in a projected 2-start week and plenty of nice matchups on tap for September. Continue to roll with him.
Rafael Soriano (RP-WAS): Soriano blew his 5th save chance of the season in epic fashion, allowing a go-ahead 2-out, 3-run homer to pinch hitter Hector Sanchez. His 31 saves mask an otherwise troublesome season. He's lost 1 MPH on his fastball. He's striking out 7% fewer batters. And his 3.40 ERA/4.20 xFIP suggests more regression could be in order. Soriano has been trending southward for the past 2 seasons, and those in keeper leagues are advised to sell while he still has value.
Devin Mesoraco (C-CIN): Mesoraco went 2 for 4 with a run scored to help lead the Reds over the Brewers. His wOBA has gone from .249 in his rookie year to .275 last year to .305 in 2013. And he's hitting the ball with more authority, seeing his LD rate rise from 15% to 16% to 22% in 2013. Mesoraco has also shown incremental gains against righties, although he must continue to improve upon his .270 wOBA against them. The post-hype prospect is definitely a name to file away for 2014, especially in those 2-catcher leagues.
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