AL Player Analysis - May 5, 2014

Elvis Andrus -- The Rangers dropped Elvis Andrus, who has batted second every game this year, down to the ninth spot in the order on Sunday. Andrus is hitting just .217 this year and entered the game 0 for his last 21. He went 1-for-3 in the game and swiped his 10th bag of the year. The Rangers made a similar move with Andrus last year, which lasted roughly two weeks, so it seems fairly likely he'll be moved back up if he starts to hit the way he's capable of. In the meantime, Leonys Martin is a good bet to bat second.

Abraham Almonte -- The Mariners sent Opening Day center fielder and leadoff hitter Abraham Almonte to Triple-A on Sunday. Almonte triple-slashed just .198/.248/.292 this year, so it was time for a change. Almonte has a little power and speed upside and may be worth hanging onto in AL-only leagues, but he'll need to work on some things at the lower levels before he's given another chance in Seattle. Michael Saunders will be the primary playing time beneficiary in his absence.

Dustin McGowan -- After an ugly start to the year and rumors that he was one start away from being removed from the rotation, Dustin McGowan has now turned in two quality outings in a row. On Sunday, he went 7 one-run innings against Pittsburgh with 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 3 hits. Top prospect Marcus Stroman came in afterwards and will be breathing down McGowan's neck, so while he's usable in AL-only leagues while he has a rotation spot, it will likely only take a small slip up before the Jays hand the keys over to their future ace.

Corey Kluber -- After a shaky start to the year (at least according to surface numbers), Corey Kluber has really begun turning it on. On Sunday, he struck out 13 White Sox in 8 innings, allowing two runs with two walks. Kluber emerged as a very good pitcher last year thanks in part to an improved slider, and he's picked up right where he left off. He entered Sunday's game with an 8.5 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, and 3.51 xFIP. He's worth owning and using in all formats.

John Axford -- Axford blew a bad save on Sunday, walking two batters before giving up a three-run home run to Dayan Viciedo. It's only his second blown save of the year, and he entered the game with a 2.31 ERA, so he'll receive more rope following this disaster, but he's a popular pick to lose his job at some point. I'm more bullish on Axford than most, but today's outing doesn't inspire confidence, and his xFIP is 4.78 thanks to a 5.4 BB/9. Keep an eye on this situation and stash Cody Allen in leagues where you have bench room.

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