Sam Dyson, RP, TEX
If anyone thought that Dyson would be fantasy relevant again this season after the way he imploded with the Rangers, it certainly wasn't me, but here he is with 3 saves in 5 days for the Giants. I don't blame fantasy owners for not wanting to go near Dyson; after all, some teams are still trying to overcome the dent he put in their ratios in their ratios during the first week of the season. But the fact is, he seems like a different pitcher now with San Francisco, boasting a 12:3 K:BB along with a 63.0% GB% through 10.1 IP. Right now, he's the clear closer for the Giants, and while it's definitely possible that he could implode again, he's not any less safe than Brandon Maurer or whoever you might try from the Nationals.
Scooter Gennett, 2B, OF, CIN
The 4 HR game seemed like a fluke, but Gennett has seemed like a different player ever since. Since that historic performance, Gennett has hit .338 with 7 HR's, 16 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 23 games. The power is unprecedented for Gennett, but so is his 39.2% Hard% which is 10% higher than his career rate. The Reds are playing him almost every day now and for good reason. It looks to a be a true breakout for Gennett, and while he won't keep up his current power, he should still provide a good BA and more power than we've seen prior to this season.
Tommy Pham, OF, STL
Pham keeps getting it done for the Cardinals, and that was true again on Wednesday, when he went 2-5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI. He's been playing every day and producing with 18 runs and 16 RBI over his last 19 games. Overall, he's slashing .292/.381/.500 with 10 HR's in 223 PA's. Somehow the Cardinals are always able to find these guys, but I still have a hard time believing in Pham. First of all, there's his 25.1% K%, which is better than last year's 38.8% but still high. He does have a solid Hard%, but his current BA is a best-case scenario. Secondly, there's his 32.3% HR/FB which if he were qualified would be 2nd in MLB to Aaron Judge. And Pham is not Aaron Judge. So, as well as he's been playing, I can't say that regression isn't coming.
Addison Russell, SS. CHC
Russell hasn't been helping fantasy much of late with just 1 XBH and 0 RBI over his last 11 games, and his overall slash line of .232/.302/.392 isn't all that impressive. His main fantasy contribution in 2016 was his 95 RBI but that came hitting in the middle of a Cubs lineup that was among the best in the league. This year, the Cubs offense has been middle of the pack and Russell has recently been hitting near the bottom of the order with more regularity. With 29 RBI at the moment, he won't come close to matching last year's total. He still strikes out more than average and his 27.0% Hard% is on the low end as well. At 23 yrs. old, he still has plenty of room to improve, but there isn't much to indicate that a breakout is imminent. He is still owned in more than half of ESPN leagues, but even at a position like SS, there's likely to be better alternatives.
Scott Schebler, OF, CIN
Schebler gets another nice matchup in Coors Field on Thursday which is of course good for any hitter. He'll be facing RHP Tyler Chatwood who has predictably been awful at home with a 6.39 ERA this year. Schebler actually has a better BA against lefties this year, but his power has shown more against RHP's with 16 HR's against them in 197 AB's. Schebler is reasonably priced for a Coors contest. DraftKings Value Play Salary $4,100.
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