MILLER COULD END UP AS CLOSER
The fantasy stretch drive is upon us. Here are your risers and fallers for the early part of the second half:
SIZZLERS
RP Andrew Miller, New York Yankees: There’s a strong chance Miller is pitching in the ninth inning sooner rather than later. Focusing on the future, the Yankees could jettison Miller and/or Aroldis Chapman, which would mean Miller is collecting saves in pinstripes or another uniform. Either way, adding save opportunities to Miller’s 1.34 ERA, 0.72 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) and 15.6 strikeouts per nine innings makes him an elite reliever.
3B Yulieski Gurriel, Houston Astros: The 32-year-old Cuban has drawn comparisons to Dustin Pedroia. The power and speed returns will be modest, but Gurriel is ticketed for the starting job at third base and has ample upside through the final two Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin is 10-2 in 17 starts this season.
months of the season. After a 21-for-61 run over 16 games with Class AAA Las Vegas, Conforto rejoins the Mets. He flashed his upside in April with a 1.118 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, and brief demotions to amp up confidence have worked in the past for fantasy owners. (Rougned Odor last year.)
SP Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians: After a tidy outing Sunday, Tomlin has 10 wins, a 3.34 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and 72 strikeouts through 1072⁄ innings. With Cleveland atop the American League Central, Tomlin projects to continue contributing in the win, ERA and WHIP categories despite his modest strikeout total.
FIZZLERS
SS Alex Bregman, Houston Astros: Long term, Bregman is one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. However, the addition of Gurriel could complicate and delay his ascent. A September cup of coffee could be all we see of Bregman in 2016. Houston Astros Mariners: While he’s expected to return in two weeks, Walker will have offseason surgery on his right foot. Pitching through the injury isn’t promising, considering his track record of inconsistency. In redraft leagues, you’re likely looking at a guessing game.
RP Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers: You often won’t find a closer’s fantasy value trending in the wrong direction when he has 23 saves at midseason, but Jeffress is a prime trade candidate. A relocation could end his ninth-inning reign and quash his fantasy value.
SP John Lackey, Chicago Cubs: After allowing four earned runs Sunday, Lackey has seen his ERA climb from 2.78 to 3.75 over his past five starts. He has allowed 23 earned runs through 302⁄ innings during the span. Sure, the 31 strikeouts during the stretch help, but Lackey also hasn’t won since June 8.
Neil Parker