AS TURNER HEATS UP, SALE TAKES A SEAT
The fantasy stretch is ahead, and a number of players are gaining and losing value when it matters most.
SIZZLERS
3B Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers: The slow start is in the rearview mirror, as Turner entered the week with 15 home runs, 42 RBI and a .671 slugging percentage over his last 180 plate appearances. He has been a reliable contributor in the past and is currently providing elite results at third base.
C Evan Gattis, Houston Astros: With three home runs last weekend, Gattis has 16, which led all catcher-eligible batters. Being used as the designated hitter will keep Gattis in the lineup more than most catchers, and his home run and RBI results will continue to be among the best at the position.
SP Tyler Skaggs, Los Angeles Angels: Skaggs has had a long road back to the majors after Tommy John elbow surgery. While he’ll be a difficult pitcher to trust initially, he posted a 1.67 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 321⁄ innings with Class AAA Salt Lake (Salt Lake City) through seven rehab starts.
RP Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles: After a sterling outing against the Cleveland Indians, Bundy could push to stick in the rotation. There are plenty of leagues where owning relief eligibility makes a starter even more valuable, and Bundy’s now stretched out. If he sticks as a starter, he could thrive surrounded by a potent offense and a dominant bullpen.
FIZZLERS
SP Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox: Any impact of the off-field drama aside, Sale missed a start because of his suspension, and he could stay with the team given the expected asking price on the trade market. Add his 4.87 ERA over his last 10 starts, and there are concerns on numerous levels.
2B Neil Walker, New York Mets: With three extra-base hits and a .168/.233/.234 slash line over his last 120 plate appear- ances, Walker is limping toward the fantasy stretch drive. The Mets have alternatives at the position to cut into Walker’s playing time. He’s currently not worth starting in the majority of seasonal leagues.
C Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles: Over the last three seasons, Wieters has been limited to 169 games, and he’s nursing a foot injury. He hasn’t registered an extra-base hit in July and owns a disastrous .318 OPS. In singlecatcher leagues, you have to aim higher.
SP Tyler Glasnow, Pittsburgh Pirates: The 22-year-old was placed on the disabled list Sunday with a shoulder injury, and he likely will be handled cautiously going forward. Time is running out for Glasnow to make an impact, so it isn’t out of the question to look for a healthy alternative in the majority of mixed leagues.
Neil Parker