By Thomas Riker
Hitters
Tony Kemp – Kemp is finally getting regular playing time this season after never starting more than 97 games in any season to date. His 62 games played are more than both of his previous two seasons, and while he isn’t starting every game (he doesn’t always start against lefties), he’s making the most out of his starts. He gets on base at a .398 clip, and his 31:30 BB:K ratio shows that his average (.273) and OBP are sustainable. His 138 wRC+ (he creates 38% more runs than the average player) means that he is currently hitting at an above average level.
Amed Rosario – As one of the big pieces of the Lindor/Carrasco trade, it looks like Rosario is finally putting it together. With the help of his career high walk rate (6.5%) and his third lowest strikeout rate (20.3%), Rosario has made big improvements in his AVG and OBP from last year. He is starting to look like his old 2019 self where he hit .287 with 15 HRs and 19 SBs. Rosario provides a tantalizing combination of power, speed, and average. Pick him up in any league where he is available.
Taylor Ward – A former catching prospect turned outfielder, Ward has benefitted massively from the Trout injury, securing playing time during the all-star’s absence. Over the last month, Ward is the proud owner of a .256 AVG and a .354 OBP. He’s been hitting in the third spot of an Angels lineup complete with Ohtani and Upton at the top. If Ward keeps hitting, he should start over fellow outfielder Juan Lagares upon Trout’s return. Ride the wave, at least while you can.
Pitchers
Tarik Skubal – While his 4.06 ERA and 1.36 WHIP may not inspire many folks, his 94 strikeouts in 77.2 innings should. Skubal was always a strikeout guy in the minors and continues to be that guy in the majors, striking out an average 10.89 batters per 9 innings. His propensity to the long ball and the fact that he is playing for the Tigers may make some people shy away, but his ability to miss bats truly showcases his upside.
Patrick Sandoval – Thrust into the bullpen at the beginning of the season, Sandoval had a bit of a rough go at things. However, since being moved to the rotation, he has given up 14 runs in 36.2 innings, leaving him with an 3.43 ERA as a starter this season. The key for Sandoval has been fine tuning his command and his sub 3 BB/9 as a starter shows that results have been tangible thus far. His fastball is rather average, but his change up and slider are both far above average, and with his newfound command, these results seem somewhat sustainable for Sandoval. I’m buying him in any league I can.
Logan Gilbert – A former 14th overall pick and Mariners #4 prospect, there’s a lot to like about Logan Gilbert. He carved up minor league hitters, never posting an ERA higher than 2.88 at any level. Gilbert throws hard, with no detriment to his command. Ever since his first two starts in the big leagues, he’s given up more than two runs only once (four to the red hot Rays). Over his last two real starts (his last was shortened due to rain), he finished with a 32% and a 36% CSW (called strikes plus whiffs), respectively, both impressive figures. Gilbert figures to only get more comfortable in the big leagues, putting up big numbers in the process.
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