Stock Watch: 6 players trending up, down in fantasy

We'll identify three players each week whose fantasy stocks are rising, and three others whose are falling. 

Trending Up

Devon Travis - Toronto Blue Jays: 

The Blue Jays hot-hitting rookie leads all major league second baseman in home runs (4), RBIs (14) and slugging (.714) in 14 games, while appearing no worse for wear after taking a pitch in the ribs last week. Travis showed his ability to hit for power in the minor leagues despite his small frame, blasting 26 home runs in 232 games at various levels in the two years before hitting the majors. With Jose Reyes bouncing in and out of the lineup with injuries, manager John Gibbons hasn't shied away from using Travis in the leadoff role - where he's excelled. He's owned in only 68 percent of Yahoo leagues.  

Stephen Vogt​ - Oakland Athletics:

It didn't take long for the Athletics to find Derek Norris' replacement behind home plate. Vogt appears right at home as a regular addition in the lineup, hitting a team-leading four home runs to go with 14 RBIs through as many games. The 30-year-old already has eight extra-base hits and should continue to have an opportunity to add to his production with manager Bob Melvin hitting Vogt near the top of the order. Vogt, who also holds position eligibility at first base and in the outfield, is owned in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues. 

Will Middlebrooks - San Diego Padres:

Middlebrooks appears right at home with the Padres after battling injuries and inconsistency in three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. The 26-year-old third baseman is hitting .258/.292/.484 with three home runs, three doubles and 11 RBIs in 16 games. The Padres offense is the second-highest scoring in the league, allowing Middlebrooks to score eight runs after recording just 14 in 63 games a season ago. The power has always been there and if Middlebrooks can stay healthy, he could prove to be a valuable piece to your fantasy team. He's owned in just 18 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Trending down

Michael Brantley - Cleveland Indians:

An ailing back has limited Brantley at the plate early on this season as he's appeared in eight of the Indians first 14 games. On the heels of a breakout season that saw him finish third in American League MVP voting, Brantley is hitting just .226/.273/.290 and is without a home run or a stolen base. He's appeared in Cleveland's last six games but keep an eye on the status of his back moving forward. He's owned in 97 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers:

The Brewers are off to a 2-13 start, thanks in large part to a miserable offense which is hardly being alleviated by the lack of production they're receiving from Braun. The five-time All-Star has just one extra-base hit through his first 14 games, while hitting .240/.283/.300. Coming off a career-worst year that resulted in thumb surgery, there are serious concerns with Braun's production moving forward. He's owned in 98 percent of leagues. 

Christian Yelich - Miami Marlins:

Yelich has been slowed by a back injury to start the season which could land the Gold Glove outfielder on the disabled list. Through 11 games, the 23-year-old is hitting .200/.265/.22 with one extra-base hit and one steal. Yelich is coming off an excellent year in his first full season in the majors, seeing him hit .284/.362/.402 with nine home runs, 54 RBIs, 21 steals and 94 runs. Much like Brantley, keep an eye on how Yelich progresses from his back injury. He's owned in 88 percent of leagues