MLB Inside Edge: 5 fantasy players to watch this week
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RHP Koda Glover, Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have a closer*. The announcement comes with a disclaimer. Neither RHP Blake Treinen nor RHP Shawn Kelley were able to retain the role this season. Glover was officially named as the ninth-inning man by manager Dusty Baker, and he takes over with a 3-1 record in save situations this season.
Glover is striking out an unimpressive 7.07 batters per nine innings, but he is walking just 1.29 and hasn't allowed a home run this season. He is inducing 47.6 percent ground balls and giving up a hard-hit percentage of 16.7.
The Nationals have the fourth-best record in baseball, providing him with many opportunities - though their plus-54 run differential through Wednesday is tied for the third-best in the league, limiting Glover's save chances. He is a must-own player for as long as he can remain in the closer role.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
3B Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers
As 3B Adrian Beltre nears his return to action, Gallo's playing time becomes uncertain. While he's a replacement-level defender at third, he is the best alternative to Beltre the Rangers have. There have been reports of him moving into a corner outfield spot upon Beltre's return, but the Rangers may not feel the need for another sub-.200 hitter, even with his 14 home runs.
Gallo continues to strike out at a rate near 40 percent. An adequate walk rate allows for a .306 OBP, but he's either going deep or going back to the dugout. Without the need for his defensive eligibility, the Rangers may shorten the leash on the free-swinging slugger.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
C Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds
Through Wednesday, Mesoraco has yet to start three consecutive days all season. He is hitting a quality .283/.389/.457 with two homers and a steal, but fantasy owners haven't been truly able to reap the rewards. The Reds will play a three-game series in Toronto in the coming week, allowing Mesoraco the luxury of appearing as the designated hitter.
Should he build a strong case for himself, Reds management may be forced into using him on defense more often in order to have the services of his bat.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
2B/OF Adam Frazier, Pittsburgh Pirates
Frazier is fully expected to retain the majority of playing time in left field with OF Gregory Polanco returned from the disabled list and resuming his role in right field. Frazier has led off in each start since April 17, and he is slashing .442/.547/.558 in May. He has both scored and driven in 10 runs this month, though he has just one home run entering Wednesday.
His play has earned him the job in left and at the top of the lineup for the foreseeable future, but one more healthy body could up the pressure in the event of an extended slump.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
1B Sam Travis, Boston Red Sox
Travis picked up two hits and scored a run in his MLB debut Wednesday. The 23-year-old is expected to be eased into the majors in a platoon with 1B Mitch Moreland at first base, while 1B Hanley Ramirez serves as the designated hitter. He'll be in the lesser half of the platoon, as he's expected to exclusively face left-handed pitching.
The Red Sox are set to face two lefties in the coming week - Chicago White Sox LHP Jose Quintana and Baltimore Orioles LHP Wade Miley. Travis could cut into Moreland's playing time if he can continue to build on Wednesday's impressive start.