MLB fantasy waiver wire report
It's a long season; let us guide you through all of the potential names on the wire who can help your team. For more fantasy analysis, check out Sandlot Shrink.com.
Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds -- Mike Leake will move to the bullpen to reduce his workload, and Bailey will stay in the rotation. Bailey, 24, missed two months with a shoulder injury. He is 2-2 with a 4.92 ERA but threw six shutout innings in his first start off the DL last Sunday. He went 8-5 with a 4.53 ERA for the Reds last year. He has decent stuff but is a bit wild at times. Grade C+
Bryan Bullington, Kansas City Royals -- Bullington, 29, is a former first round pick who has bounced around five different organizations. But maybe hes finally found himself. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Yankees last Sunday which was his second straight strong start. He throws a fastball, curveball, cutter and changeup. Last time he seemed unsure of himself, Ned Yost said. And when we sent him down, we told him, Look, you need to really trust your stuff. They also told him to attack hitters and improve his control. And he has done that since he was recalled in late July, allowing only three runs in 18 innings over three games. Grade C+
Casey Coleman, Chicago Cubs -- Coleman, 23, moves into the rotation for now. He throws around 90-mph with a good changeup while mixing in a slider, cutter and curve. He has a good feel for his craft but has to be sharp to win. He has a 4.07 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 14 starts at AAA Iowa and had been used out of the bullpen for the Cubs. Grade C
Chris Denorfia, San Diego Padres -- Denorfia (.289-8-31-6 in 194 at-bats) will help replace the injured Tony Gwynn in center field but he is not as strong defensively. Denorfia, 23, had just three career homers prior to this season. Grade C+
Derek Holland, Texas Rangers -- Holland, 23, was activated to rejoin the rotation. He spent the last two and a half months recovering from rotator cuff inflammation and a subluxation of the right kneecap. He made four starts for Oklahoma City, going 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in 18 innings. He said he regained his confidence and command in the minors and was able to stay ahead of the hitters. He has good stuff (mid-90s fastball with a slider and changeup) and can be dominant at times but was 8-13 with a 6.12 ERA in his rookie season last year. If he performs well, he could stay in the rotation. Grade C+
Will Rhymes, Detroit Tigers -- Rhymes, 27, was called back up to replace Carlos Guillen (bruised left knee) at second base for now. Rhymes batted .259 in 54 at-bats in a previous stint with the Tigers last month. He was batting .305 with 22 steals at AAA Toledo. Grab him for his speed. Grade B+
Hisanori Takahashi, New York Mets -- The Japanese veteran (35), who closed for one season with the Yomiuri Giants, takes the place of Francisco Rodriguez for now. He throws a variety of pitches breaking and off-speed stuff mixed with high-80s fastballs from all angles. Plus, he has the temperament and experience to get the job done. He has a 4.16 ERA and a 1.37 whip in 35 games (12 starts) this season. He also has a very good 96/38 K/BB ratio in 102 innings. Grade B
Travis Wood, Cincinnati Reds -- Wood, 23, is a finesse lefty so he has to be sharp to win. He rejoins the rotation after posting a 2.65 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in eight starts in his first stint. He was 5-6 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in l5 starts for AAA Louisville. Grade B-
Eric Young Jr., Colorado Rockies -- Young, 25, was activated from the DL and could provide a spark at the top of the lineup. He will play second base and is worth a pickup in 4x4 leagues if you need some speed. He fractured his right tibia earlier in May and mossed two month. Grade B for the steals (17 combined in the majors and minors this year).
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