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.
Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians -- Brantley, 23, was called back up to start in center field and lead off. He struggled in his first stint with the Tribe but went down and played hard and might be ready to contribute. He was hitting .315 in 59 games with 10 steals for AAA Columbus. Last season for the Clippers, he stole 46 bases in 51 attempts. Grade B
Daniel Hudson, Chicago White Sox -- Hudson, 23, is expected to take the place of Jake Peavy in the rotation for now. Hudson has a 3.47 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 17 starts with AAA Charlotte, averaging over a strikeout per inning, but has also given up 13 homers, a disturbing trend that has been increasing of late. He throws in the low-to-mid 90s with an excellent changeup and command. His slider is coming along as well. Worth a pickup in AL-only leagues. Grade B
Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals -- Jay, 25, is batting fifth and playing right field with Ryan Ludwick on the disabled list. He has some pop and is hot at the moment, batting .352 for the Cards as of Wednesday. He was batting .321 with four homers with AAA Memphis at the time of his recall last week. He is now inquiring more about opposing pitchers which has helped his preparation. "Ever since he's been in our uniform, he looks like a player," Tony La Russa told reporters. "He's making things happen. If he keeps that up, he's going to earn a lot of playing time." Grade C+
Jim Thome, Minnesota Twins -- Thome, 39, has been inserted into the lineup for more offense of late and is taking advantage of it, even passing Harmon Killebrew for 10th place on the all-time home run list along the way. He is now a platoon hitter who can only DH, so he will likely play just half the time but is worth a flier in AL-only leagues. Grade C+
Jayson Nix, Cleveland Indians -- Nix, 27, is batting .317 with five home runs since joining the Tribe last week. And he will continue to play second base as long as he stays hot or until Asdrubal Cabrera returns from the disabled list. Be aware that he is a career .212 hitter. He will eventually go back to being a utility infielder. Grade C+
Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles -- Tillman, 22, will likely be promoted to start on Saturday.Tillman is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in three starts with AAA Norfolk since he was sent down June 22. He's been working on a cutter and a two-seam fastball while improving his command. He was 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA in four starts with the Orioles. Still pretty young. Grade C+
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