Luis Matos walked so Heliot Ramos could run. Remember Luis Matos? He had 16 RBIs in five games then disappeared off the face of the Earth. Well, he actually went 2-for-22 first, THEN vanished. Anyway, Matos is old news as Heliot Ramos is making the headlines now in the Bay, he was three for five last night with an RBI as he led off and he’s proving to be the perfect table setter for this Giants squad. He’s hitting an insane .455 over the past week with three bombs and even RBI. Let’s watch one of those bombs, shall we? Sweet sassy molassy is right! His 1.450 OPS ranks up there with all the MLB big boys: Soto, Judge, Yordan and FTJ! Okay, it’s a small sample size, but that’s not his fault, let’s go big picture. In addition to his .320/.416/.515 slash, going into Friday night’s game he was third in the NL in batting average (.304), third in BB% (13.9%), second in SLG% (.511), and first in OPS (.918) based on players with at least 100 plate appearances. Yes, really! Don’t worry nerds, I gotchu and the advanced stats are even better: .434 BABIP, wRC+ 170, .406 wOBA and a 1.5 WAR. Yes, please and thank you very much! What does all of this mean for those like me who can’t math good? Opposing pitchers have had a Heliot of a time keeping Ramos off the bath paths, and he’s Heliot bent on proving he belongs in the big leagues. Will he come crashing down to Earth, or is this Heliot on Earth? Is that enough puns for you? There may be more coming. Apologies in advance. So sure, he may be playing over his head but the excellent walk rate provides hope that he can maintain value even when he’s not as hot as Heliot fire. He’s pretty much available everywhere for some reason and that needs to change that this weekend. Grey told you to BUY and Ramos isn’t exactly showing any signs of slowing down yet as of now he’s on on base machine (he reached base six times on Wednesday). Come Heliot or high water this dude could be an all star! So time to bring your league some hell and add Ramos just for the Heliot of it!
Here’s what else I saw in fantasy baseball Friday night:
Michael Conforto – 1-for-4, HR (8). The hipster’s favorite player is so past being cool that he’s starting to be cool again. And there’s nothing cooler than that. Cheugy-much? He’s also been hurt, which is sort of part of his schtick. Can’t be that bad if you can’t even play. He’s worth a flier if he’s out there, that swing sure is purdy. He barely plays, yes, but when he does he hits bombs, again is there anything cool than that? He might be too cool for this game.
Wilmer Flores – 2-for-5, 2 HR (4). That’s three homers in two days, and he hit just one homre prior to that through 52 games. Yes, he is a hot little potato right now. Not too shocking that San Fran is making a run in Pride Month. Speaking of Pride Month, did you know the Rangers are the only team in MLB that doesn’t have a Pride Night? Shocked? You don’t look shocked. No one is shocked by this.
Reese Olson – 4.0 IP, 12 hits, 8 ER, BB, 6 K, 7th L. Reese is in pieces after fiving up 13 runs and 18 hits over his past two starts (9.1 IP). Maybe he’ll fare better with a softer matchup with the Nationals next week but if he was on my team he wouldn’t get that chance. I’m saying he wouldn’t be on my team anymore.
Tobias Myers – 8.0 IP, 1 hit, 3 BB, 5 K, 2nd win. To buy Tobias? Almost went Myers as the lead but have a strong suspicion, “sus” as the kids would say that this might be more of a testament to just how bad this Tigers offense is and less Tobias’ supreme skills. Still credit where credit is due, Myers let up a leadoff single to Matt Vierling but that was pretty much it for the Tigers o-fence
Brice Turang – 4-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, SB (22). Brice scored twice, and added a stolen base which is just a nice. He’s my greatest waiver wire add of the season, especially at such a week position. Way to go me! I owe my life to Brice.
Blake Perkins – 3-for-4, 3 runs, 2 RBI. 2 triples! Let’s watch one. The first two in his career! Well, how about that? You own B. Lake for his speed, so the trips aren’t that surprising when he’s hitting .389 in the past week. The Brewers are that team that can put up 12 runs on you without hitting one out of the park.
Christian Yelich – 3-for-3, SB (9). Considering he’s got just six homers he’s added value everywhere else, one of the top wRC+s in all of baseball. “MVP!” Yelich loud for the whole world to hear!
Oneil Cruz – 1-for-2, HR (9). OK, before I overreact, the Cruz Missile did hit this cruise missile. That’s back to back games with a home run, something he hasn’t done since the last time he homered on May 12th. Also, the zero strikeouts is REAL nice to see. Is June the month of Cruz? I have about three teams that are counting on this being the case.
Connor Joe – 1-for-4, HR (7). Where did he come from? Where did he go? Nowhere, he’s been leading off much of the season, mostly against lefties.
Mitch Keller – 6.0 IP, 7 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 8th win, ERA at 3.16. That’s six wins in a row for Mitch the Killer. All have been 6+ innings with less than two runs allowed, ie quality starts, bruh. He’s got a 35/7 K/BB in that stretch with a 1.13 ERA. Dude is an Ace. Some of the movement on his pitches, oh boy, I mean, look at that slider slide, folks! Do the Pirates have the best 1-2-3 starters in all of baseball? I think they might, and I don’t think it’s that close. Now if Oneil Cruz can just get going…
Joe Ryan – 7.0 IP, 2 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K. Did I mention who he didn’t strike out? Oneil Cruz! Yay! Sorry I’m really jacked on this. Back to Joe, Ryan likes to lay on the floor of the dugout between innings and contemplate life’s greater questions. It seems kind of unsanitary but also kind of sad. You OK, bro? Want to talk about it?
Marcell Ozuna – 2-for-4, run. I do appreciate the Braves batting him third now because he is the only one who seems to be doing anything. Batting .364 with two homers in the past week. He’s first in the NL in home runs with 18, first in RBI with 55, and trails only Profar in batting average (.316). Are you saying OZUNA could win the triple crown? I didn’t say that, you did! Couldn’t happen to a worse human.
Chris Sale – 7.0 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, BB, 10, 2nd L. Nice rebound after getting an overdue visit with the Regression fairies last week. I don’t know what’s more impressive the sub-1 WHIP or the 92/11 K/BB. The Ks obviously, that’s rhetorical. How about that the Red Sox traded this guy for a player with 12 hits in 80 ABs and already more injuries than extra base hits. Fleeced ’em good! I’m honestly so excited to see what Alex Anthopoulos does at the trade deadline this year to fix this offensive mess, and I have full confidence he can!
C.J. Abrams – 1-for-4, run, SB (9). Corange Juice, concentrate on what I’m saying to you (get it, because OJ?). I need about 30 more of these steals to justify me drafting you as high as I did. Don’t make me look a fool, CJ!
Kyle Finnegan – 1.0 IP, 2 K, SV (17), ERA at 1.80. He’s been one of the best closers in baseball. No foolin’! I drafted the Diaz Brothers *clown face emoji* Grey told you to add Hunter Harvey for when Finnegan eventually gets traded to a contender. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t see anywhere he’d be traded where he’d take over the closer role? Royals maybe? Cubs? Who’s buying? It’s early to speculate, but anyone relying on KF should be ready.
Jake Irvin – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 BB, 4 K, 4th win, ERA at 3.12. It’s a good year to be an Irvin. Not to be confused with Cole, Jake has been surprisingly solid with four straight quality starts, and the advanced stats back up him up (3.56 xFIP). He’s still a streamer to me but he’s a real good one with a cheesecake matchup next week in Detroit.
Cole Irvin – 5.2 IP, 8 hits, 2 ER, 6 K, 6th win. Hey! Speaking of Irvins, as far as I can tell these two are not related, other than both being in the family of “killin’ it” right now. Unlike Jake, Cole’s advanced stats suggest he’s pitching a bit over his head. He’s rocking a sparkling 2.87 ERA and hasn’t let up more than 3 runs in a start since early April. He needs to be owned everywhere, and if you add both Irvins and come up with a fun team name like The Irvins Magic Johnsons or something I wouldn’t be mad at you.
Aaron Civale – 5.0 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, BB, 8 K, 5th L. Even the Rays can’t fix whatever the heck is wrong with Civale. Some guys just like giving up runs.
Craig Kimbrel – 1.0 IP, SV (14), ERA at 2.82. He’s been a perfect 7-for-7 in save opps since his hiccups at the end of April. He took the loss on Wednesday, but that was not a save opportunity and we know CK don’t fox with those.
Ryan Mountcastle – 1-for-3, HR (11). That’s five homers in the past week! I know Grey usually makes a David Tennant reference here but I’m more of a Line of Duty guy. Interview terminated!
Jordan Westburg – 2-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI. He’s struggled a bit to hit for average lately but more than made up for it with two homers and a steal in the past week. I’m convinced Westburg swapped out Jackson Holliday’s cleats back in early April and stole all his big highly touted prospect energy.
Jose Siri – 2-for-3, 2 runs, HR (6). He was a BUY! The sub-200 average is tough to look at but he’s hitting closer to .300 in the past week with three homers! He also steals and activates your iPhone whenever a home run is called!
Yoshinobu Yamamoto – 7.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K. The seven innings were actually a career high and he did it against one of the scariest lineups in baseball, albeit without one of their best hitters in Juan Soto. Yes, Y-squared and his 83/16 K/BB look every bit as good as advertised.
Aaron Judge – 2-for-3, RBI. Was responsible for all the Yankees scoring in this one, which might be the case if Juan Soto is out much longer.
Teoscar Hernandez – 2-for-4, 2 RBI. Go-ahead double in 11th inning. After leading the league in RBI through April, Uncle Oscar slowed down considerably lately but just because you only see your uncle three times a year, doesn’t mean he’s not still a creeper.
Nick Lodolo – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 6th win, ERA at 2.92. Yolo Lodolo has won all three of his starts since returning from his second stint on the IL and he’s starting to look like the Ace we all wanted Hunter Greene to be. In addition to looking pretty filthy, he’s gotten the privilege to face some of the league’s worst offenses over that stretch. Cubs look bad. Meanwhile, the Reds have won six straight! Are the Reds a wagon!? The Reds are a wagon, folks!
Justin Steele – 7.0 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, BB, 7 K, 3rd L. With this lineups struggles, Justin must be thinking I should have stayed on the IL a few more weeks.
Alexis Diaz – 1.0 IP, 1 hits, ER, BB, K, SB (13). It wouldn’t be an Alexis Diaz save if he didn’t test your blood pressure while getting it.
Bryan De La Cruz – 3-for-4, HR (11). The second homer in the past week for BDLC and he’s hitting close to .300 this week with two bombs. He crushed this one too. The .252/.306/.427 slash is underwhelming as are most things about the Mehlins this year but he is hitting the ball hard right now and seems to be starting off June with a bang.
Garrett Crochet – 6.0 IP, 3 hits, ER, 2 BB, 10 K, 6th win, ERA at 3.33. Yep, he’s an Ace. Hopefully you didn’t drop him in mid-April. Garrett holds 6 of the White Sox 16 wins, that’s almost calculating…calculating…calculating…40%! The White Sox broke their 14 game losing streak in style Friday night by the way. Their last win was another Crochet start back on May 21. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start since April 24th. That’s 10 in a row! Yes, he’s pretty good!
Luis Robert, Jr. – 1-for-4, HR (4). Don’t look at the .188 batting average or the eight strikeouts he’s had since he returned from the IL. He’s got two bombs including this one. This is really all the White Sux need right now to have a chance to win some games.
Andrew Vaughn – 2-for-4, HR (6). Even Andrew Vaughn hit one! That’s gotta be a goocher! Someone bet big on Dallas game two! Kyrie’s big earring energy!
Gavin Sheets – 1-for-2, 3 runs, HR (6). The three runs scored were the first for a White Sox player all year! CWS stats make me sad but are also fun.
MJ Melendez – 1-for-3, HR (6), 4 RBI, slashing .167/.233/.339. MJ Melendez without catcher eligibility just looks like a terrible fantasy player to me.
Bobby Witt Jr. – 3-for-5, run, RBI. The Royals came back from down 8-0 to tie it with a BWJ triple in 9th, because of course he did. This kid is a star! Ha-cha-cha! I mean, if we’re gonna gush, let’s gush–he’s slashing .323/375/.568, with 11 homers (ELEVEN) and 19 steals. His .944 is also OPS not too shabby. He’s first in the AL in batting average and hits, second in steals and top five in RBI with 47. He may very well be the best dynasty player in fantasy and I of course own him nowhere. Are you happy now, God?
Ryan Bliss – 1-for-3, HR (1). Ignorance is bliss, as in, who the F is Ryan Bliss? Well, he’s got a homer and three steals in the past week. Get to know him!
Daniel Lynch IV – 4.0 IP, 6 hits, 8 ER, 4 BB, 4 K versus Bryce Miller- 5.0 IP, 6 hits, 7 ER, 3 BB, K. Something must have been in the air in Kansas City, and Taylor Swift wasn’t even in town? Probably that Arthur Bryant’s dry rub.
Ryne Stanek – 0.2 IP, 2 hits, 3 ER, 3 BB, BS (2). BUY. Well, Grey was right about him getting the first shot at the ninth, but it went about as poorly as it could have. I’m still stanning Stanek for now, as far as meltdowns go that’s about as epic as it gets and BWJ is very good. He probably gets another shot while Munoz is sidelined.
Alex Burleson – 2-for-5, run. Cards scored 8 runs on 12 hits. Another BUY! He’s pretty much the Cards best hitter, and has three homers in the past week and a six game hitting streak! What are you waiting for!? Oh. It was the Cards best hitter part wasn’t it? Yeah, that’s not exactly a compliment.
Ryan Helsley – 1.0 IP, 2 K, SV (21). That’s a league leading 21st save with just one blown save all year. I hope my closers are watching Helsley and taking studious notes.
Chris Bassitt – 8.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, 2 BB, 7 K. What? I’m not about to reward Bassitt with praise for doing what any decent pitcher should do against the Oakland A’ss, but I will scold his offense for giving him no support. Bad dogs! Bassitt’s been way more good than bad but the Jays have been bad.
JJ Bleday – 1-for-4, HR (9). The walk-off bing bomb! Dreaming of futures in Vegas…I like to call it Lost Wages. Don’t just have a day, fam, have a JJ Ble-day!
Mason Miller – 1.0 IP, 2 K, 1st win. Is he the best reliever in baseball? The 54/11 K/BB certainly makes that argument. Will be interesting to see if Oakland moves Miller, their only valuable piece at the trade deadline. For his sake, hopefully they do.
Michael King – 5.0 IP, 4 hits, BB, 5 K, 5th win. King me, Mike. When you don’t even need to go six cause your team is crushing so hard.
Jurickson Profar – 2-for-5, HR (9), 4 RBI. He leads the league in batting average! Oh man if I only had that when I drafted him so high in 2012. All my life decisions up to this point could have been different. Look, not even JP’s mother think he’s got a shot at the batting title but we will enjoy watching his success. I guess. He could be one of the best waiver wire finds of the year!
Ketel Marte – 2-for-4, HR (13), 2 RBI. April called, they want their player back, and wait, someone actually answered! K-Mart is hitting .423 with three homers in the past week. Now that’s savings! Keep going!
Yanier Diaz – 3-for-5, HR (7), 3 RBI. His fourth straight game with a home run! My memory is not what it used to be after being riddled with drugs and hypnotisms and scientology auditing sessions but I seem to remember him having a run like this last year. Dude gets hotter than WNBA draft day fits. He’s making Yordan look bad! Good! They need motivation play better!
Jose Abreu – 1-for-4, HR (2). Do you see this, Yordan!? Do you see! This guy is beyond c00ked and he can even do it!
Kevin Pillar – 2-for-3, HR (7). So, he’s definitely cooled off considerable, which should surprise no one. It’s been fun KP, probably time to move on?
Fernando Tatis Jr. – 1-for-4, HR (11). That’s a 415-foot SHOT, guys and five girl readers (hi mom!). Is it me or does everyone else hear Lil Jon’s “Shots” song on repeat when FTJ cranks one? Just me then? He just gets me so AMPED!
Framber Valdez – 9.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, BB, 8 K, 5th win. Framber’s been a happy camper lately with five quality starts in his past six, with the sixth being a pounding by the Angels. He gave up a home run in the second but was all aces from then on. Yup, outside of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, this is the best thing anyone from Houston has done all year.
Thanks for reading! Questions? Problems? Complaints to management? Advice, small gifts or large bribes? Please leave it in the comments below. Join us next Saturday for another Friday recap as fantasy baseball continues next week, all week long!
