This week’s topic was going to be about taking a team from 15th place to 5th, with an outside chance at the top 2. Stick to it, make some buy low trades, stash the IL and NA, yadda yadda yadda.
My team though was heavily counting on Austin Riley. If you missed it, Riley is out for 6-8 weeks with a busted hand. This is not good, especially if you’re in a head to head league and the playoffs come soon, or a roto league that you thought you could make up some points in power. Yes, this is a major blow to yours truly and I’m sure some of you as well.
The Braves signed Gio Urshela to replace him so that’s clearly bad for everyone, including the Braves. So here’s a few ideas to replace Riley, or maybe just anyone. And someone just cancel the Braves already, it’s unsafe! These aren’t great ideas, they won’t win your league unless I’m really lucky. But gotta keep grinding, what are you a fantasy football manager?
If you’re feeling lucky, and I mean really, really lucky, you could take the flier on Christopher Morel. There is nothing to this recommendation except that he’s had hot streaks before and might again. He’s the closest to being able to replicate what Riley’s given. Or he might sink your season with his .148 average and 2 HR since getting to Tampa. Your call, this.
Amed Rosario was claimed off waivers as the Dodgers clearly didn’t feel they needed his .303 batting average or anything. He’s probably the Reds third baseman as Jeimer Candelario busted a toe. He didn’t warrant an emergency designation. Rosario can contribute some though and if you need a straight pickup who is sorta safe go ahead.
Whit Merrifield counts at third, and I’m sorry you just read that. This is not a strong recommendation just a name out there. Maybe a hot streak and some steals?
Hitters of the Week:
Mark Vientos is the third baseman to highlight and could also be the Riley pickup. He’s not available in RCL leagues, but in Yahoo 40% of people aren’t on board. Go ahead; a .364 average with an OPS north of 1.200 is just what could cure your Riley broken hand blues. Check, like now, see if he’s there!
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is getting regular at bats for the scuffling Pirates, but don’t let that deter you. He reached the fabled top ten in the Player Rater last week. Average play, here, but there’s worse and he could hit .300 here on out. He even socked one out of the park to go with that .318 average. You could do much much worse. Just look at…….
Bums of the Week
Isaac Paredes is being nicknamed “I Suck” and earning every letter. Last week he hit 1-17. That’s bad. This writer has never been fully aboard the Isaac Parade as the RBI keeps his float moving. Now that he’s on a bad lineup, the opportunities dry up, and weeks like this look even worse,
Rhys Hoskins has been counted on to produce a bit more with Christian Yelich going down. He has not. .118 with one RBI and zero HR is not producing at all, actually. He could be a solid replacement, though, but I’m staying away. Just too much batting average cratering.
Well, “you guys are screwed” is the theme of this one and you’re all losing your leagues if you have Austin Riley. Thanks for reading, though, and may your fingers be in better shape!
