Sizzlers/fizzlers: Billy Hamilton stealing show with speed

Fantasy value sometimes hinges on taking advantage of opportunities. This week’s risers have done a particularly good job, while others are starting to fade.

Sizzlers

OF Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds: The speedster has done a fantastic job getting on base the last two weeks (.440 on-base percentage), and his stolen base total has skyrocketed as a result. With 16 steals over that span, he has taken over the major league lead and has his third consecutive 50-steal season.

SP Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals: The transition from reliever to starter is now official after Duffy scattered seven hits in a 2-1 win against the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 11 for his first career complete game. He has won his last eight decisions and is looking like a 2017 opening-day starter.

1B-OF Brandon Moss, St. Louis Cardinals: A shoulder injury to Matt Adams has given Moss everyday at-bats at first base. He responded by homering in three of the four games in a weekend series against the division rival Chicago Cubs.

RP Adam Ottavino, Colorado Rockies: He has been dominant in his first month off the disabled list after having elbow surgery, tossing 13 scoreless innings. He has taken over the closer’s job, striking out the side at the Texas Rangers on Aug. 11 for his first save since April 2015.

Fizzlers

OF Ian Desmond, Texas Rangers: The last two weeks have been a terrible struggle for Desmond, who has managed 11 hits (all singles) in 58 at-bats (.190). He has struck out 17 times and walked twice during that span.

SP Rich Hill, Los Angeles Dodgers: His long-awaited debut after the trade from the Oakland Athletics is now set for Sunday. Blister issues have kept him from making a start for more than a month. That could be a problem for someone who relies on pinpoint control of his curveball.

OF Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians: Some fantasy owners were still holding out hope that his shoulder would be healthy enough to give him some value down the stretch. Another surgery closes the book on a disappointing 2016.

SS Orlando Arcia, Milwaukee Brewers: Excitement over the top rookie’s promotion has waned after a .184/.259/.245 (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) line in his first 12 games in the majors. He’ll continue to play regularly, but it looks like he’ll need some time to make the adjustment.