Fantasy sizzlers and fizzlers: Marwin Gonzalez a valuable super sub
Like injuries, trades can have a major impact on players' fantasy values, whether they're part of a deal or just affected by someone else being traded or injured. As the July 31 deadline gets closer, expect to see more playing time scripts flipped.
Sizzlers
1B/SS/3B/OF Marwin Gonzalez, Houston Astros: The Astros have so much depth, they can spell injured shortstop Carlos Correa with someone who has a .320 average, 18 homers and 58 RBI in 256 at-bats. Gonzalez now has 11 appearances at short, adding yet another position to his lengthy fantasy eligibility list.
2B/3B/OF Chris Taylor, Los Angeles Dodgers: With the struggles of Yasiel Puig, injuries to Joc Pederson, and ephemeral appearance of Cody Bellinger, it is easy to call the Dodgers outfield surprising this season. Perhaps the most surprising of the bunch is Taylor, who hit .542 with two homers and five RBI last week, pushing his season totals to .312, 12 homers, 43 RBI and 12 steals.
2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox: Over the last 10 days, Pedroia has been blistering the ball, hitting .366 with a pair of homers and 11 RBI.
SP Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies: Nola might have taken a little time to work into a groove, but he has tossed six consecutive quality starts and is 4-1 with a 1.70 ERA over that span. He's also gained a little more hop on his fastball with 50 strikeouts in his last 42 1/3 innings.
3B Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers: Over the past week, Castellanos is hitting .281 with three homers and seven RBI.
Fizzlers
RP David Robertson, New York Yankees: Robertson goes from being a closer on the White Sox to one of several short relievers in the Yankees bullpen. Say goodbye to any more save chances the rest of the season.
OF Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Rangers: One of Choo's strengths has been a combination of his speed and on-base skills with some power, but those skills have been derelict over the last month. Choo is hitting just .227 since June 24 with a .309 on-base percentage, three home runs and three stolen bases.
SP Jordan Montgomery, New York Yankees: Montgomery and the Yankees have both been struggling lately. The rookie left-hander has been pounded his last three starts going 0-1 over 14 2/3 innings with 6.91 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.
SP Steven Matz, New York Mets: Things are not going any smoother across town as Matz is 0-2 over his last three starts with a 13.06 ERA and 2.61 WHIP over 10 1/3 innings.
C Russell Martin, Toronto Blue Jays: Losing playing time to newcomer Miguel Montero, Martin is 2-for-22 (.091) over the past week with no homers, RBI or stolen bases.
You can follow Lawr on Twitter @lawrmichaels and read more of his writing at mastersball.com.