Fantasy sizzlers and fizzlers: Byron Buxton flashes his elite potential
Monday's solar eclipse might cast a shadow on our country here and there, but we're here to shine a light on the players whose fantasy baseball value is rising and those owners should just leave in the dark.
Sizzlers
OF Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins: It seems no hot prospect started the year slower than Buxton, who has picked it up, hitting .400 with a pair of homers, eight RBI, and two steals this past week, In fact, Buxton, who was a single shy of a cycle on Friday, moved up to the No. 3 slot in the order Saturday.
2B Cory Spangenberg, San Diego Padres: It has taken the 2011 first-rounder three years to establish himself, but the 26-year old has indeed done that, highlighted by a week over which Spangenberg hit .417 with four homers and eight RBI.
3B Nicky Delmonico, Chicago White Sox: Delmonico was brought up as a fill-in for the injured Matt Davidson, but in the process is making a case for everyday play hitting .356 with five homers (four last week) and 11 RBI since being summoned.
C Robinson Chirinos, Texas Rangers: With Jonathan Lucroy traded, Chirinos finally has a chance to play daily and the backstop has responded hitting .333 with a homer and three RBI this last week, bringing his season totals to 14 homers, 34 RBI and a .520 Slugging average over just 179 at-bats.
SP Chad Bettis, Colorado Rockies: Has any major leaguer made a more courageous return to the game this season than Bettis? He returned from cancer treatment this past week to toss 14 innings with eight whiffs, a 1.93 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.
Fizzlers
1B Eric Thames, Milwaukee Brewers: For all the fuss Thames created with his hot first half, he couldn’t be colder since the break, hitting .238 with four homers and eight RBI.
1B Tommy Joseph, Philadelphia Phillies: Joseph not only struggled last week hitting a meager .050 with just one hit over 20 at-bats, but if the Phillies want to try hot prospect Rhys Hoskins at his natural position (instead of left field), it could push Joseph to the bench.
SP Jeremy Hellickson, Baltimore Orioles: If the O's were hoping for rotation help when they swapped for Hellickson, they might want to rethink. Over three starts with the Birds, Hellickson is 1-2, with a 6.35 ERA to go with six homers allowed over 22 2/3 innings.
OF Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers: Two years ago there was no more exciting prospect than Pederson, who was just sent packing to Oklahoma City following a .111 week with a pair of RBI and a season over which he has hit .215 with 11 homers and 33 RBI over 87 games.
RP Matt Belisle, Minnesota Twins: Belisle has pitched well enough in the temporary role as closer, but the return of veteran Glen Perkins suggests the right-hander could soon be back in a setup role.
You can follow Lawr on Twitter @lawrmichaels. Read more of his writing at mastersball.com and listen to him on the Tout Wars Hour every Thursday night from 9-11 p.m. ET on the Fantasy Sports Network.