Top 5 Fantasy Baseball Headlines: August 19

Photo Credit: Lenny Ignelzi – AP

There were many headlines in the Fantasy baseball world yesterday, but the five that stood out the most were:

Honorable Mention… Chris Tillman: Another dominant performance from Chris Tillman. Yep, the same guy who at one point in the season had a 5.20 ERA is now 10-5 on the year. Tillman went eight innings of one run ball, surrendering just three hits while striking out nine batters. Over his last four starts Tillman has pitched 28 2/3 innings giving up five earned runs while striking out 25. 1) If you are struggling with a recent pitcher who has struggled mightily or hit the disabled list, Tillman is a great addition for your playoff run. Don’t expect dominant starts each night, but he will do the job if needed

5. Ubaldo Jimenez / Kevin Gausman: The Baltimore Orioles have moved Ublado Jimenez to the bullpen. Coming off a four-year, $50 million dollar contract signed in February, Jimenez has done nothing but disappoint Baltimore. In 20 starts, Jimenez has posted a 4.83 ERA. This move gives Kevin Gausman a secure rotation spot. Gausman is 7-4 with a 3.40 ERA, a huge difference from Jimenez. 1) If he is even owned at this point, Jimenez is a must drop. 2) Gausman is an interesting add. Other than his most recent start, Gausman has three straight starts of three earned runs. He has a ton of potential and has thrown dominant starts here and there; Gausman should be considered if you need a pitcher in Fantasy and there aren’t many options. But Tillman is the more valuable Oriole at this point.

4. Mike Fiers: Mike Fiers has bounced around the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization, but it seems as though he is finally breaking out. In his last three starts, Fiers has given up just two runs in 21 innings while striking out 25 batters. On Tuesday, Fiers threw seven innings of one-run ball, giving up just two hits. He was one of the many pitchers who were dominant yesterday but there still is a question mark around his future performance. Fiers has had potential, but in 2013, he posted a 7.25 ERA. 1) There is a chance that he may struggle in a few starts, but he is a hot hand that has been nothing short of dominant.

3. Carlos Gonzalez: After undergoing surgery on his left patella tendon on Tuesday, Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez may not be ready come Spring Training. Though he could be ready for an April opener, his Fantasy value may take a pretty large hit. 1) If you have to make the decision on whether or not to keep CarGo, you may need to rethink it. Though he may be a top 10 hitter without the injury, but with this injury, he may not be the speedy, power bat he is. He may not have the playing time during Spring Training which could bring a slow start. 2) As said before, CarGo may not play enough before the season starts, which could bring questions into his draft day value. A sure-lock first round pick may now fall out and become a second or possible third round pick if his recovery time experiences another setback… This is not what you want from your first round pick or your keeper.

2. Jesse Hahn: Looks like Jesse Hahn’s time on your Fantasy is over… The San Diego Padres sent down the young rookie to Double-A. He has already pitched a career-high 110 1/3 innings and the Padres are focusing on limiting Hahn’s workload. Although Hahn may be called up in a few weeks to finish the year, he is droppable in all Fantasy leagues. The Padres do not have much to play for; due to his injury history, the best option is to control his workload and have him ready for dominance next season. If you have him in your championship run in Fantasy, you better check the waiver wire and add a replacement.

1. Yu Darvish: Manager Ron Washington has told reporters that he is “backing off” his initial expectation of Yu Darvish returning from the disabled list when eligible on August 25. It was first believed that Darvish would return within the 15 days, but his elbow injury may be more severe than initial thoughts. The Rangers should not rush back their ace because they are dead last in the American League West. There is no need to rush him back because the playoffs are already too far to grasp. 1) Darvish will likely return later in the season, but the Rangers will take their time and nurse him back to full health. They care about next season, not having him back in two weeks.