The Round Up — May 23rd
Daily Recap of MLB News, Fantasy News, and Gambling Picks.
Power Rankings
Mhhhm Wednesday morning Power Rankings. Smells like controversy. We have a new comer to the rankings this week. The MLB decided to include the red hot Atlanta Braves (first time ever).
The Yankees remain in the top spot shortly followed by the Red Sox and Houston, then the Braves make an appearance right in front of the Brewers. At this point, it looks like the power rankings are going to consist of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Astros in whichever order you like, then everybody else.
Injury Report
In all major sports there are injuries. However, it seems that recently in baseball there has been even more than usual. We will run through the good and bad news for you, so you don’t have to keep up. First the bad news. Dee Gordon went down this week with a broken toe and was placed on the 10-day DL. Expect him to be down for 2–3 weeks. Rich Hill’s reoccurring blister has returned, as he was pulled from his last start against the Nationals after just two pitches. Expect this to be on and off for the rest of the season, because it doesn’t look to be going away any time soon. Joe Mauer also went to the 10-day, as he hurt his neck during a game. Lastly, Howie Kendrick suffered a season ending and possibly career ending injury, when he tore his Achilles going back on a fly ball. We wish all these guys a speedy recovery.
For the good news, there isn’t much. Besides what was announced last week, Clayton Kershaw looks to be very close to returning after increasing his workload and pitch count this week. Miguel Sano and Ervin Santana look to both be returning for the Twins this week or next. Sano is recovering from a month long DL stint while Ervin has yet to pitch an inning yet this season. These two guys are the Twins best players, so it is definitely going to be a big change in that club house.
The Mets Will Try Anything
Jose Bautista was signed at 5:47 pm officially. At 7:10, he was in the Mets lineup batting fifth, and proceeded to line a double down the left field line in his first at bat. By this timeline, he’ll be in the hall of fame by tomorrow, and dead by Friday. In reality, Bautista himself could see a lot of playing time with the Mets, who even with a loss last night have been playing much better baseball. He has a .913 OPS against lefty’s, and the Mets really needed a big righty bat to throw out there against lefty’s. Bautista will look to get vengeance on his former team of 8 days (this guy is doing everything really quickly) when the Mets play the Braves in about 2 weeks. Oh, and a side note, the Mets could easily win the World Series if they figure out time travel and go back to 2014. Jose Bautista, Adrian Gonzalez, and Todd Frazier would be the scariest lineup anyone had ever heard of… in 2014.
Your Best Bet(t)s
Mookie Betts has taken his game to the next level, he has been the darling of baseball this year, and last night was no different. The superstar right fielder drilled another home run in the first inning against the Rays to reclaim the lead in Home Runs this season. He now has 16 bombs through the middle of May, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Betts is so much more than just a power hitter though, playing stellar defense and hitting at a career high .368 clip. He is slashing an incredible .368/.439/.772 leading the Red Sox to the best record in the bigs. They will need him to continue his dominance as the Yankees are right on their heels. It should be an awesome race to the finish between these two rivals, and with over a dozen games yet to be played, the Yankees Red Sox rivalry will only continue to heat up.
Gleyber Can’t Stop
Mookie Betts isn’t the only young stud to claim headlines this year from the AL East, rookie Gleyber Torres has put the baseball world on notice as well. All he has done since he got the call is mash balls all over the yard, he now has homered in consecutive games, including a two home run outing on Monday against Texas. His season total has now risen to six bombs in only 84 at bats. Not only is he hitting dingers, but he is just hitting in general with a .321 AVG he has firmly entrenched himself in a dangerous Yankees lineup. The 21 year old is looking to become the second straight Yankee to achieve Rookie of the Year honors, following fellow stud Aaron Judge’s lead. He will look to extend his home run streak tomorrow when the Yankees face the Rangers in Arlington.
Fantasy News
Matt Harvey — Actually Back This Time
No, no! Don’t let him hurt me again! We know what you’re thinking. A whole lot of us have been through the pain of having Matt Harvey on your fantasy team the last 3 years. Time after time, he would find a way to disappoint. We’re not saying you should drop anyone decent for Matt Harvey, but we are saying he may deserve a look. Harvey has started three games for the reds and his point total has been 13, 4, 21. Last night, he threw 6 innings of 1 run ball and most importantly his fastball hit a baffling 97 MPH. That’s classic Matt Harvey. Even if he’s not worth a roster stop just yet, he’s worth a look at a waiver wire pitcher for a day. The best case scenario, he’s an elite arm once again in a new city.
Gambling Picks
Scaf’s Picks
We can’t stop folks. 3–0 again. We are making it rain all over the place. That brings this weeks record to 5–1. Today’s picks:
- Arizona Diamondbacks (+110)
- Washington Nationals (+100)
- New York Yankees (-180)
Balzy’s Beat The Streak Pick
Just like that, the streak continues. We’re keeping it going with Bryce Harper & Christian Yelich. #RoadTo56
Streak Counter — 2
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