Here are this week’s fantasy baseball risers and fallers.
Three Up:
Seattle Mariners OF Julio Rodríguez — The reigning American League Rookie of the Year got off to a difficult start but has turned on the jets lately. He’s posted multi-hit games in six straight and seven of eight, homering thrice to bring his season total to 10. Rodríguez is an immensely talented player who went through some rough patches last season, too, and still managed a top-10 MVP finish. He’s on pace for another 25-25 season and may push 30-30.
New York Mets C Francisco Alvarez — Injuries to two Mets catchers gave Alvarez an opportunity to prove himself and his performance has solidified his spot as the Mets’ catcher of the future. The 21-year-old is riding an eight-game hitting streak in which he has homered five times and driven in 13 runs. Alvarez boasts a 1.088 OPS in May after struggling in April while playing sparingly. If he’s still available in your league, he won’t be for much longer.
Chicago White Sox RHP Liam Hendriks — I don’t care if his first outing wasn’t the prettiest; Hendriks is back on the mound and that alone is a massive win. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January and underwent a few months of chemotherapy before ringing the bell in April. Hendriks isn’t closing games yet, but he made his season debut on May 29 at home to a rousing ovation and light show on the South Side. Congratulations, Liam.
Three Down:
Los Angeles Angels OF Taylor Ward — I was high on Ward coming into the season, to the point where I refused to trade him in my dynasty despite several requests and too many outfielders. 2023 has been rough for the left fielder, who has fallen into a bit of a platoon role with recent call-up Mickey Moniak. He has just two hits since May 16 and his on-base percentage has dipped below .300 with an OPS dropping toward .600. My leaguemates might be able to grab him for free soon.
Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen — In his last two starts, Gallen has allowed 10 runs (seven earned) across 9.1 innings. He’s given up 13 hits in that span with six walks allowed to just five strikeouts. It’s likely that this is just a blip for Gallen, who still maintains a 2.97 ERA on the year with a spectacular 2.10 FIP. He’ll try to get back on track on May 30 against the Rockies.
Milwaukee Brewers RHP Freddy Peralta — When Peralta is on, he’s really good, but when he’s off it can get ugly. The latter has been the case in two of his last three starts. Flanking a six-inning, three-run quality start are a six-run, five-walk outing in St. Louis and a 2.1-inning effort in which he allowed 10 runs (four earned). The righty turns 27 this weekend and I still like him long term, but he’ll have to rebound from his recent poor performances.
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