This article is part of our The Z Files series.
It's been a busy couple of weeks for MLB transaction trackers, as many teams are releasing veterans since they no longer have the option to work out a waiver deal. Some, like Billy Hamilton and Jonathan Lucroy, have found new homes, though neither moves the fantasy needle. However, there have also been a slew of callups, with more on the way. Playing time and roles for many is unclear but with just over five weeks left in the season, the wait-and-see approach is a fool's errand.
That said, urgency doesn't excuse recklessness. Decisions should still be supported via tangible means. There's just a wide range of outcomes when dealing with the unknown. Heck, in a 30-game sample, there's a huge range for established players.
If you need steals, gamble on a callup with a track record of running. If you need power, speculate on those going deep on the farm. If you just want production, focus on the newly ordained major leaguers with a clearer path to playing time. Ideally, you find someone to help you in a specific category likely to play regularly down the stretch, but sometimes it's necessary to settle on a player checking only one of the boxes.
Below are some recent callups. Some have previous MLB tenure; others just made their debut. I offer my best guess as to their role, playing time and expected production.
Abraham Toro, 3B, Houston Astros
With Carlos Correa returning to the disabled list, the Astros will take
It's been a busy couple of weeks for MLB transaction trackers, as many teams are releasing veterans since they no longer have the option to work out a waiver deal. Some, like Billy Hamilton and Jonathan Lucroy, have found new homes, though neither moves the fantasy needle. However, there have also been a slew of callups, with more on the way. Playing time and roles for many is unclear but with just over five weeks left in the season, the wait-and-see approach is a fool's errand.
That said, urgency doesn't excuse recklessness. Decisions should still be supported via tangible means. There's just a wide range of outcomes when dealing with the unknown. Heck, in a 30-game sample, there's a huge range for established players.
If you need steals, gamble on a callup with a track record of running. If you need power, speculate on those going deep on the farm. If you just want production, focus on the newly ordained major leaguers with a clearer path to playing time. Ideally, you find someone to help you in a specific category likely to play regularly down the stretch, but sometimes it's necessary to settle on a player checking only one of the boxes.
Below are some recent callups. Some have previous MLB tenure; others just made their debut. I offer my best guess as to their role, playing time and expected production.
Abraham Toro, 3B, Houston Astros
With Carlos Correa returning to the disabled list, the Astros will take advantage of Alex Bregman's ability to man shortstop and use Toro at the hot corner. RotoWire's James Anderson has Toro well within his top 100 in his prospect rankings. The 22-year-old switch hitter began the season with Double-A Corpus Christi before advancing to Triple-A Round Rock where he posted an impressive 1.112 OPS in a limited 79 plate appearances. While Toro has some pop, his forte is plate skills, exhibiting patience with solid contact. While it's not a guarantee of success, putting the ball in play while taking walks is the best way to avoid prolonged slumps.
Short term, Toro will see a lot of action at third base. Correa is expected to be out until at least September when rosters expand, and perhaps a week later. Toro is likely going to stay with the big club when Correa is back but there isn't a clear pathway to playing time, especially since the Astros are also supposed to eventually call up Kyle Tucker. If you're in a points league or want some immediate help in average or OBP, Toro could be an asset for at least a couple of weeks.
Jake Fraley, OF, Seattle Mariners
If it weren't for some injuries along the way, Fraley's prospect star would be even brighter than it is. The 24-year-old natural center fielder will likely see most of his action down the stretch in right but still profiles as above average in center. At the dish, his contact skills are very good while hitting the ball to all fields. He has a chance to be an across the board contributor with 20/20 potential.
Currently, the Mariners are using Mallex Smith and Keon Broxton in two spots with Tim Lopes and Dylan Moore sharing left field. Short term, Fraley should play nearly every day, perhaps hitting the pine when a southpaw is on the hill. Mitch Haniger hopes to return in September, as does Domingo Santana. Austin Nola has been crushing it at first base, pushing Daniel Vogelbach to designated hitter. Seattle would be best served to keep Fraley in the lineup throughout September, but it's not a sure thing. It's worth taking the chance the club does the right thing as Nola could cool off, Broxton could slump, or Smith could continue making mental mistakes.
Nick Solak, 2B, Texas Rangers
Solak was acquired by the Rangers from the Rays for reliever Peter Fairbanks. He has the typical Tampa profile of being able to play infield and outfield, which could come in handy with Texas since Rougned Odor currently mans the keystone in Arlington. On the other hand, Odor remains in a season-long malaise, at least in terms of batting average as he has bopped 21 homers. Solak hit much better with Triple-A Nashville (.347/.386/.653 in 128 PA) than he did for Triple-A Durham (.266/.353/.485) before the trade. Curiously, Solak's steals evaporated this season, as he's a combined 5-for-7 on the farm after swiping 21 in 27 tries in 2018.
Like Fraley and Toro, Solak counts a good contact rate among his assets, a refreshing trait in today's 'no shame in striking out' climate. Also, like those discussed thus far, Solak isn't a category juicer but he can help everywhere, assuming he's allowed to run.
Playing time is up in the air. The Rangers are one of the many clubs dealing with injuries as Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara are out. They seem committed to giving Willie Calhoun run against all righties and can move Danny Santana (currently battling a sore hamstring) around the diamond. It's not a position Solak has played, but he could get some time at the hot corner where Logan Forsythe is the current third baseman.
Ty France, 3B, San Diego Padres
France was called up a week ago for his second stint with the Padres. While it was out of necessity with phenom Fernando Tatis Jr. deemed out for the season, France earned the return with a .399/.477/.770 line with Triple-A El Paso. Unfortunately, early on, France has failed to take advantage of his opportunity, sending him to the bench for a couple of games this week.
Still, considering how France raked on the farm, it stands to reason he'll be given more chances. Of those discussed thus far, France has the highest power upside, though Petco Park doesn't help. The Padres do have series in Coors and Miller Park come mid-September, though.
Brett Phillips, OF Kansas City Royals
Phillips had a chance to break camp with the Royals but came up short, spending the campaign with Triple-A Omaha until Kansas City bit the bullet and designated Billy Hamilton. Phillips had a decent season for the Storm Chasers, slashing .240/.378/.505. A 17.4 percent BB% helped offset a 28.5 percent K%.
The most impressive aspect of Phillips tenure on the farm was 21 stolen bases in 22 tries. He has nabbed his only attempt since his recall. Phillips is likely a batting average liability, though a boon in OBP and points leagues. The Royals will no doubt let him run, rendering Phillips one of the better sources of steals down the stretch.
As far as playing time goes, center field looks to be a platoon with Bubba Starling though Phillips should get the lion's share as he hits from the left side.
Josh Rojas, 2B/OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
If you play in a minor-league fantasy league, Rojas was eligible everywhere but catcher. He's likely ticketed for the strong side of a right field platoon with Adam Jones following his summons from Triple-A Reno. Rojas was acquired by the Diamondbacks from Houston in the Zack Greinke deal. The 25-year-old lefty swinger began 2019 with Double-A Corpus Christi where he excelled but keep in mind, he was old for the level. Still, eight homers and 13 steals in 44 games earned a promotion to Triple-A Round Rock before the deal.
With more speed than power, Rojas will likely fall under the "draft for steals without sacrificing too much power" mantra. Like many on this list, Rojas displayed stellar plate skills while matriculating in the minors. And, like the rest, his ultimate success will depend on whether he can translate this against major-league pitching. So far, Rojas is making reasonable contact though he only has one extra-base hit.
The Diamondbacks appear as though they'll use Rojas against all right-handers so the playing time will be there. The age to level concern skews his minor-league numbers a bit, but of all those thumbnailed here, Rojas path to playing time is clearest.
Dom Nunez, C, Colorado Rockies
One of the top fantasy stories of the 2019 season is the emergence of several American League backstops. Unfortunately, the catching crop in the Senior Circuit remains mediocre, with the Dodgers' Will Smith the most notable exception. Nunez is by no means on a par with Smith, though he could help an NL-only team down the stretch. The 24-year-old lefty swinger takes over the backup role after Colorado released Chris Iannetta.
With Triple-A Albuquerque, Nunez posted a .921 OPS, featuring an impressive 32 of 52 hits going for extra bases. The Rockies have a favorable schedule the rest of the season so replacing your second catcher with Nunez in deep leagues could pay dividends.
Jon Duplantier, Arizona Diamondbacks, A.J. Puk Oakland Athletics and Hunter Harvey, Baltimore Orioles
Three talented arms were also recently called up, though since none are earmarked for the rotation, their fantasy utility is limited to supporting ratios with some whiffs. The Athletics thrust Puk right into a high-leverage scenario in his debut so he may garner some holds in leagues using the stat. It's a long shot, but there's also a chance Harvey gets some chances to save games in the otherwise inept Baltimore bullpen.
