OF Lawrence Butler, Oakland Athletics (49%)
Since the beginning of this month, Lawrence Butler has been batting like he’s been possessed by the spirit of someone who can hit. He has doubled his year-long production over the past 20 days. His batted ball data shows this isn’t all smoke and mirrors, as he can hit the ball hard and barrel it up frequently. However, his 30% K rate suggests that his ratio stats won’t improve much (if at all). So, he can give you decent power and speed but at a cost. The main reason to consider grabbing him right now is to try and catch lightning in a bottle, as even though he will cool off, he has not yet shown signs of doing so.
SP Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks (39%)
Before the All-Star break, I mentioned that Nelson seemed to have made some improvements in June and was having a great start in July. Well, that has continued now into his first start after the break. Nelson went 5.2 innings against the Cub, allowing just two walks and one run while striking out nine. His peripheral stats are still quite poor on the season due to his recent struggles, but it might be a good idea to scoop him up now in case he has figured something out. That said, he faces the formidable Royals and Diamondbacks lineups in his next two starts, so stashing him if you have the space (or simply waiting if you don’t) might be the way to go.
OF Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks (38%)
Thomas is healthy now and is starting most days for the DBacks. Although his stats this year (and in previous years) are depressing, Thomas reportedly worked hard on improving his swing in the offseason, and it could just be starting to show now that he is back to full health. His peripheral stats support this narrative, as he is hitting the ball harder than ever, and all his expected stats scream major improvement lies ahead for Thomas. Now is the time to grab him, he might be my favorite name on this list.
1B/ OF Michael Toglia, Colorado Rockies (26%)
Toglia had a monster three-homer game last week and already has seven home runs this month. While he is still striking out in about a third of his at bats, Toglia is worth owning and starting as long as he keeps playing most days and hitting this well. He is also still 25 years old and was a pretty well-regarded prospect, so we could witness a legitimate growth spurt here.
2B/3B/SS/OF Max Schuemann, Oakland Athletics (21%)
Max Schuemann has a hit in 13 of his last 15 games. He offers a little pop and speed with good plate discipline while qualifying at four different positions. It doesn’t get much more useful than that for deeper fantasy leagues.
OF Joshua Palacios, Pittsburgh Pirates (10%)
Palacios is starting nearly daily for the Pirates and has hit well over a small sample. Things get even more interesting when you dig deeper. Palacios has walked more than he has struck out, which is impressive. However, what’s even more impressive is that he is also rocking an elite 93 mph average exit velocity on balls hit. Most hitters either hit the ball hard but strike out a ton or are patient but sacrifice power. Palacios has been a patient and powerful hitter so far, and while it’s only been over 35 at bats, this is extremely encouraging. He’s worth a flier if you need more depth in the outfield.
Honorable Mentions
SP Luis Ortiz, Pittsburgh Pirates (53%)
Has pitched at least 5.2 innings and given up one run or less in each of his 4 starts.
OF Jacob Young, Washington Nationals (40%)
He may be coming out of a slump and stole 2 bases in his last 2 games.
1B Brooks Baldwin, Chicago White Sox (17%)
He was hitting very well and displaying 5 category potential in the minors. Keep an eye on him.