AL Week 4 Strategy-April 19, 2025 – Fantasy Baseball 2025

AL Week 4 Technique-April 19, 2025

In The Subject

OF Willi Castro (indirect) was out of the lineup on Friday. This comes on the heels of him leaving Wednesday’s sport early resulting from tightness in his proper indirect. He’s thought-about day-to-day. 3B D.J. LeMahieu (calf) is anticipated to start out a rehab project on Tuesday. He has not had a spring, so he’ll want a size rehab project prior to creating his season debut. OF Josh Lowe (indirect) has began throwing and is anticipated to start out swinging on Saturday. He hasn’t been in a position to swing a bat since late March. Lowe will want a rehab project earlier than coming again. C Austin Wells was out of the Yankees’ lineup on Friday with meals poisoning. He’s thought-about day-to-day. Wells has struggled to hit for common (.182 AVG), however that’s primarily unhealthy luck (.184 BABIP) as a result of his core expertise are glorious (24% Okay, 8% BB, 10% Barrels, and 51% Hardhit). OF Daulton Varsho (shoulder) began his rehab project this weekend with Single-A Dunedin. The plan is for him to then soar as much as Triple-A Buffalo, and he’s monitoring in direction of a return. OF Parker Meadows (arm) has began throwing. He’s making an attempt to work his manner again from a nerve challenge in his proper arm. Meadows might want to construct up his arm energy earlier than returning. He is not eligible to return till the top of Could resulting from being on the 60-day IL. OF Wyatt Langford (indirect) began a rehab project on Thursday and is anticipated to be activated on Sunday. Langford is hitting .244 with 4 HR, 6 R, 6 RBI, and a couple of SB. He’s hitting the ball exhausting (12% Barrels and 47% Hardhit) and displaying good plate expertise (10% BB and 17% Okay). 3B Royce Lewis (hamstring) did some gentle baserunning on Thursday. This was the subsequent step after doing defensive work and hitting on the sector. As soon as he begins a rehab project, we are going to get a greater understanding of a return date. The Twins known as up prime prospect 2B Luke Keaschall on Friday to try to spark a struggling offense. Keaschall was hitting .261 with 1 HR, 8 R, 5 RBI, and 4 SB in 14 GP at Triple-A. That is coming off a powerful 2024 season (.303 AVG with 15 HR, 80 R, 48 RBI, and 23 SB) break up between two ranges (A+ and AA). As soon as Lewis does return, the Twins might want to decide on their younger gamers. They’re at present enjoying Brooks Lee at 3B, Edouard Julien at 2B, and Keaschall at DH. There may be room for all to play now that the Twins have demoted struggling 3B Jose Miranda, however it is going to be fascinating to see if that’s the manner that they go. Keaschall has the biggest fantasy ceiling of the trio. Julien is a platoon bat that does not hit for common, energy, or have a lot velocity. Lee is a significantly better real-life participant than fantasy resulting from his lack of a carrying software. OF Matt Wallner (hamstring) was positioned on the 10-day IL on Thursday. He injured his hamstring on Tuesday. OF Tyler O’Neill was out of the lineup on Wednesday and Thursday with neck discomfort. He returned to the lineup on Friday. O’Neill is hitting .255 with 2 HR, 7 R, 8 RBI, and 0 SB. 3B Alex Bregman was positioned on the paternity listing on Wednesday. He returned to the lineup on Friday. Bregman has been off to a scorching begin for the Pink Sox (.313 AVG with 4 HR, 11 R, 16 RBI, and 1 SB). SS Zach Neto (shoulder) made his season debut on Friday. Neto is making an attempt to construct off his breakout 2024 season through which he hit .249 with 23 HR, 70, 77 RBI, 30 SB. OF George Springer (wrist) missed the collection with Atlanta resulting from a wrist damage however returned to the lineup on Friday. Springer has had a powerful begin to the yr (.392 AVG with 2 HR, 8 R, 10 RBI, and a couple of SB). OF Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) just isn’t near a rehab project, in response to supervisor Alex Cora. The Pink Sox at present should not have a spot for Yoshida, and prime prospect OF Roman Anthony is knocking on the door (.283 AVG with 4 HR, 11 R, 12 RBI, and a couple of SB). There’s a good likelihood that Yoshida would not get one other at-bat for the Pink Sox. OF Colton Cowser (thumb) goes to be out till late Could/early June, in response to basic supervisor Mike Elias. DH Heston Kjerstad has been enjoying whereas he has been out. Kjerstad is hitting .244 with 2 HR, 8 R, 10 RBI, and 0 SB. He affords energy upside, albeit with a low batting common and no velocity. The Rays have known as up OF Chandler Simpson. He was hitting .301 with 0 HR, 13 R, 8 RBI, and eight SB in 17 GP at Triple-A. That is coming off his 2024 minor league season through which he hit .355 with 1 HR, 90 R, 29 RBI, and 104 SB. The velocity is elite, and so is his skill to place the bat on the ball. At a minimal, he’ll present elite stolen base potential. The remainder of his worth can be predicated on his skill to hit for common. He’ll more than likely be a three-category contributor (AVG, R, and SB) whereas being a detriment within the different two (HR and RBI). He’s a must-add in all codecs resulting from his velocity alone.

On The Mound

Marcus Stroman (knee) has began enjoying catch. He received a cortisone shot in his left knee final weekend. Stroman has struggled to start out the yr (11.57 ERA and a couple of.04 WHIP). Kutter Crawford (knee) was in a position to full a bullpen session on Friday. The following step goes to be a stay BP session after which a rehab project. Crawford is trying to construct on his 2024 season (4.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 16% Okay:BB). Grayson Rodriguez (elbow/shoulder) goes for a second opinion after getting his current MRI outcomes again. He had the MRI completed on Thursday after experiencing soreness in his proper shoulder. Max Scherzer (thumb) obtained one other cortisone shot in his proper thumb. He’s anticipated to start out throwing early subsequent week. A second cortisone shot was the advice of a hand specialist. Alec Marsh (shoulder) can be re-evaluated on Tuesday. He had been shut down from throwing for 10 days after struggling a setback whereas rehabbing. Pablo Lopez (hamstring) is scheduled for a rehab begin on Saturday. He’s anticipated to make just one begin earlier than rejoining the Twins rotation. Lucas Giolito (hamstring) struggled in his rehab begin on Tuesday. He went 2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, and 4 Okay for Double-A Portland. His largest battle was command. Giolito is more likely to make no less than another begin earlier than making his 2025 season debut. He must construct up his pitch depend and work on his management earlier than being given the okay to return to a significant league mound. Brayan Bello (shoulder) made a rehab begin on Wednesday. He was in a position to get his pitch depend as much as 71 pitches. He reportedly sat 94-96 mph along with his fastball, which is in keeping with his velocity from final season (95.7 mph). Bello is anticipated to make his debut on Tuesday in opposition to the Mariners. Jon Grey (wrist) had his forged eliminated on Tuesday. He’s nonetheless unable to throw and is anticipated to be for a few weeks. Zach Eflin (lat) performed catch on Wednesday, which was the primary since being shut down over every week in the past with a gentle proper lat pressure. Martin Perez left Friday’s begin on Friday with left forearm soreness. Perez had been glorious in his three prior begins (1.59 ERA and 1.06 WHIP). He additionally had one of many largest drops in velocity (-2.3 mph), which, mixed with the damage, just isn’t signal. Perez was positioned on the 15-day IL on Saturday.

In The Bullpen

Lucas Erceg left Friday’s sport early after being struck by a 109-mph line drive. Liam Hendriks was reinstated from the IL on Saturday. Aroldis Chapman (1.23 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 27% Okay:BB) has a powerful maintain on the nearer’s position, so Hendriks has little to no worth. Felix Bautista went one other week and not using a save alternative till Saturday afternoon. He has pitched simply six innings to start out the yr. He has struggled with management, 6 BB in 6 IP, however he hasn’t pitched in over a yr and hasn’t gotten common work, so it stays to be seen if this can proceed to be a significant drawback. The Yankees had 5 save alternatives, with Devin Williams getting three (4) and Luke Weaver getting the fourth as a result of Williams had thrown three out of 4 days. Jeff Hoffman had an enormous week with two saves (5) and a win (2). He has been dominant for the Blue Jays (1.59 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, and 38% Okay:BB). Emmanuel Clase picked up two saves (3) this week. Tommy Kahnle saved back-to-back video games on Thursday and Friday. He seems to have taken over because the nearer of the Tigers. Jhoan Duran received his first save this week. Luke Jackson and Robert Garcia picked up saves, however it’s nonetheless Jackson’s job to lose.

Gamers so as to add this week:

OF Chandler Simpson (TBR)- The Rays have known as up OF Chandler Simpson. He was hitting .301 with 0 HR, 13 R, 8 RBI, and eight SB in 17 GP at Triple-A. That is coming off his 2024 minor league season through which he hit .355 with 1 HR, 90 R, 29 RBI, and 104 SB. The velocity is elite, and so is his skill to place the bat on the ball. At a minimal, he’ll present elite stolen base potential. The remainder of his worth can be predicated on his skill to hit for common. He’ll more than likely be a three-category contributor (AVG, R, and SB) whereas being a detriment within the different two (HR and RBI). He’s a must-add in all codecs resulting from his velocity alone.

OF Heston Kjerstad (BAL)- The Orioles are enjoying Heston Kjerstad usually with OF Colton Cowser on the IL. Kjerstad is hitting .261 with 3 HR, 9 R, 12 RBI, and 0 SB in 49 PA. He hits the ball exhausting (17% Barrels and 51% Hardhit), however can battle with swing and miss. This yr to date, he has restricted the strikeouts (25% Okay), which is backed up by a decrease swinging strike fee (12%). In a full season of at-bats, Kjerstad has 25+ HR energy with a good batting common (.240-.250). He is not going to present velocity, and his enjoying time is extremely questionable when Cowser returns, so he’s a short-term add.

1B Andrew Vaughn (CWS)-Andrew Vaughn’s season line leaves quite a bit to be desired (.139 AVG with 2 HR, 4 R, 8 RBI, and 0 SB). Nonetheless, the underlying expertise are encouraging. He has league-average plate expertise (6% BB and 25% Okay) however has been damage by a .163 BABIP. The actually encouraging signal is that he’s hitting the ball more durable and extra constantly. Vaughn is sporting 12% Barrels and 47% Hardhit. The outcomes will comply with the method, so getting in early may pay dividends.

3B Jorge Polanco (SEA)-Jorge Polanco has regarded like a unique participant this yr. He’s hitting .346 with 3 HR, 5 R, 12 RBI, and 1 SB in 55 PA. Polanco has completed a pleasant job of creating contact (14% Okay) and hitting the ball exhausting (14% Barrels and 48% Hardhit). He has been enjoying usually and batting second between Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh.

SP Hayden Wesneski (HOU)- Hayden Wesneski seems to be to be one other Astros success story. He has a 3.91 ERA and 0.87 WHIP by way of 4 GS. He has been in a position to miss bats (31% Okay) and management the strike zone (4% BB). The one cause his ERA is so excessive is as a result of he has given up 6 HR in 4 GS. His subsequent begin will come on the highway in opposition to the Royals.

1B Jonathan Aranda (TBR)-Jonathan Aranda is hitting .367 with 4 HR, 12 R, 13 RBI, and 0 SB in 69 PA. He has good plate expertise (10% BB and 17% Okay). Aranda has additionally been hitting the ball exhausting (20% Barrels and 60% Hardhit), which, together with extra fly balls, has led to an influence improve. If he can mix extra contact with an influence profile, it might make him a pleasant worth.

SP Tyler Mahle (TEX )- Tyler Mahle has began the yr robust. He has a 0.92 ERA and 0.86 WHIP by way of 4 GS. He’s lacking bats (28% Okay and 13% SwStr) and limiting residence runs (0.00 HR/9). Mahle is strolling a effective line (12% BB), however even pitching to his SIERA (3.77) would make him a helpful add. He additionally has a pleasant matchup subsequent week on the highway in a pitcher-friendly park in opposition to the Giants.

OF Kameron Misner (TBR)-Kameron Misner has performed himself into an everyday position in opposition to right-handed pitchers. He’s hitting .391 with 3 HR, 9 R, 10 RBI, and 1 SB. Misner hit .248 with 17 HR, 77 R, 55 RBI, and 30 SB. He confirmed excessive upside by way of energy and velocity, however a 29% strikeout fee hindered his common. Up to now within the majors, he has reduce his strikeouts (15% Okay) and has backed that up with a low chase fee (27% O-swing). Misner has additionally lowered his swinging strike fee. Every part seems to be good for the 27-year-old outfielder. He has double-digit HR and SB potential all through a full season.

Registered members can click on on the next hyperlink to see the entire weekly report: http://www.fantistics.com/baseball00/M-Strategyplus.