FAAB Factor - AL: Still Plenty Out There

Starting Pitchers:

Matt Andriese, Rays – Andriese is set to make his MLB starting debut this Tuesday against the Blue Jays on the road, as the Rays now need a fifth starter. Last season at Triple-A Durham he had a 3.77 ERA (4.09 FIP) with 129 strikeouts and 48 walks over 162.1 innings. So far this season he's been in the bullpen, making one scoreless appearance with one walk and one strikeout. Based on his minor league numbers, mostly with the Padres organization, he has good control, but he will need to miss more bats in the majors to find sustained success. Still, the Rays have a strong record of producing solid major league starters, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Andriese be useful to AL-only owners this season. His first matchup in Toronto is a rough one, so you may want to avoid starting him there. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Andrew Heaney, Angels – In his first start at Triple-A Salt Lake, Heaney tossed seven shutout innings with two hits, no walks, and eight strikeouts. Last season, while he was with the Marlins, he came up and started five games with a 6.93 ERA (6.21 FIP), 16 strikeouts, and seven walks over 24.2 innings. Before that, he posted a 3.87 ERA (3.39 FIP) at Triple-A New Orleans with 91 strikeouts and 23 walks over 83.2 innings. Considered a top prospect, it shouldn't be long before we see Heaney in the Angels' rotation, likely at the expense of Hector Santiago. In mixed leagues, you can likely wait till he's called up to see if he fairs any better than his original stint with the Marlins. Mixed: $1; AL: $6.

Joe Kelly, Red Sox – Kelly (biceps) came off the DL on Saturday to save the Boston bullpen after a marathon game Friday night against the Yankees. He pitched seven innings with one earned run allowed on just one hit, eight strikeouts, and two walks. Last season between the Cardinals and Red Sox, he posted a 4.20 ERA (4.26 FIP) with 66 strikeouts and 42 walks over 96.1 innings. That sort of command isn't likely to do Kelly or his owners any favors, yet he is usually able to survive because he gets so many groundballs and his defense is able to pick him up. In the AL we'll see how far that formula for success takes him. Don't be surprised to see the Red Sox upgrade their rotation throughout the season and for Kelly to be one of the first ones to lose his spot. This week he gets the Orioles at home. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Colby Lewis, Rangers – Lewis started his 2015 campaign pitching six innings against the A's with one earned run allowed on three hits, four strikeouts, and two walks. In 2012 he found similar success with a 3.43 ERA (3.98 FIP), 93 strikeouts, and just 14 walks over 105 innings before injuries knocked him out of that season and 2013. Last season he had a 5.18 ERA (4.53 FIP) with 133 strikeouts and 48 walks over 170.1 innings. Considering his home park, it's tough to trust him, especially in mixed leagues. This Sunday he takes on the Astros at home. If he fairs well there, it might be time to throw a buck or two at him in AL-only formats. This coming week he gets the Mariners on the road. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Kyle Lobstein, Tigers – Making his season debut this Sunday against the Indians, Lobstein is currently taking the rotation spot vacated by Justin Verlander (triceps), who is on the DL right now but could return by the end of the week. If Verlander is unable to return or needs more time rehabbing, Lobstein would face the White Sox on April 18. Last season as a starter with the Tigers, he had a 4.28 ERA (3.76 FIP) with 24 strikeouts and 10 walks over 33.2 innings. Prior to that, at Triple-A Toledo, he had a 4.07 ERA (3.30 FIP) with 127 strikeouts and 42 walks over 146 innings. Keep an eye on Verlander's progress this week. If Lobstein were to stay in the rotation, he'd likely have value only in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Nick Martinez, Rangers – Martinez got a win for the Rangers this week after he pitched seven shutout innings with four hits allowed, five strikeouts, and two walks. In the second half of last season he had a 4.05 ERA (3.99 FIP) with 48 strikeouts and 24 walks over 73.1 innings. He'd do well to start missing more bats, but reducing his walks and improving his overall command would likely help as well. As is, he's shown improvement since first entering the Rangers' rotation last season and figures to have his spot in said rotation locked in now that Derek Holland (shoulder) is out for a while. This week Martinez faces the Angels at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Trevor May, Twins – With Ricky Nolasco (elbow) now on the DL, the Twins opted to bring up May from Triple-A Rochester to help with their rotation. Last season May was disastrous in the majors, posting a 7.88 ERA (4.84 FIP) with 44 strikeouts and 22 walks over 45.2 innings. He's likely not nearly as bad as his ERA suggests, considering the strong strikeout numbers. Last season at Rochester, he had a 2.84 ERA (3.01 FIP) with 94 strikeouts and 39 walks over 98.1 innings. Against the Royals and Indians this week at home, he's a decent add in AL-only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Tommy Milone, Twins – Milone got a win against the White Sox on the road this week, pitching 7.2 innings of shutout ball with only two hits allowed, seven strikeouts, and two walks. Last season between the A's and Twins he posted a 4.19 ERA (4.66 FIP) with 75 strikeouts and 37 walks over 118 innings. Unless he's able to routinely miss bats like in his season debut, which his track record says is unlikely, he's going to need to show great control to be an asset to owners in mixed leagues. In AL-only formats he needs to be owned everywhere, as his home park should help him and he shouldn't hurt you too much as an end-of-your-rotation starter. This week he gets the Royals at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Carlos Rodon, White Sox – At Triple-A Charlotte, Rodon is a name worth tracking, as he'll be a hot commodity, once he is called up this season. In his first start with Charlotte, he pitched five innings with one earned run on two hits, two walks, and nine strikeouts. The strikeouts should not surprise you, as he's got that kind of stuff. With Chris Sale officially back, there are no open spots in the White Sox rotation right now, but keep an eye on John Danks and Hector Noesi to see which one falters first or enough to warrant a removal from the rotation. It's also possible we see Rodon as a reliever before he enters the rotation, at which point I would still bid up on him, as it's just a matter of time before he's making his MLB starting debut. My best guess is we see Rodon after Memorial Day, sometime in June. Mixed: $3; AL: $12…This will rise as we get later in the season.

Drew Rucinski, Angels – Rucinski will make a spot start for the Halos on Tuesday this week against the Rangers in Texas, before Garrett Richards hopefully returns to the rotation later in the week. Rucinski just threw 33 pitches in two scoreless innings against the Royals on Saturday with three hits allowed, two strikeouts and no walks. Last season at Double-A Arkansas he had a 3.15 ERA (2.88 FIP) with 140 strikeouts and 41 walks over 148.2 innings. Depending on how Rucinski pitches, it could be Hector Santiago that is bounced from the rotation, though Andrew Heaney is also looming. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Danny Salazar, Indians – Salazar made his season debut at Triple-A Columbus this week with six shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and seven strikeouts. He's in the minors right now after a rough spring that saw him get passed by Zach McAllister and T.J. House for rotation spots. That might change soon if McAllister continues to pitch like he did against the Tigers this week, when he gave up five earned runs over four innings. In 30 major league starts, Salazar has a 3.89 ERA (3.41 FIP) with 185 strikeouts and 50 walks over 162 innings. Hold on to your shares of Salazar and pick him up in deeper leagues where he's available, as he'll be up sooner rather than later, he's too talented to stay down in the minors for long. Mixed: $3; AL: $12.

Edinson Volquez, Royals – Volquez dominated in his season debut with the Royals, pitching eight innings with one earned run allowed, four hits allowed, five strikeouts, and just one walk against the White Sox. Last season with the Pirates, he had a 3.04 ERA (4.22 FIP) with 140 strikeouts and 71 walks over 192.2 innings. That was in the NL though and with the Pirates, who seem to have the magic touch helping lower ERAs. Now that he's back in the AL, it's likely his ERA will hover over 4.00, if not worse. Still, his first start was great and this week he's on the road to face the Twins, so he's worth trotting out there again. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Relief Pitchers:

Miguel Castro, Roberto Osuna, Blue Jays – Blue Jays manager John Gibbons pulled Brett Cecil from the closer role this week after Cecil was unable to get out of a jam against the Yankees on Wednesday. In said game, he came in with one out and the bases loaded and proceeded to throw a wild pitch, get a strikeout, issue an intentional walk, hit a batter, and give up a single before being pulled. Clearly he was ineffective, but enough to pull him from the closer role after just one appearance? Apparently so, for Gibbons. The closer duties now likely fall to Castro and Osuna until Gibbons deems Cecil ready again. Castro is highly inexperienced with no appearances above High-A before this season. Heck, he only had one save ever - and that was in rookie ball in 2013 - before this week, when he closed out a win over the Yankees on Thursday. He's been effective so far with two strikeouts, no walks, and no hits allowed in his three games. The sample size is extremely small, but he's got possession of the role and that's what matters right now. Still, I can't see him keeping the role very long at only 20 years old with such little experience. As for Osuna, he's just as inexperienced, as this is his first time to pitch above High-A as well. He's appeared in two games and has only allowed one hit with four strikeouts and one walk over two innings. He's behind Castro in the pecking order, but I can't see him handling the role much better, as he's also 20 years old with no closing experience in the minors. I might be making too much of the lack of experience of Castro and Osuna, but Gibbons is also likely making too much of Cecil's one bad outing. Moreover, Cecil pitched a clean inning the day after with no hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. I'd expect him to get his job back sooner rather than later. Castro – Mixed: $3; AL: $10. Osuna – Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Bryan Shaw, Indians – Cody Allen got lit up on Saturday for four earned runs on three hits and three walks while only getting two outs. It wasn't a save opportunity, but Allen still looked lost on the mound. It's very likely nothing to warrant panic on behalf of his owners, as Allen has been an effective reliever for over two seasons now and was very successful as the Indians' closer last season. Still, if you're in an AL-only format or an owner chasing saves, it might not be the worst idea to check in on the availability of Shaw in your league. In his three appearances this season he's given up one earned run with two strikeouts and one walk over 1.2 innings. Last season as the setup man for Allen, he posted a 2.59 ERA (3.49 FIP) with 64 strikeouts and 22 walks over 76.1 innings. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Joakim Soria, Tigers – Well, it didn't take long for Joe Nathan to break down, as he hit the DL on Wednesday with a Grade 1 strain of the elbow flexor. He could be back in 15 days or he could be out for a while, as the team is not allowing him to pick up a baseball until the tightness is completely gone from his elbow. Until then, Soria is the man to own in all leagues, as he's already converted his first save attempt and saved 18 games last season between the Rangers and Tigers with a 3.25 ERA (2.04 FIP). Even if Nathan were to return when his 15 days are over, Soria will still be someone owners will want to hang onto, as he has experience as a closer and even a healthy Nathan may be ineffective, as he was last season with a 4.81 ERA (4.01 FIP). Bid aggressively for Soria if he's still out there in your league. Mixed: $10; AL: $25.

Catchers:

Alex Avila, Tigers – I've seen Avila become a popular pickup in mixed leagues this week after his Opening Day two-hit performance that included a home run. He followed that up the next two days with two hits, three walks, and four runs scored, drawing even more attention. Unless you're in a deep mixed league though, I'd actually proceed with caution or stay away completely. Last season he struggled against right-handers to the tune of a .215/.340/.380 batting line with 10 home runs over 341 plate appearances. That's actually plenty useful in OBP leagues, but in leagues that use batting average, it's a steep price to pay for the power you do get. His biggest issue is he strikes out far too often, 33 percent of the time last season to be exact. Unless he has overhauled his approach, I suspect we'll start to see his contact woes resurface sooner rather than later. Again, if you're in a deep OBP league and looking for a second catcher, give Avila a look. If not, best to look elsewhere for help. Mixed: $2; AL: Owned.

Ryan Hanigan, Red Sox – Likely owned in most AL-only formats, Hanigan is worth considering as a second catcher if you're in a deep OBP league. So far this season he's started out with four walks in his first 12 plate appearances, which is not a surprise, as he has a career .354 OBP. He really doesn't have any power to speak of and his contact skills are lacking, so don't expect the counting stats to be of much help. He'll keep this starting gig over Sandy Leon, but once Blake Swihart comes up later this season, he'll likely play a mentor role and see his at-bats cut down. If you're in a deep OBP league though, he's worth a flyer as a second catcher. Mixed: $1; AL: $6.

Caleb Joseph, Orioles – Starting catcher Matt Wieters (elbow) is still without a timetable for his return and is only now throwing every other day, meaning it could be another month before we see him back in the O's lineup. Until that happens, Joseph will remain the team's everyday backstop and thus needs to be owned in all AL-only and some deeper mixed-league formats. Last season he hit .207/.264/.354 with nine home runs over 275 plate appearances. It isn't worth betting on a repeat of the power, though he hit a home run in five straight games last season in what might serve as a career highlight for him. Prior to that he showed some power in Double-A, but that was when he was 27 years old, which is too old for that level of competition. As is, he's a stopgap until Wieters is healthy and if that date continues to get pushed back, he's likely a liability to your roster rather than an asset. Mixed: $1; AL: $7.

Roberto Perez, Indians – Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run in the Indians' third game of the season, prompting some owners to give him a look in AL-only formats. He's the clear backup to Yan Gomes, who on Saturday night sprained his knee in a collision with Rajai Davis, which means we could be seeing much more of Perez in the coming days, whether we like it or not. He's likely to be a drain to your batting average or OBP, while only giving you a sprinkling of counting stats elsewhere, so don't expect much upside here. He hit .305/.405/.517 with eight home runs at Triple-A Columbus last season over 209 plate appearances, but he was 25 years old then. Perez needs to be owned in all AL-only and most deep mixed formats with Gomes now out 6-to-8 weeks. Mixed: 2; AL: $10.

Blake Swihart, Red Sox – The lone catching prospect you'll likely need to care about this season in AL-only formats, Swihart began his season in the minors after the Red Sox decided to go with Ryan Hanigan and Sandy Leon when it was found that Christian Vazquez (elbow) would need Tommy John surgery and be out for the season. Swihart hit .293/.341/.469 with 13 homers and eight stolen bases over 451 plate appearances last season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. He's worth stashing if you have a roster spot for minor leaguers. I expect we'll see him up before the All-Star break. Mixed: No; AL: $4.

Stephen Vogt, A's – If you're in a mixed league looking for a second catcher or Yan Gomes replacement, Vogt is a great addition. He might not be eligible at catcher yet in your league though, as he played only 15 games at the position there last season, making him something of a sneaky add. In his first three games this week, he went 4-for-10 with a double, home run, and two runs scored. He's unlikely to log anywhere near as much playing time at first base and in the outfield as he did last season, when the A's battled a myriad of injuries and were flush at catcher, but the roster flexibility doesn't hurt either. Expect him to sit most days against lefties, as he struggles against them, but be in there most days against right-hander. Last season against RHPs, he hit .291/.331/.439 with eight home runs over 245 plate appearances. Mixed: $6; AL: Owned.

Corner Infielders:

Mike Aviles, Indians – Aviles went 2-for-3 with a home run in his first game this season and should again serve a super-utility role for the Indians as he did last season, when he played at second, third, short, and in the outfield. This season he's logged time at third and outfield and in Saturday's game, hit second in the lineup with Michael Brantley out with a back injury. Should Brantley need time on the DL, which is a possibility – manager Terry Francona described Brantley's malady as "stabbing" pain in his back – it's reasonable to expect that Aviles would continue to play in left field. Should Brantley's back improve, we're likely to see Aviles continue his utility role, which has some value in AL-only formats because of his position eligibility. Last season Aviles hit .247/.273/.343 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases over 374 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Mark Canha, A's – Slated to be the A's backup first baseman, Canha has started one game there and two in left field, as Oakland has looked for ways to keep him in the lineup. He's 7-for-14 with two doubles, a home run, and four runs scored so far. Last season he hit .303/.384/.505 with 20 home runs and three stolen bases over 537 plate appearances at Triple-A New Orleans, as a 25-year-old, so he has some power. Originally he was expected to mostly face, but his hot start has him facing right-handers too. When Coco Crisp (elbow) and Josh Reddick (oblique) return, Canha will likely be squeezed for playing time, so don't invest too heavily. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Allan Dykstra, Rays – James Loney (upper body) landed on the 15-day DL this week, which led to the Rays calling up Dykstra from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday. In his first two games, he's 0-for-5 with two walks and a run scored. Last season at Triple-A Las Vegas he hit .280/.426/.504 with 16 home runs over 439 plate appearances. He does well to get on base, though we'll see how his contact skills adjust to life in the majors. At 28 he doesn't figure to see an uptick in his power. For now he figures to continue to see everyday playing time until Loney is back, which makes him worth a bid in AL-only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Mike Moustakas, Royals – "Moose" has started out going 4-for-13 with a walk, double, home run, and four runs scored in his first four games this season. It's likely just a small sample size, but remember Moustakas is coming off a hot postseason, so perhaps he has carried over some of those adjustments into 2015. Then again, he has started out 1-for-6 against left-handers, against whom he struggled mightily last season with a .172/.241/.313 batting line. He's hitting second in the Kansas City lineup right now, which is great, but he'll need to improve against LHPs or keep on connecting against RHPs for him to stay there. Mixed: $4; AL: Owned.

Jonathan Singleton, Astros – Don't forget about Singleton in AL-only formats, even though he's in the minors after losing out on a roster spot in spring training. Last season he hit .267/.397/.544 with 14 home runs over 239 plate appearances at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but came crashing down once he was promoted, hitting just .168/.285/.335 with 13 home runs over 362 plate appearances. The power is obviously there, but he just needs to refine his approach and start making more contact, which is easier said than done. If you've got a roster spot to spare or can stash minor leaguers, he's a nice candidate for a promotion on an Astros team with an eye towards the future. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Middle Infielders:

Nick Franklin, Rays – Franklin (oblique) will play in some extended spring training games and then go on a rehab assignment, at which point he's expected to be activated from the DL. It's unclear how long it will be before he starts his rehab assignment, but realistic to expect that he'll be activated by the end of this month. Last season between Triple-A Tacoma and Durham with the Mariners and Rays organizations respectively, he hit .272/.366/.412 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 446 PA. In the majors it was a different story, as he only managed to hit .160/.222/.247 with one home run and two stolen bases over 90 PA between the two teams. He should have the starting gig, once healthy, and he has enough talent to keep the job over the likes of Logan Forsythe, so stash him if you can in AL-only and deep mixed formats. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

J.J. Hardy, Orioles – If Hardy (shoulder) is floating around on your waiver wire, now would be a great time to scoop him up in mixed leagues, as he has taken dry swings the past few days and should go on a rehab assignment early this coming week. From there he should be activated and plugged back in as the O's starting shortstop. Last season he hit .268/.309/.372 with nine home runs over 569 PA, as his power numbers declined sharply. At 32 years old, he's likely to bounce back, but we're not likely to see another 20 plus home runs from him in a season again. Still, he offers more power upside than most short stops and is a nice middle infield option for owners with speedsters at their starting second and shortstop positions. Mixed: $6; AL: Owned.

Jose Iglesias, Tigers – Iglesias has started the 2015 season right, going 9-for-15 with a walk, double, two stolen bases, and four runs scored in his first four games. This is encouraging as he had a slow spring training and he lost the entire 2014 season to stress fractures in both legs. In 2013, he hit .303/.349/.386 with three home runs and five stolen bases over 382 PA with the Red Sox and Tigers. Now that he has all that behind him, he should start over Andrew Romine most days and needs to be owned in all AL-only and deep mixed formats, where he's still available. He won't fill up the box score, but he should be helpful on the base paths. Mixed: $2; AL: $9.

Francisco Lindor, Indians – An elite prospect, Lindor needs to be stashed away in all AL-only and deep mixed leagues, as he's likely to have an impact on this season sooner rather than later. He's at Triple-A Columbus right now, after not making the Indians' Opening Day roster. Last season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus he hit .276/.338/.389 with 11 home runs and 28 stolen bases over 567 PA. Right now Jose Ramirez is doing his best to hold things down, until the organization deems Lindor ready (or his service clock is no longer in question). When Lindor does arrive, he's likely to offer more speed than power, but he is just 21 years old. In keeper leagues, he should be long gone by now. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Chris Taylor, Mariners – Taylor (wrist) is currently at Triple-A Tacoma, as he rehabs and works his way back into game action. Once that's under his belt, the Mariners will likely call him back up to give them middle infield depth and/or share time with Brad Miller at shortstop. Last season Taylor hit .328/.397/.497 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases over 346 PA, before being promoted and hitting .287/.347/.346 with five stolen bases over 151 PA. He isn't likely to be back in majors until early May, but still makes for a nice stash, if you've got the roster space and/or your league allows it. Only 24 years old, he needs to improve his contact skills and refine his approach at the plate, but he's young enough to see that happen this season with more experience. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Devon Travis, Blue Jays – Perhaps overlooked in your mixed league, Travis earned the Jays second base job out of spring training and has started the season out right, going 5-for-13 with two walks, a double, home run, and four runs scored out of the ninth spot in the lineup. Last season at Double-A Erie he hit .298/.358/.460 with 10 home runs and 16 stolen bases over 441 PA. At 24 years old, he offers owners a mild combination of power and speed with the potential to help in the runs scored department. He'll have his slumps, as he adjusts to the majors, but you could certainly do worse, if you're looking for help at middle infield in a mixed league. Mixed: $3; AL: $10.

Outfielders:

Rusney Castillo, Red Sox – Continue to stash Castillo in leagues, as he bides his time in the minors waiting for a spot on the Red Sox roster to open up for him. Right now he's at Triple-A Pawtucket, where he's gone 5-for-12 with a double, stolen base, and two runs scored in three games. He should be a nice source of speed with moderate power and a decent batting average, when he does come up. Last season he hit .333/.400/.528 with two home runs and three stolen bases over 40 PA with the Red Sox. Mixed: $3; AL: $10.

Alejandro De Aza, Orioles – Hitting leadoff in 4-of-5 games this season, De Aza needs to be owned in all mixed leagues, as he's a career .275/.336/.416 hitter against RHPs. On days LHPs are on the mound, he'll likely sit or get moved down in the lineup, but that still leaves him with nice value as a source of steals (17 last season) and runs scored. It also helps that he's started the season going 6-for-18 with two home runs, though he's also had eight strikeouts with just one walk. Grab him in mixed leagues. Mixed: $5; AL: Owned.

Anthony Gose, Tigers – Hitting leadoff the last four games for the Tigers, Gose should be owned everywhere, as he figures to be a great source of runs and stolen bases, as long as he stays there in the lineup. This season he's 6-for-20 with two doubles, a triple, home run, stolen base, and six runs scored. Not surprisingly, he also has yet to take a walk and has seven strikeouts, which is part of the reason he's unlikely to keep said spot atop the lineup. For now though, enjoy the benefits that come with his hot streak. Last season he hit .226/.311/.293 with two home runs and 15 stolen bases over 274 PA. His defense should keep him in the lineup over Rajai Davis most days, but on base skills figure to drag him to the end of the lineup sooner rather than later. Mixed: $4; AL: Owned.

Kevin Kiermaier, Rays – Kiermaier has started the season off hot, going 6-for-17 with two doubles, one triple, two home runs, and five runs scored. Last season he hit .263/.315/.450 with 10 home runs and five stolen bases over 363 PA. Those 10 home runs stood as the most power he's shown in his career, until he hit two this week, so perhaps his power and skills are continuing to grow in his age 25 season. He started the season batting ninth in the lineup the first two games, then moved to sixth, then to leadoff the last two games. He likely doesn't have the on base skills to stay in the leadoff spot, but even still, if he continues some of this, he'll be hitting higher up in the lineup. Until he cools, he needs to be owned in all AL-only and deeper mixed leagues. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Mikie Mahtook, Rays – Mahtook was brought up from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, but going into Sunday had only received one at-bat. Last season at Durham he hit .292/.362/.458 with 12 home runs and 18 stolen bases over 550 PA. Unless the team turns on David DeJesus or Brandon Guyer, it's going to be tough for Mahtook to find at-bats right now. If he were to find solid playing time, his power/speed combination would play well and help owners in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Carlos Peguero, Rangers – With Ryan Rua (ankle) going on the DL on Saturday, Peguero was called up from Triple-A Round Rock and inserted right into the lineup. He responded going 2-for-5 with a double and run scored against the Astros. He is a career .201/.248/.384 hitter with nine home runs and one stolen base over 234 PA, having spent most of his career with the Mariners. Last season at Triple-A Omaha with the Royals, he hit .266/.349/.563 with 30 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 418 PA at 27 years old. The power is legit, but so is his propensity to strikeout often. If he's given the everyday left field job until Rua is back, expect contact problems, but also some home runs. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Josh Reddick, A's – Reddick was activated off the DL on Sunday, after dealing with an oblique injury that kept him out the first week. Last season he hit .264/.316/.446 with 12 home runs over 395 PA. Injuries have been a problem for Reddick, since he broke out in 2013 with 32 home runs. In the second half of last season he was healthy and hit .299/.337/.533 with eight home runs over 200 PA. He needs to be owned in all AL-only and deeper mixed leagues. In shallower leagues keep an eye on him and where he bats in the order, Sunday he was hitting eighth. Mixed: $4; AL: $16.

Cody Ross, A's – Ross signed with the A's this week, after being released by the Diamondbacks before the season started. He figures to see the majority of his playing time against LHPs, whom he has a .294/.360/.555 batting line against. On days RHPs are on the mound, he might be in the lineup, but it's more likely that he'll be on the bench. This leaves him with slight value in AL-only formats and no real value in mixed leagues. Last season he hit .252/.306/.322 with two home runs over 219 PA with the Diamondbacks. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Michael Saunders, Blue Jays – Saunders (knee) is close to coming off the DL and should rejoin the team sometime this week. Previously with the Mariners, in 2012 he broke out with a .247/.306/.432 batting line that included 19 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 553 PA. Last season he hit .273/.341/.450 with eight home runs and four stolen bases over 263 PA. He has battled his share of injuries, but still shows a nice blend of power and speed, when healthy and the switch from Seattle to Toronto should help his power numbers. He needs to be owned in all AL-only and deep mixed league formats, once he's activated. Mixed: $3; AL: $12.

Jake Smolinski, Rangers – Smolinski could find himself in the lineup often the remainder of the month, now that Ryan Rua (ankle) is on the DL. The team called up Carlos Peguero in a corresponding move and he could see time in left field too. Last season after dealing with a foot injury, Smolinksi hit .267/.349/.459 with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 307 PA at Double-A Frisco. In the Nationals and Marlins minor league systems previously, he showed a decent eye at the plate, but no real power or speed. This season he's started out going 0-for-8 with three walks, three strikeouts, and two runs scored. He'll be a more steady option than Peguero for owners and the Rangers, until Rua is back. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Travis Snider, Orioles – Snider has gone from hitting fifth in the lineup to third for two games, then seventh, then back to fifth on Saturday. While moving around, he's gone 6-for-15 at the plate with five walks, one double, and two runs scored. The walks are impressive as he had a game with three and then another game with two. Last season he hit .264/.338/.438 with 13 home runs over 359 PA with the Pirates and cut down on his strikeouts, while improving his walk rate. If his early season walks are a continuation of his improved approach, Snider is going to be helpful to owners in all leagues, as long as he stays healthy. Mixed: $5; AL: Owned.

Note: If you have anyone else you'd like me to discuss, just drop a line in the comments section.