Deep in the Hole- Fantasy Baseball Week 13

This is my weekly fantasy baseball column where I discuss the rising and falling stocks of certain players. Hopefully this information can help with your lineup decisions, and maybe give you some ideas when looking for a boost from the waiver wire. But, of course, do not sit your studs just for these guys, or drop a guy just because he appears on the list. These are just suggestions, albeit supported ones.

Heating Up

Steve Pearce, Baltimore Orioles (1B, OF) – Pearce was not expected to see many opportunities going into the season, but injuries and the struggles of others have given Pearce significant at-bats. After filling in admirably for Chris Davis at first base, Pearce has taken a strong grip on the left field job in Baltimore. Pearce has seven multi-hit games in his last 11 starts, with three home runs over that span. Delmon Young and David Lough have done nothing to threaten the playing time of Pearce, so he should keep getting chances to produce. His ownership has increased in recent days, but Pearce is still available in nearly half of ESPN leagues.

Kole Calhoun, Los Angeles Angels (OF) – Calhoun’s value is closely tied to the state of the Angels’ offense. The team has really heated up over the last couple weeks, and Calhoun has racked up counting stats. He has scored 10 runs in the past seven games, and has also knocked in seven runs over that time. Calhoun is not running much, with only three steals, but his spot atop the Angels’ lineup makes him valuable.

Cooling Off

Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers (OF) – Hunter is 38 years old, but he put up some decent numbers hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera. Then a hamstring injury cost him a week of games, and when he returned he went 3-for-21. During Hunter’s absence, J.D. Martinez stepped in and played great, so the Detroit outfield is a little crowded at the moment. Austin Jackson is on the bench for now, but Hunter could lose playing time if he continues to struggle. Monitor the situation.

Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox (3B, SS) – Bogaerts has shown flashes of excellence, but has been scuffling of late. He is stuck in a 2-for-35 skid, with 12 strikeouts over that stretch. One theory on Bogaerts’ slump put forth by ESPN’s Eric Karabell is the position change from shortstop to third base. Bogaerts slid over to third when Boston signed Stephen Drew, and his stats are drastically different between the two positions. As Karabell notes, Bogaerts is hitting .296 with a .816 OPS at short, and .167 with a .522 OPS at third. Bench him until he picks it up.

Minor League Chatter

Mookie Betts was called up by Boston on Saturday, and is starting in right field Sunday night. Betts primarily played second base in the minors, but will transition to the outfield because he’s blocked by Dustin Pedroia. He stole 29 bags this season between Double-A and Triple-A, and got on base at a .425 clip in 23 games at Triple-A Pawtucket.

Carlos Correa has been diagnosed with a fractured fibula, and is done for the season.

Nugget of the Week- Washington beat Milwaukee in 16 innings on Tuesday. Ross Detwiler threw four innings of scoreless relief for the Nats. He threw 46 pitches, all fastballs.