The Wire Troll: Matt Andriese Returns to Rays Rotation

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Yes, another Rays’ starter looms on the horizon in the form of former Padre Smith. He underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2015, and is still on the comeback trail, but his recent results suggest he’s ready for another crack at the Show. Smith hurled 5 2/3 shutout innings on Friday to earn the win at Triple-A, and he’s been lights out in three starts at Durham. He’s proven he can win in the minors again; now let’s see what he can do in the majors.

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The Wire Troll: Chris Stewart Protecting the Pittsburgh Plate

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

His Fantasy value is still extremely limited, but if Olson keeps pitching like he has so far, that may soon change. He was having a nice season at Triple-A, going undefeated with a splendid 0.95 WHIP, but what he’s done with the Tribe has been very impressive so far. How about 15 appearances without an earned run allowed? A nice WHIP and fine K/BB rate suggest that Olson could move up in the Indian bullpen pecking order. The team is very pleased with his performance, and that could lead to more responsibilities and — ideally — more holds.

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The Wire Troll: Scott Kingery Bucking for Promotion

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Quietly, Cashner has strung together seven straight starts with three earned runs or fewer allowed. For a good chunk of this season, you started him at your own peril, but with the current run he’s on, he needs to not only be owned, but started in all formats. Cashner is getting groundballs at his highest rate since 2013 — his only double-digit win season. Yes, we know. It’s hard to believe a pitcher with his stuff has just one, but it looks like he may add to that total this season.

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The Wire Troll: Alen Hanson Delivering for Pale Hose

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Siani has emerged as a potential first round pick in 2018 thanks to his excellent speed and superb fielding skills as a centre fielder. There’s some raw power here that could manifest itself in game play in time, so small wonder he was named to the Perfect Game 2017 Underclassmen First Team. The hype machine for Siani will begin in earnest in a few months, so if you have a deep farm system in your league that allows you to grab high schoolers, consider him.

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The Wire Troll: Luis Castillo to the Rescue

/ Baseball, The Wire Troll

Three years ago, Alvarez was just 24 and in the midst of a breakout season in which he recorded a 2.65 ERA en route to earning Cy Young consideration. The following year, he made just four starts and shoulder woes have kept him sidelined since. Well, he’s healthy now, putting on a showcase for MLB teams this weekend as he aims to get a chance to make a comeback. Given his still tender age, pedigree and tremendous control, Alvarez is worth tracking as we see how this plays out. Who knows? This Venezuelan could be a surprise source of value in the second half given how many teams need pitching help.

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