Zack Wheeler (SP-NYM): While Julio Teheran grabbed most of the headlines with his quality start and win, Zack Wheeler tossed yet another quality start of his own, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks and adding 7 strikeouts in 7 innings. The phenom hasn't allowed more than 3 earned runs in a start since late June. Needless to say, I am very bullish on him for the rest of 2014 and beyond. He'll have to continue to improve his control and develop more confidence in his weapons against lefties, but the 23% K-rate and 54% GB-rate are aesthetically pleasing to say the least. The Mets say he will not face an innings limit in 2014, and the kid gloves should come off completely in 2015.
Jorge Soler (OF-CHC): Jorge Soler wasted no time announcing his presence, homering in his first big league at bat and logging a 2-for-4, 1-run, 2-RBI night.
Batting in the 5-hole, Soler should see plenty of RBI opportunities during the final month. For his minor league career, he has posted a .935 OPS with 28 homers, 117 RBI, and a 66:105 BB:K ratio in 151 games. He has improved his game as he has faced better competition, and I see him as future fantasy stud. Even for 2014, he could help propel many owners in need of offense to titles.
Jason Heyward (OF-ATL): Jason Heyward hit a solo homer, his 11th of the season, to lead the Braves and back Julio Teheran. Heyward's recent hot stretch has moved his swinging strike and contact rates to career best marks, while his contact rate isn't far behind. We all know that health is the big question with Heyward, but he is showing plenty of power and speed, and with his ability to walk, he is scoring plenty of runs atop the Braves lineup. With free agency looming after next season, he'll be playing for a big contract. Call me crazy, but I see him finally putting it all together in 2015, and in the meantime, being a fantasy horse down the stretch in 2014.
Santiago Casilla (RP-SF): Santiago Casilla blew his 4th save of the season against the Rockies, erasing the W for Tim Hudson, but Buster Posey hit another walk off to gift him a cheap W. Casilla has been solid, but his good fortunes have started to catch up with him, as his 1.71 xFIP/3.25 ERA portends even more regression. With Sergio Romo righting the ship--he hasn't allowed an earned run or a walk since July--Casilla's hold on the job is tenuous at best. A timeshare could easily develop.
Wilin Rosario (C-COL): The Rockies officially placed Wilin Rosario (wrist) on the DL, retroactive to Aug. 23. It has been quite the disappointing season for Rosario and his fantasy owners, especially given the high price tag on draft day. While I'm concerned about his value the rest of the way, even if he does return, I am still bullish on him in keeper leagues. The drop in his power numbers, especially his HR/FB rate, can be attributed to the chronic wrist pain he has played through the entire season. His plate coverage has improved across the board, as his swinging strike and chase rates have decreased while his EYE has increased. He also has made some strides on the defensive end, so he could still find himself a catcher for the next several years.
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