Brandon Lyon: Despite allowing 10 runs in his last 5.1 innings, Manager Doug Melvin said that Lyon’s job as the closer is safe unless he begins to struggle in save situations. Although he has converted 25 of 30 saves and has lasted this deep into the season as the closer, with his skill set; 6.6 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, and a 38% GB%, there is a good chance that he will implode in save situations.
Jonathan Niese: There is some talk that the Mets will call up Jonathan Niese to replace John Maine in the starting rotation. Niese has been effective at two levels this year; 3.04 ERA, 8.1 K/9, and a 3.2 BB/9 in 124.1 Double-A innings and a 3.65 ERA, 7.5 K/9, and a 2.9 BB/9 in 37 Triple-A innings. He has a bright future, but he could struggle early on because of his elevated BB/9 in the minors which figures to get worse against more discerning major league hitters.
Kaz Matsui: Matsui, who has been out with a back problem, will not come off of the DL when eligible tomorrow; instead it looks like he will be back on Monday. His main value is derived from his speed, but prior to going on the DL, he had only attempted 2 steals in his last 18 games. If the back was preventing him from running more often and the rest has helped, he could be a nice asset for a fantasy team chasing steals.
Yusmeiro Petit: Petit has pitched well, 2.83 ERA in 47.2 innings, and he can thank a very favorable .144 BHIP% as part of the reason. However, there are also solid skills behind his low ERA, 6.8 K/9 and a 1.3 BB/9. There is some risk if the hit rate begins to normalize and a few more balls leave the yard; 52% FB% and a 9% HR/FB, but with excellent control, he should be able to minimize the damage.
Ian Stewart: With excellent power, 9 home runs and 15 doubles in just 177 AB, and plate patience, 11% BB%, Stewart is proving that he worthy of being a starter in the major leagues. However, with his ugly 64% Ct% and a ridiculous .352% BHIP, look for some big batting average downside from his current .316 average in the near future.
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