Marco Scuturo: As the Jays starting shortstop, Scuturo is having a good season, 6/37/.283 with 62 runs scored in 410 PA. With a great approach at the plate, 14% BB and an 88% Ct%, Scuturo has no problem getting on base. His depressed .242 BHIP% points to some upside to Scuturo’s batting average in the second half. He is a good play in all formats.
Scott Rolen: Rolen has hit safely in his last 25 games and now sports a .330 batting average for the year. At the age of 34 and with a history of injuries, Rolen’s once formidable power is now just league average, 6 home runs and 26 doubles in 282 AB. Without the power and in the midst of sizzling streak, you may never have a better time to sell high on the injury-prone Rolen.
Torii Hunter: Hunter has a strain in his groin muscle and a trip to the DL is likely. He is in the midst of a great all-around season, 17/65/.305 with 13 steals. He should be eligible to return once he is eligible to come off the DL. It is obvious that the strain has been bothering him, as he has attempted just 1 steal in his last 15 games. Once the strain heals, he could be a good source for steals, as well as power, in the second-half.
Roy Halladay: Despite fanning 8 batters, walking none, and allowing 3 ER over 7 innings, Halladay took the loss yesterday against the Rays, leaving him with a 10-3 record and 2.85 ERA for the season. If the Jays decide to trade Halladay, it looks like either Philadelphia or St. Louis would be his destination. Fantasy owners would obviously prefer St. Louis because of the pitching-friendly home park, but with his skills, 7.7 K/9, 1.2 BB/9, and a 54% GB%, Halladay would put up great numbers no matter where he pitches. If he does land in the NL, those in NL-only leagues should break open the vault in bidding for him, as you won’t get a better player crossing leagues this year.
Dan Wheeler: Wheeler got the call yesterday and retired 3 batters in a row to record his first save of the year. However, if you own Wheeler, don’t get too excited as Manager Joe Madden was most likely just playing matchups. Wheeler’s skills are not closer-worthy, 6.0 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, and a 55% FB%, and he has had trouble dealing with the pressure of closing during his career, 20 blown saves in 59 chances. Look for J.P. Howell to continue getting most of the save chances for the Rays.
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