The Z Files: Prepping For the Stretch Run, Part Four

Welcome to the last installment of this season's "Prepping for the Stretch Run" series. To be honest, I've been waffling over what I want to write about. The general theme is players not currently on 25-man rosters with a chance to be fantasy relevant. The conundrum is how deep to go predicting call-ups once rosters expand. To be honest, I view this as an exercise in futility, especially because the site will be all over anyone summoned. Be it in a player note, FAAB article, podcast, etc., everyone on an MLB roster will be discussed. As I survey the teams, I'll try to point out some under-the-radar pickups, but the main purpose will be reminding you of some injured players and highlighting some scheduling or other quirks apropos to the last month of action.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles got a head start, promoting Cedric Mullins and inserting Renato Nunez at the hot corner when Manny Machado left town. Mullins hope to be back by the weekend, at which time he could be joined by Austin Hays, currently toiling at Double-A Bowie. Hays has five doubles and four homers over the last two weeks. With the Bay Sox out of the playoff picture, Hays could get the call, especially since Mark Trumbo has opted for season-ending knee surgery.

Another option is Anthony Santander, though the 23-year-old isn't considered a top prospect and he's currently struggling with Triple-A Norfolk. Plus, the Tides are in wild-card contention, so Santander is apt to stay put until that sorts itself out.

Baltimore recently advanced pitcher Josh Rogers, but he's only scheduled for one more start before calling it a season. Acquired from the Yankees in the Zach Britton trade, Rogers only fanned 101 in 139 combined Triple-A innings for Scranton and Norfolk.

Boston Red Sox

Like most of the teams with a playoff berth in their future, the Red Sox don't have the luxury of auditioning players for 2019. They'll add reinforcements like Michael Chavis, Rusney Castillo (yes, that Rusney Castillo) and Brandon Phillips (yes, that Brandon Phillips). Of the three, Phillips could see some action as a defensive replacement, especially once Rafael Devers comes back and takes over at the hot corner.

As for the walking wounded, Eduardo Rodriguez is closest, expected to return over the weekend. Stephen Wright is on rehab, but the plan is for him to pitch solely in relief. Burying the lead, Chris Sale is throwing, albeit not from a mound, and aiming for a return somewhere around the second week in September. Best case scenario is four, maybe five starts, with at least the last one cut short.

Chicago White Sox

One down, one to go. Michael Kopech has been promoted; with Eloy Jimenez join him or will White Sox management opt to keep his clock from starting? There's been no hint either way. With a 1.027 OPS the last month, including a 1.257 mark the past week, Jimenez certainly deserves a look.

Welington Castillo will be back next season as he's in the first year of a two-year deal, which includes a team-friendly option for 2020. This isn't necessarily a roadblock for minor league on-base machine Zack Collins, but if the Pale Hose planned on promoting the 23-year-old backstop to the majors after rosters expand, chances are they would have advanced him from Double-A Birmingham to Triple-A Charlotte earlier this year.

The plan is still for Jose Abreu to return, once he's able to resume baseball activities after surgery on his abdomen.

Cleveland Indians

Not only are the Indians looking at a ticket to October, but their top two affiliates also have postseason aspirations. More often than not, needs in the bigs trump minor-league playoff concerns but as it happens, there's no one really knocking at the door to help the Tribe. Cleveland has already reached down for Greg Allen, whose glove has solidified a lineup spot. They'll call up some depth, including journeyman Adam Rosales, but it doesn't appear there will be anyone with fantasy interest, especially in mixed formats.

Rajai Davis should be back after Sept. 1, but unless you're desperate for steals in a deep league, there's nothing to see here.

Detroit Tigers

Other than the Christin Stewart watch, there isn't much to track in Motown. That said, the 24-year-old slugger has pick it up lately, posting a 1.061 OPS the last two weeks for Triple-A Toledo. The Mudhens are vying for a wild-card spot so Stewart's potential arrival could be delayed, but he's someone to monitor for some pop down the stretch.

Houston Astros

Reportedly, even after serving a suspension this season, Forrest Whitley was ticketed for a big-league spot in the Astros bullpen. A couple of injuries, first an oblique and now a minor lat issue, have put a wrench into those plans. It's not clear if Whitley will not be promoted in September, though reading between the lines on the club's plans to send him to the Arizona Fall League, joining the big-league roster is unlikely.

The club has already announced Kyle Tucker will be rejoining the parent team, though they'll leave him at Triple-A Fresno for the duration of the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

Kansas City Royals

Reading the tea leaves on a team obstinately playing Alcides Escobar over Adalberto Mondesi for a large chunk of the season is a challenge, but here goes. The farm is barren, but no one cares because the Royals won it all in 2015. To be fair, the club will be looking at 2018 acquisitions Brett Phillips and Brian Goodwin, the latter of whom is earmarked for a weekend return from the disabled list.

Jorge Soler, a surprise contributor earlier in the season, is looking at a return from the DL once rosters expand, though he's going to be used strictly as a designated hitter. Still, in AL-only leagues, he could an upgrade over your bottom outfielder or utility.

Ian Kennedy is slated for one rehab start before returning to the Royals rotation. The righty has been out since mid-July, nursing a left oblique strain. As a flyball pitcher in still hot-and-humid Kansas City, Kennedy is a risky play for those in close ERA battles.

Los Angeles Angels

While Shohei Ohtani the hitter is obviously on the 25-man roster, the pitcher version is ostensibly on the disabled list. It looks as though Ohtani will take the hill before the season ends, though in what capacity is unclear. In most cases, a September return from an injury is a good sign, as that allows the hurler to enter the offseason confident they can heat it up without fear of a recurrence or any other issue. In Ohtani's care, the 2019 risk is still paramount as he didn't have surgery to fix his elbow issue. For me, it doesn't matter how he looks, assuming he throws the ball in anger down the stretch. I'll be approaching him with caution, needing a significant discount (which I won't get) to incur the risk. As for using him this season, in the unlikely event he's used akin to a Tampa Bay not-a-starter and enters a game to work the middle innings, my interest is greater than if he starts since he's not likely to work five innings either way. That said, the Halos will probably prefer he starts, since he can prepare knowing exactly when he'll be pitching.

The injury-riddled pitching staff is looking at the return of a trio of starters. Tyler Skaggs, Nick Tropeano and Matt Shoemaker are all planning to pitch again this season. Considering the home park and defense, all three are in play in all formats for a September boost.

Speaking of injuries, there's a chance Justin Upton is back by the time you're reading this. If not, it won't be long.

With David Fletcher, Taylor Ward and Francisco Arcia already in the Show, the coffers are rather bare on the farm. Though, since Albert Pujols is out for the season, first baseman Matt Thaiss is a possible call-up. The 23-year-old lefty swinger is slashing a modest .279/.329/.464 in 81 games for Triple-A Salt Lake.

Minnesota Twins

Despite hitting well since being activated from the minor-league disabled list, Byron Buxton isn't assured of a September call-up. The club claims service time isn't the issue, even though keeping him off the major-league roster buys another year of team control.

The Twins have a number of intriguing prospects, though most are in the lower minors. Nick Gordon is in Triple-A, though with a .541 OPS in 94 games for Rochester, he isn't exactly forcing the club's hand.

There was some hope Michael Pineda would work in September, but a torn meniscus in his right knee puts a kibosh on those plans. Pineda did throw 12 frames in rehab, so hopefully he's over the mental aspect of returning from Tommy John surgery. Spending the early portion of the offseason rehabbing from a meniscus tear can't be a good thing with respect to keeping up the throwing routine designed for Tommy John returnees, however.

Even though he isn't formally shut down for the season, chances are Ervin Santana will take the rest of the year off due to recurring pain in his surgically repaired finger. For those truly desperate, Aaron Slegers is hoping for a mid-September return.

Kennys Vargas, Jeremy Hazelbaker and Gregorio Petit all have MLB experience, but since they aren't on the 40-man roster, it's highly unlikely any will be making a September appearance in the Twin Cities.

New York Yankees

Of the three key position players currently sidelined, Gary Sanchez is closest to returning and is expected to be activated over the weekend. Didi Gregorius should be next, as he's been cleared to resume running. Aaron Judge's sore wrist is still inhibiting his swinging and throwing, so he's still without a firm timetable.

An already staunch bullpen is set to get stronger, as top prospect Justus Sheffield is making the temporary transition to the bullpen. He's been working as a reliever for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in anticipation of a September promotion. He's worth a shot in AL-only formats but isn't going to crack the ninth-inning committee (gee thanks, Lord Obvious). Sheffield is most relevant in keeper leagues without a separate minor-league roster.

Oakland Athletics

Franklin Barreto will likely be recalled, but since the squad is in the thick of the playoff race, he'll only back up both middle infield spots. Since Barreto was sent back down to Triple-A in early August, he's walked an acceptable 8.5 percent of the time, though his 33 percent strikeout rate remains excessive. Similarly, Jorge Mateo may get a September promotion, but he's not going to play much with Barreto already the understudy for Jed Lowrie and Marcus Semien.

Though he's cooled lately, Dustin Fowler has slashed .362/.382/.567 for Triple-A Nashville. With Ramon Laureano firmly entrenched in center, Fowler will be relegated to a reserve role in the likely event he's summoned once rosters expand. Nick Martini is also a strong candidate to return.

As is usually the case with the Athletics, the health of their pitchers is the primary story line. The rotation recently lost a pair of southpaws as Sean Manaea is out with rotator cuff tendinitis while Brett Anderson is shelved with an ominous forearm strain. Neither has a timetable, though the club is holding out hope both will return. It's a risk banking on either coming back, though Manaea could try to do it so he could help in the playoffs.

Seattle Mariners

With the Mariners thin playoff hopes rapidly evaporating, they have the luxury of auditioning some players for 2019. Having the luxury and being able to take advantage of it are two separate things, though, as Seattle really doesn't have anyone to look at as their focus is more long-term in the international market. Chances are Daniel Vogelbach will be back up in a reserve role, though it's conceivable he gets more regular time once they're eliminated from contention.

Tampa Bay Rays

The notoriously control-conscious Rays have already advanced Jake Bauers, Willy Adames and Brandon Lowe, so there's really nothing left with respect to prospects for September. Perhaps first-sacker Nathaniel Lowe gets a look, but he was only promoted to Triple-A Durham in early August.

The Durham Bulls are playoff bound so pitching reinforcements will likely be delayed. Jake Faria is the likeliest addition, with Andrew Moore a possibility. Of course, the problem with all Rays pitchers not named Blake Snell is they're a bullpen appearance away from working in the "follower" role, making them more difficult to manage for fantasy purposes.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers have already reported that Willie Calhoun is set to rejoin the major-league roster over the weekend, though it's unclear how much he'll play. If it's apparent Texas will clear a pathway, Calhoun could be a contributor over the final month.

Complicating matters is that Delino Deshields Jr. is also expected back in early September. Texas has been getting by with Carlos Tocci and Joey Gallo in center, so Deshields could see a lot of playing since he's the only real true center fielder on the club. Even without full-time play, Deshields has demonstrated he can be a difference-maker in the stolen base category.

Toronto Blue Jays

Things could change, but it certainly appears you'll need to head to Surprise, Arizona to see Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as the next action he'll see following the close of the Triple-A season will be in the Arizona Fall League.

By the time you're reading this, the wheels will be in motion with respect to Josh Donaldson's future. The only American League club with a potential need at the hot corner is the Red Sox, with Rafael Devers returning from injury as well as playing inconsistent defense. That said, while not out of the question he's claimed by an AL squad, chances are Donaldson makes it through waivers to the Senior Circuit. If so, it becomes a matter of whether Toronto feels the compensation they get offered is worth more than the draft pick they'd get when the former MVP walks in free agency, assuming he declines a qualifying offer.

A trio of outfielders with MLB experience could join the Jays once Buffalo's season ends. Anthony Alford has lost more of his prospect shine as the 23-year-old, posting a .637 OPS for the Bisons. He did swipe 16 bases, but it took 23 tries. Dalton Pompey was suspended earlier in the month after a verbal altercation with the manager, so the Jays' brass may not want to reward him with another trip to the bigs. Dwight Smith Jr. could be added strictly for depth.

The name to monitor is Rowdy Tellez, who's had a strong month for Buffalo, registering a .791 OPS in that span. The problem is he'd need the Blue Jays to sit either Justin Smoak or Kendrys Morales.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Arizona Diamondbacks

Some familiar names could make their way back to the desert once the Triple-A Reno season ends, with Socrates Brito leading the pack. Brito has enjoyed a strong campaign for the Aces, slashing .322/.387/.546 with 15 bags in 19 attempts. Barring an injury, he'd be a reserve so he's only viable in deep NL-only formats. Chris Owings could join his old mates as well. Yosmany Tomas is no longer on the 40-man roster so don't expect a September call-up.

Atlanta Braves

For awhile, it seemed like Austin Riley was earmarked for a call-up, perhaps in time to be playoff eligible. Apparently Johan Camargo didn't get the memo, as he's been one of the Braves top hitters since June 1. There's a chance the Braves still promote their prized hot corner prospect, but they're more likely to let Riley end the season with the Gwinnett Stripers on a high note before leaving him in Triple-A for a couple weeks next season to "work on his defense", a la Ronald Acuna.

Atlanta is likely to bring back Rio Ruiz and possibly Phil Gosselin for depth.

Pitching is where it gets interesting. The Braves have already recalled Kolby Allard, likely to work out of the bullpen, though he's been starting with Gwinnett and could be called upon in a pinch. Touki Toussaint didn't sulk after being sent back to the Stripers following his sold MLB debut, as he's tossed 19 inning and allowed just one earned run with 24 punchouts to only four walks in that span. Toussaint is probably ahead of Allard if an emergence starter is necessary once he's back. The pitching-rich Braves will also probably reach down for Luiz Gohara, though mounting innings and shoulder woes will keep Gohara in the bullpen.

Chicago Cubs

As a playoff contender, the Cubs wouldn't give a prospect a significant role, but it's moot since the cupboard (or is that cubboard) is bare. Alec Mills will likely return after recently being shuttled back to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs could opt to return to the short-lived six-man rotation or even replace Mike Montgomery with Mills, since Mills is more dominant and Montgomery has enjoyed previous success out of the bullpen.

The bigger concern is how well Kris Bryant plays now that he's back. It's intriguing that the club had him in left field for some of his rehab. Perhaps it was to protect his shoulder, or maybe they want to keep David Bote's bat in the lineup. We'll know soon enough as Bryant is slated to be in Friday's lineup.

Cincinnati Reds

If you're in a league where you can only use the call-ups from one team and you drew the Reds, well, quit the league because it's a stupid rule regardless, but you're not getting any help for the final push. Nick Senzel was expected to be in the majors by now, but of course an injured finger derailed those plans. Cincinnati has already been shuttling arms to and from Triple-A Louisville, not surprisingly one of the weakest squads in the International league.

Cody Reed is in the MLB rotation after an improved showing for the Bats, posting a respectable 3.92 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 105 frames, with 105 whiffs and just 31 walks. It's a risk, but he's in play for those seeking wins and strikeouts in NL-only play.

Colorado Rockies

Who would have thought the Rockies would be in the playoff hunt due to their pitching? They have already called up a kid with a dream, Matt Holliday, to hopefully add some punch. Other than Raimel Tapia and Garrett Hampson rejoining the big club once the the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes' season draws to a close, what you see is what you get.

The rotation is much of the same, with Jeff Hoffman and Brett Oberholtzer possibilities to serve in low-leverage roles.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Embroiled in a three-way tussle for a playoff berth, the Dodgers aren't in a position to look at 2019, but they will seek to reinforce, bringing back Alex Verdugo for outfield depth. Andrew Toles and Kyle Farmer will also likely rejoin the big club, though Triple-A Oklahoma City still has a slight chance to make the playoffs. When they do arrive, they're more insurance.

First-half hero Ross Stripling is still recovering from back pain, caused by two discs "smashed together", his words. He's been managing it since college and isn't concerned about the long-term implications. Assuming no setbacks, Stripling hopes to return to the rotation sometime in September.

Julio Urias is building up arm strength with Oklahoma City, preparing to serve as a multi-inning reliever down the stretch. He's in play in deep NL-only formats, but don't get fooled by the name brand in mixed leagues.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins have taken advantage of what is obviously a rebuilding year to look at most of their hitting prospects with 2019 aspirations. Austin Dean is the most recent. All that's left on the farm is top pitching prospect Sandy Alcantara, already announced to be rejoining the Fish over the weekend. What's not known is his role. Alcantara has the stuff to be a starter, though like most young flame-throwers, he needs to harness his control. If Alcantara is deployed in the rotation, he's in play in all formats, especially for home starts in the pitcher-friendly Aquarium. I'm not giving up, that'll be its nickname if I have anything to say about it. Shoot, with all the goofy colored structures in the outfield, it looks like an aquarium.

Milwaukee Brewers

The already crowded playing time scenario could be even more of a logjam once Domingo Santana comes back. Though, with the Colorado Sky Sox leading their division in the Pacific Coast League, it may not be an issue for another couple of weeks. Santana is producing in Triple-A, though his contact woes remain. If the Crew hasn't used Santana on a regular basis so far, it's hard to imagine things changing down the stretch.

The rotation is about to get a much-needed shot in the arm as Zach Davies is slated to rejoin the club for Monday's tilt with the Cubs. Davies has been out since the end of May with a shoulder issue. He's coming off a nine-inning shutout in his last rehab start for Low-A Wisconsin. The results aren't as important as the length, as the Brewers bullpen has been shaky lately.

Freddy Peralta has been shuttled between Milwaukee and Colorado several times, in part to manage his innings but also to keep his service time down. Expect the talented rookie to be back at some point, though the club will continue to balance needing him to make the playoffs with keeping his innings in check so he can also work in the playoffs.

Look for Brandon Woodruff to return as well, though he'll probably stay with the Sky Sox through the playoffs.

New York Mets

Those hoping for a David Wright boost down the stretch should probably switch their focus to fantasy football as it appears unlikely the Mets will jeopardize their insurance on his contract, even if he comes back for a token appearance. They've also squashed the possibility of Peter Alonso making his MLB debut, despite earning it with 33 homers over 127 combined games for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas.

Here's a shocker – there's no one of fantasy consequence expected to join the Mets after rosters expand.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are pulling out all the stops, recently acquiring Jose Bautista to serve as a platoon pinch-hitter alongside Justin Bour, once the latter returns from the disabled list. The club does have a bunch of positional flexibility, so Bautista and Bour will facilitate double-switches and the like.

Triple-A Lehigh Valley are in the International League playoffs, so it may be a few weeks before the club considers bringing back Aaron Altherr, J.P. Crawford and Dylan Cozens as more toys for Gabe Kapler. Based on how each performed earlier, they're simply bench fodder.

Enyel De Los Santos will probably stay with the Iron Pigs throughout the playoffs, though he could be summoned for an emergency start. He's posted a 3.27 ERA in four starts since being sent down in early August, albeit with just 13 strikeouts against seven free passes in those 22 frames.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Nothing, nada, zilch. Even if I downed a six-pack of Iron City and squinted through beer goggles, there's nothing on the horizon once rosters expand.

San Diego Padres

The Padres did everyone a favor by calling up middle infield prospect Luis Urias in advance of roster expansion. Making this a little curious is that the El Paso Chihuahuas will be in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. It's unclear if they'll have newly acquired Francisco Mejia make his Padres debut right away or gain playoff experience.

With Clayton Richard done for the season, Eric Lauer will come off the disabled list to take his rotation spot, while Bryan Mitchell might get another chance to show he's capable of being a major-league starter after failing to do so to begin the year.

San Francisco Giants

With Andrew McCutchen headed to the Bronx and Stephen Duggar sidelined, the Giants are piecing together their outfield with Austin Slater, Gorkys Hernandez, Hunter Pence and the recently recalled Gregor Blanco. Unfortunately, Mac Williamson is still on the 7-day minor-league disabled list due to symptoms incurred from a concussion suffered in April. Chris Shaw could join the fly chasers after the Triple-A Sacramento club closes out their campaign. The 24-year-old fell back across the board in his second season at the level.

The last-place River Cats don't have much else to offer the parent team by way of arms, with Chris Stratton and Casey Kelly already in the City by the Bay.

St. Louis Cardinals

The resurgent Cardinals don't have anything by way of hitting to call up come September, as Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill are already important cogs in what's now an injury-riddled lineup to go with their already health-impaired rotation. Marcell Ozuna is expected back Saturday while Kolten Wong and Jedd Gyorko are still without timetables, though both are expected back sometime in September with Wong the likelier to return sooner.

The rotation is looking at a couple of familiar names hoping to return in early September with Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright both out on rehab.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals haven't indicated one way or the other what they plan to do with Victor Robles once the season for Triple-A Syracuse comes to a close. The Chiefs are in last place so the playoffs aren't an issue. Robles is playing like he wants a ticket to the Show, slashing .333/.377/.521 since August 18.

Tommy John recoveree Joe Ross is set to return to the Nationals once rosters expand. He's working as a starter in rehab, though it remains to be seen how Washington uses him in September. Ross has tossed 20 innings in rehab, fanning only 15 so even if he does start, he'll be a risk in all but the deepest of formats. Well, he'll be a risk there too, but you may not have better options.