Buy, Sell or Hold, Ronald Acuña Update & Cubs Promote Moises Ballesteros! (5/13 Fantasy Baseball Podcast)
May 13, 2025
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Merrill Kelly is on fire, impressing with his recent stats. Zach Neto shines since returning from the IL, while Tanner Houck's performance calls for a drop. Gleyber Torres plays a key role in the Tigers' recent win over the Red Sox. Ronald Acuña is on a rehab assignment, and the Cubs are bringing up Moises Ballesteros. Don’t overlook Ivan Herrera in one-catcher leagues, and keep an eye on Clarke Schmidt’s rising profile. The discussion wraps up with insights on streaming options and bullpen updates.
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Quick takeaways
Ronald Acuña is starting a minor league rehab assignment and is expected to return by late May or early June.
Merrill Kelly has shown a notable performance rebound, but concerns about his velocity and consistency remain a concern for sustainability.
Zach Netto's impressive hitting since returning from injury positions him as a potential fantasy baseball rising star at shortstop.
Deep dives
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Player Insights: Ronald Acuña and Moises Ballesteros Updates
Ronald Acuña is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment as he recovers from an injury, with expectations for his return in late May or early June, provided there are no setbacks. Meanwhile, the Cubs are promoting Moises Ballesteros, a promising 21-year-old catcher who has been exceptional in the minors, boasting a .368 batting average with four home runs and a .942 OPS this season. Though his immediate playing time may be uncertain due to the team's depth at catcher, his potential to impact the Cubs' lineup is significant as they seek to find consistent offensive production. The team will monitor how Ballesteros performs, especially with potential openings in the lineup due to injuries of other players.
Analyzing the Performance of Merrill Kelly and Zach Netto
Merrill Kelly had a standout performance against the Giants, allowing only one run in seven innings with eight strikeouts, suggesting a recovery from prior struggles. However, concerns linger due to a significant drop in his velocity and inconsistent underlying metrics that indicate he may not sustain this performance level throughout the season. Conversely, Zach Netto has impressed since his return from shoulder surgery, showcasing strong hitting statistics, including a .279 batting average, five home runs, and exceptional average exit velocity. His ability to maintain this level of play positions him as a potential rising star at shortstop, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
Pitching Rollercoaster: Tanner Houck's Struggles and a Call for Caution
Tanner Houck has faced significant challenges this season, including consecutive disastrous outings that resulted in an inflated ERA and concern over his future in the rotation. Despite showing some flashes of promise with increased velocity in certain starts, his overall performance raises red flags, limiting his appeal as a fantasy option. The pressure is mounting as he grapples with issues related to control and consistency, making it difficult for fantasy managers to trust him moving forward. As the Red Sox assess their rotation options, Houck’s ability to rebound will be critical in determining if he can secure a spot in the lineup.
Understanding the Hyped Performances of Key Players
Several noteworthy players have emerged with standout performances, including Glaber Torres, who has drastically improved his hitting while maintaining a low strikeout rate this season. His ability to consistently make contact has contributed to explosive offensive production, raising questions about whether this trend will continue, especially given his historical performance patterns. Meanwhile, players like Corbin Carroll have set historical paces for home runs, suggesting potential career years, while others like Javier Baez have shown signs of resurgence after a slow start. These performances highlight the unpredictable nature of player trajectories and the importance of monitoring trends closely for fantasy implications.
Merrill Kelly is on a roll right now (2:20). ... Zach Neto looks like a stud since coming off the IL (7:38). ... Drop Tanner Houck (11:51)! ... The Tigers destroyed the Red Sox, led by Gleyber Torres (14:22). ... News (21:19): Ronald Acuña is starting his rehab assignment and the Cubs are promoting Moises Ballesteros! ... Ivan Herrera needs to be rostered in all one-catcher leagues (32:06). ... Can Clarke Schmidt climb the rankings (43:42)? ... Buy, sell or hold these starting pitchers (46:07)? ... These hitters have had some ups and downs (53:45). ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpens and streamers (1:01:55).
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