Many prospects were called up over the last two weeks and tons of FAAB money was spent. Many teams are low on FAAB and have to be smart with their money over the final four months. Even if you have money, stashing a player for cheap weeks before they return or get called up is a wise strategy if it can be done. Here are a few stashes to consider.
Didi Gregorius, New York Yankees
At the beginning of the season, it appeared Gregorius might not return until after the All-Star break following Tommy John surgery in October. He’s made great progress and is rehabbing at Triple-A. Gregorius went 2-for-7 with a walk, home run and two strikeouts at High-A Tampa and played some shortstop. He could be back with the Yankees in less than two weeks.
Luis Urias, San Diego Padres
The Padres have showed they will be aggressive and are in contention for a playoff spot, but they continue to play Ian Kinsler. After a miserable April, he has been better in May with a .254/.309/.508 with 11 runs, four home runs and nine RBIs in 63 at-bats. The overall line for the season is .185/.252/.356. Urias started the season with the Padres and struggled, but he’s crushing in Triple-A. He had a homer and stolen base Tuesday and has a line of .364/.462/.741 with 13 home runs and four stolen bases in the Pacific Coast League (PCL).
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Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals
Reyes missed one month with a fractured pinkie on his non-throwing hand and made his first appearance since the injury on Thursday. He allowed two hits, two walks, one earned run and struck out six in five innings at High-A Palm Beach. Reyes hit 99 miles per hour and was sitting at 97. Reyes fractured the pinkie after punching a wall out of frustration. It appears the Cardinals want to use him as a starter and he could be an impact starter when he gets the call.
Hunter Strickland, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have one save in the month of May. Roenias Elias recorded it by getting seven outs and he’s been used at various points of the game. Strickland was the closer to open the season and had two saves before going on the IL with a lat injury. Strickland is on pace to throw a bullpen session Friday and will need about two weeks after to ramp up. He has reported no issues while throwing. Strickland should return to the closer role when he’s back with the Mariners.
Jesus Luzardo, Oakland Athletics
Luzardo was excellent last season across three levels with a 2.88 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 10.6 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 109.1 innings. Luzardo was going to begin the season in the A’s starting rotation before he was sidelined with a left shoulder strain. He threw live batting practice on Saturday, throwing 15 pitches and hit 96 miles per hour with his fastball. He’s expected to play in minor league games in June.
