MLB Quick Hits: Syndergaard to debut for Mets

By John Halpin
Published

Fantasy owners often ask, "Who's the next prospect I should watch for?" Today, it's Mets SP Noah Syndergaard, who is scheduled to make his big-league debut Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Entering the season, Syndergaard was ranked as baseball's No. 11 overall prospect by both Baseball America and MLB.com. 

Syndergaard was dominating Triple A prior to his promotion, with a 1.82 ERA and 34 strikeouts against eight walks in 29 2/3 innings over five starts. He throws a high-90s fastball with a pretty good curve, and a changeup that reportedly isn't bad but is probably a work in progress. He hasn't been rushed at all, with 31 Triple-A starts already under his belt. Syndergaard is already owned in 50.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and should be ready to help you in most fantasy formats, even if he's likely to experience the usual rookie bumps in the road. However, keep in mind that an innings limit of about 170 looms later this season, and figures to result in some skipped starts.

In other news ...

Steve Cishek is out as the Marlins' closer after blowing another save on Monday. Manager Mike Redmond hinted at a closer committee during his postgame comments, but A.J. Ramos seems like a better fit than Mike Dunn or Bryan Morris.

The Phillies are expected to promote power-hitting 3B prospect Maikel Franco as soon as this weekend. Franco hit 16 homers at Triple A last season, with 11 of those coming after July 1. He's a high-contact, low-walk hitter who might chase a lot of pitches for awhile (or forever). Your mixed league would need to be deep for Franco to be a consideration.

Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista took Monday off in an effort to rest his shoulder for a return to the outfield (he's been DHing lately). This shouldn't be a regular occurrence, as the shoulder is apparently OK when Bautista swings the bat.

Did anyone start Josh Collmenter on Monday? If so ... ouch.

Look for Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen (foot) to come off the DL on Saturday.

Rays RP Jake McGee (elbow) might make his 2015 debut this weekend, but it's unclear when he'll reclaim his closer job.

A's closer Sean Doolittle (shoulder) is close to starting a rehab assignment. He could be closing games within 2-3 weeks.

The Rangers have sent struggling 2B Rougned Odor to the minors. Tommy Field, who had a homer and a stolen base on Monday, will share keystone duties with Adam Rosales. Field shouldn't be considered beyond AL-only leagues.

Jim Johnson got Monday's save for the Braves, but it sounds like Jason Grilli (back) will be ready to pitch tonight.

D-backs SP Archie Bradley, who got hit in the face by a line drive on April 28, is listed as Saturday's probable starter.

A's 1B Ike Davis left Monday's game due to a strained quad, and should miss "just a couple of days," according to manager Bob Melvin.

Astros SS prospect Carlos Correa has been promoted to Triple A. Once he destroys pitching at that level for a few weeks, he'll be in the big-league lineup.

Alex Colome was a bad streaming starter pick for Monday, though he did have six strikeouts. Tonight, with the Rockies being on the road and not good vs. southpaws, let's go with C.J. Wilson (owned in 39.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues).

DFS advice (salaries from DraftKings): With the Brewers being so bad against LHP, Chris Sale ($9,400) is a strong, chalky SP option ... The Red Sox rank 23rd in wOBA against LHP, and face the inexpensive Drew Pomeranz ($5,500) ... Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki ($4,400) has five hits in his last three games, and usually kills LHP ... Why is Adam Jones only $4,300 for a matchup with Mark Buehrle? ... Stephen Vogt ($3,900) seems like an obvious play at catcher against Justin Masterson, but San Diego's Derek Norris ($3,400) is probably even better against James Paxton ... You can save money in the outfield with Colorado's Drew Stubbs ($3,300) ... A's OF Billy Burns is still only $2,700, he's facing Masterson, and he'll probably lead off again.

See you back here tomorrow morning.