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Get it? Cause it's about going up and down? High quality stuff right there. In this space I'll be looking at the notable call ups and send downs that happened within the last week. If you haven't already, please look at Jason Hunt's Minor League Level Review, to see where the top prospects are starting their careers. This is really just going to be a least of transactions just to keep you aware of what's happened in the past week and if anyone available is going to be worth grabbing. On to the list...
In no particular order (yes, this will be better organized in the future)
Call Ups
Josh Lueke - RP - Rays - Lueke was recalled from Triple-A to replace the injured Kyle Farnsworth. Relevant news here is Farnsworth's injury. Joel Peralta would be the most likely closer candidate with Fernando Rodney a possibility.
Brian Bixler - 2B - Astros - He's replacing starting Shortstop Jed Lowrie on the roster. Continue to avoid Astros position players.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis - OF - Mets - Nieuwenhuis is an interesting grab. He's posted nice numbers the last two years (abbreviated last year due to injury) and is a guy who seems to get more out of his tools than he should. He's replacing Angel Pagan who went on the DL, and should see time in CF. He's probably stretched there long term, but that's no matter in fantasy. If you're looking for a moderate power/speed combo, he's worth a grab but keep realistic expectations.
Stephen Vogt - LF - Rays - Replaces BJ Upton on the roster. Notable because he's not the far more interesting Brandon Guyer.
Travis Ishikawa - 1B - Brewers - I am not going to post every guy who made a roster this week, but Ishikawa could see time if Gamel struggles. He's a "Break Glass In Case of Emergency" kinda guy.
Gregor Blanco - OF - Giants - Blanco had 11 steals in Spring Training and if there's an injury to the SF outfield could be a cheap source of steals.
Robbie Ross - P - Rangers - Made the big club as a lefty reliever after an impressive spring. Was developed as a starter and has a pretty nice ceiling in that role. Not a bad grab and stash as he could be a Cory Luebke (without the park help) type down the line.
Send Downs
Sean O'Sullivan - SP - Royals - I hope you weren't counting on him in fantasy anyway. He went to Triple-A.
Henry Sosa - P - Astros - He's a name people might recall. He made some interesting starts last year and will report to Triple-A.
Nathan Eovaldi - SP - Dodgers - Eovaldi has good stuff and made a good impression on the Dodgers and fantasy owners alike last year. He is assigned to Double-A (to avoid insane Triple-A hitting environment) and will be the Dodgers first starter called up. A possibility to see time soon since Ted Lilly hit the DL.
Tim Federowicz - C - Dodgers - The big name that came to the Dodgers in the Erik Bedard/Trayvon Robinson deal that went down at the deadline last year, Federowicz is a weak offensive catcher. But any catcher getting regular starts could be worth something in fantasy. He'll report to Triple-A and should see Major League time this year.
JJ Hoover - RP - Reds - The recently acquired Hoover will report to Triple-A.
Todd Frazier - 3B - Reds - Frazier couldn't win a spot out of Spring Training even with Juan Francisco getting shipped out. He'll surely see time in the bigs later this year.
Rick VandenHurk - SP - FA - The Indians outrighted VandenHurk (full first name: Henricus) and he opted for free agency. I wouldn't be surprised to see him find a home quickly given his former promise, and I know the Orioles were hoping not to lose him on waivers so a reunion might be possible.
Tyson Ross - SP - Athletics - Optioned to Triple-A. Could fall behind Parker and Peacock in terms of seeing time in the rotation this year
Julio Borbon - CF - Rangers - Sent to Triple-A after losing his spot to Craig Gentry. Has not delivered on the promise he held, even if that wasn't much.
Hank Conger - C - Angels - Mike Scioscia hates catchers who can hit. Will see regular minor league at-bats instead of backing up Chris Iannetta.
Julio Teheran - SP - Braves - Will spend some time in the minors to prove he can keep his fastball down and finding a breaking ball. Still only 21, don't give up on him, but the shine is definitely off the apple a bit.
So there's a taste of all the call ups/send downs this week. Yes, there were a TON more, but given that it's the first week of the season, I couldn't get to them all and you likely know about the notable roster cuts. Hope this was of some help, and I'll be back next week with another one.