:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34721881/20130714_jla_ae5_054.0.jpg)
The Super-Two Deadline has passed, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more prospects ready to make their way to big league ballparks and into your fantasy lineup. A few weeks ago, we discussed 7 of the top prospects ready to be called-up and make an immediate impact in fantasy leagues. Since then, Gregory Polanco, Oscar Taveras, Jonathan Singleton, and Andrew Heaney have all received the call. But while everyone in your league should be well aware of the names listed above by now, let’s take a look at some of the under-the-radar prospects that could get the call soon and become potential impact players in your fantasy league down the stretch in 2014.
Jimmy Nelson – The top prospect in the Brewers’ organization is about to go from under-the-radar to being on everyone’s radar. The right-handed pitcher has put up stellar numbers in Triple-A on the year. The most impressive of those stats might be holding opponents to a .183 batting average. The 8-2 record and 9.6 K’s per 9 IP aren’t too shabby either. The 25 year-old pitched great in 1 start for the Brewers earlier this year while filling in for an injured Yovani Gallardo. The leash on Marco Estrada is getting shorter by the outing, as the Brewers will look to Jimmy Nelson for an upgrade as soon as a need presents itself. Anthony Ranaudo – This righty is one of the many quality arms in the Red Sox farm system. The 24 year-old returned strong from injury in 2012 and has put up stellar numbers ever since. The 6’’7" starting pitcher has already logged 20 starts in Triple-A since 2013 while keeping his ERA under 3 during that span. With inconsistencies plaguing the back end of the Red Sox rotation, it might not be long before we see Ranuado pitching at Fenway Park.
Micah Johnson – Let’s face it, Gordon Beckham’s play up to this point in his career has been less than inspiring. The White Sox have to consider 2B one of their weakest-links at this point. Enter stolen base threat Micah Johnson. The speedster logged 84 SB’s between 3 levels in 2013. Johnson was promoted to Triple-A just a few weeks ago, and hasn’t slowed down yet despite facing tougher competition. We could be just one more Gordon Beckham cold streak away from seeing a changing of the guard at second base on the South Side.
Michael Foltynewicz – This big right-handed power pitcher checks in around the bottom half on most Astros’ top 10 prospect lists, but don’t let that fool you. Folty would be a top 3 prospect in most organizations. The prospect out of Sterling, Illinois was drafted by the Astros with the 19th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2010 MLB Player Draft. Foltynewicz has put up decent numbers throughout his minor league career and has spent all of 2014 at Triple-A. Just look at the success Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are having this year, and Folty’s skill set trumps them easily. With the recent youth movement in Houston, this SP could be the next prospect to make a splash for the Astros.
Domingo Santana – Or maybe it will be this guy. At just 21 years-old, Santana is smoking Triple-A pitching this year with a stat-line of .294 BA, 11 HR’s, 46 RBI’s, 42 R’s, and 4 SB’s. The outfield in Houston is starting to get crowded after trading for Dexter Fowler and the promotion of George Springer. But there is still 1 spot left to claim, and the carousel of outfielders the Astros have been running out there in left field won’t block anybody worthy of a chance. There are thoughts around the industry that Santana could be held back until next year because of his age, but at this pace, he will force the Astros hand soon.