The Buy and Hold, 2016 Week 19

Graduates This Week: Aaron Judge, Alex Reyes

Reyes was called up by the Cardinals this week, and while it’s not how we had hoped in the rotation, he can still be interesting down the stretch if he’s used like he was on Saturday. He threw three innings, striking out three and recording the win in relief. It’s possible he could end up with some starts eventually instead of Luke Weaver, but Weaver pitched well enough to likely get another start.

The bigger story was the Yankees bringing up OF Aaron Judge following the release of Alex Rodriguez. Judge got the start in right field yesterday, and absolutely destroyed a ball to center field in his first at bat. With Aaron Hicks continuing to struggle, it seems likely that Judge will receive the majority of starts in right field, and could potentially hit 6-8 home runs the rest of the way.

Other Key Call-Ups: Luke Weaver, Reynaldo Lopez, Teoscar Hernandez, Tyler Austin

These rankings are based solely on their potential 2016 value, and do not include take into account their long-term value for dynasty leagues.

1. Yulieski Gourriel, IF, Astros (LW: 1)

The removal of Carlos Gomez from the roster was a surprise this week, and a pretty clear sign that the Astros will make a move that may be unpopular if they believe it will help even a little bit. Gourriel is currently expected to be up on Tuesday, so this may be your last opportunity to grab him.

2. Jose De Leon, RHP, Dodgers (LW: 2)

The Dodgers will have Brett Anderson make his first start of the season today, and hopefully he will be healthy enough to stay there for the rest of the season. However, based on how the injuries have gone thus far, it’s absolutely no sure bet, and De Leon still remains the team’s best option at AAA.

3. Yoan Moncada, 2B/3B, Red Sox (LW: 3)

Moncada appeared in his first game at third base on Friday after returning from a few days off with an injury. Meanwhile, Travis Shaw is hitting an even .200 with five home runs and 21 strikeouts in the 22 games since the All-Star break, and could be out of luck if the Red Sox continue to make this playoff push.

4. Joey Gallo, 3B/OF, Rangers (LW: 5)
5. Josh Bell, 1B/OF, Pirates (LW: 6)

The Pirates remain in the midst of another shot at a wild card, and are getting little production since the All-Star break from John Jaso and Sean Rodriguez. Bell hasn’t hit great since returning to AAA (.226 with no home runs), but has shown solid plate discipline (14 walks to 14 strikeouts in 107 PA), and probably is ready for a longer shot.

6. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals (LW: 8)

The Nationals called up Reynaldo Lopez to start on Saturday, who recorded his first major league win on seven innings of one-run ball against the Braves. With Lopez on turn, it wasn’t a surprise he got the call instead of Giolito, but with Giolito not making it out of the 4th inning in his start on the 6th, he didn’t help his case. Even if he ends up coming up in September in relief, he could still potentially provide value as a high strikeout long reliever.

7. Manuel Margot, OF, Padres (LW: 9)
8. Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres (LW: 10)
9. Jharel Cotton, RHP, Athletics (LW: NR)

With more starting pitchers hitting the disabled list this week, the A’s are currently running out such luminaries as Andrew Triggs and Ross Detwiler in their rotation. Cotton could get a call up very soon if either of them falter, especially after coming within an out of a perfect game in his last start.

10. Lewis Brinson, OF, Brewers (LW: NR)

The recently traded center fielder has gotten off to a hot start in AAA Colorado Springs, hitting .439 with a home run and four steals over the first 10 games there. Looking forward slightly, the Brewers are currently running Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Keon Broxton out in center field, so he’s not exactly blocked particularly.