The USA Today is reporting that Edwin Encarnacion is throwing for the first time in five days today (Monday) which doesn’t mean quite a whole lot for fantasy owners already looking to put a little oomph into their line via their bench.
Encarnacion isn’t exactly setting the world on fire in Toronto, and with the signing of Fred Lewis being entered into the mix; the third base situation becomes a bit more intriguing.
Jose Bautista is currently the go ahead guy at third for the Blue Jays.
What you should know, is that neither Encarnacion nor Bautista is worth a dime in the fantasy realm, but Lewis could offer owners some spotty stats injection.
Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .219 with a solo homer and 7 hits in 32 AB, and Bautista is no better hitting .191 with a solo laser and 9 hits in 47 AB.
Already, Lewis is hitting .200 with a stolen base in just 5 AB.
But that’s just it the stolen base category; something that Lewis is still very much good for. With Encarnacion still day to day, and Bautista having to fill the gap at third, the Jays are looking for other ways to compensate for the anemic play from both said players, and stealing bases provide opportunities for other hitters to drive in runs.
Lewis will continue to start in the outfield—at least against righties for now—and his future could become expanded if he continues to provide alternatives.
He makes for an intriguing watch list guy, or at the very least, a solid bench pickup in AL only leagues with some sleeper potential.
Interested in more Fantasy Baseball Advice? Come take a look at our current closer rankings.
