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July is shaping up to be powerful month for Ludwick, who’s already generated nine RBIs in eight games, including two homers in his last three contests. No longer burdened by the hamstring injury that shelved him for much of May, Ludwick looks ready to go on a tear, making now a good time to target him while his season numbers remain rather ordinary (.241 AVG, 13 HR, 47 RBIs).
After not driving in any runs in his first 26 at-bats this season, McDonald now has two RBIs in his last two games. The infielder is a whiz with the glove, but doesn’t get nearly enough playing time to be a fantasy factor.
Rios has frustrated owners for years by flashing his talent in all five categories, but never seeming to put all his skills together at the same time. He’s driven in nine RBIs and scored four times in eight July games, but is hitting just .257 in that span.
Pena had just five hits and no RBIs in his last nine games before busting out Thursday. For owners who can stomach the low batting average, he’s a good bet to continue providing home runs and RBIs in the second half.
J.P. Howell seems to be Joe Madden’s closer du jour, but he had worked two days in a row and likely wasn’t available Wednesday. Wheeler has allowed just six baserunners and hasn’t let up a run in his last 12 2/3 innings, dating back to June 10. Even without typical stopper stuff, he’s likely first in line for saves if Howell falters.
This is the form the Rays – and fantasy owners -- have been expecting from Price since he was recalled from the Minors in late May. The left-hander located his pitches well, cutting down on the walks that have plagued him repeatedly this season and showcasing his sizable K potential. We’ve seen this type of dominance from Price before, but never on a consistent basis, so owners should be sure to monitor his first start after the All-Star break. If he can become a little more economical (103 pitches in 6 IP) and keep the walks down, the rookie will be a major X-factor in the second half.
Halladay is 0-2 in three starts since returning from the DL June 29, but don’t let the record fool you -- he’s only pitched poorly once in that span. The Rays’ nine hits were the second-highest total Doc has let up this season, but he made up for it by showcasing his pinpoint control (70% strikes, 8K, 0 BB) and allowing just one extra-base knock. Look for him to continue tossing at a Cy Young level in the second half, whether it’s for Toronto or another club.
Betancourt had a 3.71 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings before going on the DL June 1. He’ll likely slide back into a setup role in front of closer Kerry Wood. Sowers, who allowed two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a start against the White Sox on July 7, is 2-7 with a 5.77 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) for Cleveland this season.
Chico has not pitched in the Majors since May 21, 2008 as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He will continue rehabbing in Harrisburg in hopes of returning to the big leagues later this season.
Moreno, who was designated for assignment July 5, appeared in 19 games out of the Padres bullpen, posting a 4.84 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings.
Reyes had just one at-bat since June 29. He was 1-for-13 with a stolen base for New York this season as a backup infielder.
Calero was the Marlins’ most effective reliever earlier this year, posting a 2.01 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings before hitting the DL June 21. Leo Nunez is the first closer option for manager Fredi Sanchez in Matt Lindstrom’s absence, but Calero would likely be next in line, ahead of Dan Meyer, if Nunez falters. Wood did not allow a run and struck out four in 7 2/3 innings of work for Florida.
Herges, who was designated for assignment July 3, posted a 3.55 ERA and an 18/6 K/BB ratio in 25 1/3 innings for Cleveland this season. His numbers are promising, so look for him to hook on with another club soon.
Slaten, who will fill the roster spot vacated the traded by Tony Pena, allowed four earned runs on eight hits and one walk with four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for Arizona earlier this season.
Redmond left a July 1 game early after being struck on the forearm with a foul tip. With Minnesota playing a day game after a night game, Joe Mauer was the DH and Redmond started behind the plate. The veteran backup is hitting .229 with four RBIs in 83 at-bats this season.
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