It’s tempting to jump on a guy who comes in and wins a 2-1 game in his big-league debut (Toronto Blue Jays rookie pitcher Jesse Litsch) or a guy who hits for the cycle in his first week (San Francisco Giants outfielder Fred Lewis).
But keep in mind that there’s a reason these guys started the season in the minors. Litsch (filling in for Roy Halladay) and Lewis (filling in for Dave Roberts) are intriguing, but here are seven who appear to be safer. The following players might be available in your fantasy league (as of mid-May):
1. Jeremy Accardo, Blue Jays, P
With B.J. Ryan out for the year and Jason Frasor woefully ineffective, it’s Accardo’s turn in the closer’s role. He’s 25, hasn’t given up an earned run in 18 innings and has 19 strikeouts. The Blue Jays have been a disappointment, so save opportunities aren’t plentiful. But there’s lots of upside.
2. Ryan Garko, Indians, 1B
The one thing he needed to prove to the Indians’ brass is that he wouldn’t be a liability in the field at first base. Now it’s time for fantasy owners to reap the reward. He gets great pitches to hit in the same Cleveland lineup neighborhood as Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez, and he’s hitting better than .300 with four homers so far, including a grand slam.
3. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins, OF
He’s had a litany of injuries in his short big-league career, but is back with the Marlins and will get some playing time in one of the best young lineups in baseball. A 2002 first-round pick with a good eye, good speed and a great left-handed stroke, he’s been overdue for a breakout season.
4. Fausto Carmona, Indians, P
Carmona was dreadful as a rookie closer last year, but back in a starting role, he’s found a groove. He was good in April, was sent down briefly when Cliff Lee was hurt, then came back when Jake Westbrook went down. The live-armed right-hander pitched at least seven innings in his last four starts, all wins. When Westbrook comes back in June, it might be hard for the Indians to send Carmona down again.
5. Jack Cust, Athletics, OF
Cust was called up from the minors when Mike Piazza went on the disabled list. He then produced better than the future Hall-of-Famer did for Oakland, hitting six home runs in seven games, with 14 RBI. He won’t keep that up, but he’s shown he’s capable.
6. Tim Lincecum, Giants, P
Another first-round pick, Lincecum won his first big-league game for the Giants on May 11 against Colorado and should get at least another couple of starts. He’s got great potential on a team that will give him some run support, so even if he’s sent down, consider picking him up if you have roster room.
7. Jorge Sosa, Mets, P
Two outings, two wins for the 30-year-old righty who took the place of Orlando Hernandez on the Mets. Yeah, this is the same guy who went 3-11 last year, but he was 13-3 for the Braves in 2005. Any starter for the high-scoring Mets is worth a long look. Maybe he just pitches well in odd-numbered years.
