This weekly column focuses on guys who are out there to be had for nothing in most leagues that can help your team, even if only as a short-term fill in.
If you have injuries, like that of an owner who will go unnamed, which includes Josh Hamilton, Matt Holliday, Zack Greinke, Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Mauer, and you have not quit yet, then these are some guys who may help to ease the pain.
David Murphy, OF Texas Rangers (39 percent owned in Yahoo, 13 percent in ESPN leagues)
Current Stat Line – .350 Avg/ 4 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 4 SB
With Hamilton out for an extended time, we can expect to see a lot more of David Murphy. He looked good as a fill in last September and his start to this year would suggest it wasn’t a fluke.
Corey Patterson, OF Toronto Blue Jays (1 percent Yahoo, 1 percent ESPN)
Current Stat Line – .429 Avg/ 2 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 1 SB
Patterson will also benefit from the injury bug, getting the majority of playing time in Toronto while Rajai Davis is out. While only a short-term fill-in, he has started out hot and brings a little power to the table along with some steals.
Sam Fuld, OF Tampa Bay Rays (38 percent Yahoo, 45 percent ESPN)
Current Stat Line – .324 Avg/ 6 R/ 1 HR/ 4 RBI/ 7 SB
Sam Fuld is loving the move to Tampa and has put up some nice stats for those few who own him. With Manny’s move to retirement clearing the way for Damon to play DH, we can expect to see a lot more of Fuld this season.
Alexi Ogando, SP Texas Rangers (43 percent Yahoo, 38 percent ESPN)
Current Stat Line – 2 W/ 8 K/ 0.00 ERA
Ogando left his last start due to blister issues, but the Rangers think he’ll be OK to go on Sunday. With the way he’s been pitching, it will be difficult to remove him from the rotation. If you like to ride the hot hand, this is your kind of pitcher.
Kyle Farnsworth, RP Tampa Bay Rays (41 percent Yahoo, 7 percent ESPN)
Current Stat Line – 2 S/ 4 K/ 1.80 ERA
Tampa hasn’t had very many save opportunities this year, but Farnsworth has been in the game when they occurred. With their offense, you can expect close games, so if you in a pinch for saves, he may be your guy.
For last week’s AL Gems, click here.
Brian is a Senior Writer for 4thandHome.com where this, and other work, can be found. Additionally, he is co-host of the 4th and Home Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.
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