On this Father’s Day weekend, did you know that in 1903, Jack Doscher, son of Herm Doscher, became the first father-son combo ever to play in the Major Leagues? Since that time, over one hundred father-and-son combinations have made it to the big leagues. In addition, there have been five three-generation MLB families, that include the Bells, Colemans, Hairstons, Schofield/Werth family, and the first three-generation family to play in the major leagues, the Boones. So now on to your Father’s day trivia question: Who is the only father-son combination to each hit 50 or more home runs in any season? (answer at the end of the article) Below is this week’s list of waiver wire targets that are available in less than 50% of ESPN leagues. Stats are as of June 16.
Felipe Rivero, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Here is what you need to know about Felipe Rivero: he is the Pittsburgh Pirates co-closer. If you are in need of saves, here is your pickup. Rivero leads the National League with 34 appearances and has been getting quite a few of the late-inning opportunities since Tony Watson has been demoted. Juan Nicasio could poach a few of the saves until Watson regains his form. But given Nicasio’s implosion on Friday against the Cubs, Rivero should see the bulk of save opportunities going forward.
Mallex Smith, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Most people know that Smith was not that impressive last year with the Atlanta Braves. However, in his last seven games since taking over for the injured Kevin Kiermaier, Smith has hit .407 with a home run. The real appeal for Smith is the speed, which will allow him to not only beat out some extra hits but also steal bases.[the_ad id=”384″]
Mike Fiers, SP, Houston Astros
Fiers pitched very well in Friday night’s no-decision against the Red Sox, giving up just one run in seven innings pitched. In his last three out of four starts, Fiers has compiled a 1.78 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 24:8 K:BB in 25.1 innings. After a slow start to the season, Fiers’ success is attributed to an improved curveball, which has led him to be a very valuable member of the Astros rotation that has been hit with a few injuries.
Seth Lugo, SP, New York Mets
Lugo was impressive in making his season debut after starting the 2017 season on the disabled list with an elbow injury. He posted a 2.67 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 64 innings in his 2016 rookie year. Last Sunday against the Braves, Lugo allowed one run on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts over seven innings. He was adequate against the Nats on Saturday, allowing four runs — three earned in 6.2 innings.
Jose Pirela, 2B, San Diego Padres
#Royals 7 @ #Padres 3 [B8-0o]
Jose Pirela homers (2): fly ball to CF (solo)Exit velocity: 106mph
Distance: 419ft
Angle: 22°🚀 pic.twitter.com/0Occ1SG61T— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) June 11, 2017
Only Aaron Judge of the Yankees has had a higher exit velocity so far in June. At hitter-friendly Triple-A El Paso, Pirela hit .331 with 13 homers and eight steals. Since being called up to the Padres, he has hit .395 with two home runs and seven RBI. Pirela is making a case to stay in the lineup when some injured Padre outfielders return, most likely heading to second base.
Tyler Chatwood, SP, Colorado Rockies
Chatwood has been somewhat of a road warrior, posting a 2.41 ERA over eight starts away from Colorado in 2017. His Coors Field numbers have not been so friendly, but then again, who has great numbers at Coors Field? He should have two road starts after this weekend’s home start against the Giants, which makes Chatwood a viable fantasy option.
Derek Fisher, OF, Houston Astros
An improved launch angle helped Fisher put up solid numbers in the minors and led to call up from the Astros. He hit .335 with 16 home runs in the minors and has had two hits, including a home run, in first two games in Houston. The minor league numbers with his nice MLB debut makes him worthy of a waiver wire addition.
Jordan Montgomery, SP, New York Yankees
Jordan Montgomery is on 🔥 is an understatement.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/ZOXNGU1kzm
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 9, 2017
This post may have jinxed Montgomery a bit as he gave up four runs in just over five innings in Thursday night’s game at Oakland. This is just a small bump in the road for Montgomery as he remains a solid pickup with a 3.78 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 66 strikeouts on the season.
Trey Mancini, 1B/OF Baltimore Orioles
Mancini enters Saturday night’s game riding a seven-game hitting streak, compiling a .333 batting average for the month of June. He has hit 11 home runs with 35 runs batted in for the year and is helping the Orioles fill the void left by an injured Chris Davis. Advanced stats have indicated that Mancini has been able to hit right-handed pitching, hit the fastball, and hit the ball hard. At the end of May, Statcast has Mancini with a maximum exit velocity 115.6 mph this season, the 12th-hardest hit ball up to that time.
The answer to the trivia question: Prince and Cecil Fielder.