Suwinksi’s Auto Parts

Jack Suwinski (PIT): 1-4, HR, R, RBI.

No, Jack Suwinski doesn’t run an auto parts store. But if I asked you what team Suwinski played for before the season, you’d likely chuckle and shrug. Additionally, it’s almost impossible for me to read his name, not in the famous Dan Aykroyd voice from the movie Tommy Boy. So, let’s look and find out who Jack Suwinski is.

If you’ve never heard of Suwinski before this year, it’s probably because he never saw action above Double-A. However, where you might have heard his name was in the Adam Frazier trade. Tucupita Marcano, Michell Miliano, and Jack Suwinski were the three players acquired from the Padres. He features a little pop with some speed as he hit 19 HRs and stole 11 bases between two stops in the Minor Leagues.

Furthermore, Suwinski is the Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder who went 1-4, HR, R, RBI in last night’s victory against the Chicago Cubs. In the top of the 5th, his solo shot was the deciding factor as neither team did much late scoring. Even though he had a solid night at the dish, the batting average is under the Mendoza Line with three HRs on the season. Is he relevant for fantasy? No, not really, but at least he’s got a fun name.

 

Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday.

Luis Arraez (MIN): 3-5, 2 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB.

Saddled with 20/20 Game Power and 45/45 Raw Power, the expectation is never for Arraez to put one over the fences. Instead, we get productive games at the dish like last night’s performance. Furthermore, the pair of extra-base hits only brings the season total up to six(1 HR and 5 2B). Where he’s better suited is helping bolster your batting average since it sits nicely over .300 for three of his previous four seasons.

 

Ty France (SEA): 3-5, HR, R, 2 RBI.

Probably the most outstanding stat for France isn’t that he’s hit six HRs in his first 151 ABs. No, what’s more is his impressive immaculate plate discipline. France is currently touting a K% less than 10%, miles away from where he began his career. In 2019, he struck out nearly 25%, and in 2020 almost 24%. Then boom, the K-rate drops to 16%. Subsequently, the power numbers continue to rise and skies the limit for the 27-year-old first basemen.

 

MJ Melendez (KC): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.

With Salvador Perez moving to the IL, every day is a chance for Melendez to solidify his name on future lineup cards. In his last two games, Melendez flexes a 3-for-7 stat line with a pair of HRs, three runs, and three RBI. Yeah, it’s safe to say Melendez is ready for the big show. He’s available in 25% of Yahoo leagues, and that number is steadily growing. Scoop him up and make the appropriate drop ASAP.

 

Rhys Hoskins (PHI): 1-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.

Hoskins has all the power in the world, and last night was his 7th HR of the season. Additionally, he’s having a Hoskins of a season as we expected from Hoskins. His premium batter’s eye helps bolster his 10-plus% walk rate, and he strikes out a touch too much (29%). Sure, the batting average still hovers in the .230s; but if you drafted Hoskins, you knew that could be an issue. If he can stay healthy (fingers crossed) for an entire 162-game season, he’ll return top-12 1B value.

 

C.J. Cron (COL): 1-4, HR, R, 2 RBI.

If you drafted Cron, hat’s off to you! He’s been one of the early season highlights of this season. Currently, he’s tied for the 1B lead in HR with Anthony Rizzo and showcasing a robust .319 batting average. At the moment, he’s doing everything right. The barrel rate is over 10% for the sixth straight season and enjoying a new personal best for max exit velocity (115.5 mph). He’s another player we’ve been waiting for this type of season for a long time. Keep it up, stay healthy, and there will be MVP votes for Cron by the end of the season.

 

Nathaniel Lowe (TEX): 1-5, HR, R, 2 RBI.

Uggh! What a disaster of a start to the season for Lowe. Last night was only his second dinger in 136 plate appearances, and well less than anyone who drafted him expected. Trust me; I did it too. But there is hope! Lowe is still hitting the ball at a 40% hard-hit rate, except the barrels(3.2%) are practically non-existent. Pair that with his .301 BABIP, and you can see where the poor production is coming from. Would I move on? Unfortunately, 1B is a deep position this year, and until we see fewer ground balls, it’s time to move.

 

Xander Bogaerts (BOS): 1-4, HR, R, RBI.

Touting a .336 batting average, Xander is looking primed for a big season. Additionally, the power is finally starting to show itself. Last night’s solo show was his second in three games and gave him four on the season. His teammates have also been off to an underwhelmingly slow start, which begs the question, do we move on? NO! Take a deep breath and wait. The Red Sox offense will be fine, and so will Bogaerts.

 

Keston Hiura (MIL): 1-5, HR, R, 2 RBI.

Bouncing between Triple-A and the MLB roster isn’t how Hiura wanted the season to begin. However, when you’re striking out over 40% of the time, you won’t have a choice. Even worse, his zone contact% is under 70%, and the SwStr% is still in the high-teens. Until the plate discipline takes significant steps forward, he should be considered a quad-A player that will struggle for everyday opportunities. I would suggest rostering him in only the deepest of leagues or mono-leagues.

 

 

Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)