Earlier today we looked at the AL teams who were playing the full week in NL ballparks (click here to view). Now, let’s take a look at the NL teams who are spending the week in AL parks, thus gaining a designated hitter for the week. Which players benefit the most? Who should we consider using? Let’s take a look:
Arizona Diamondbacks
Biggest Benefactor – Gerardo Parra
With Justin Upton back in the lineup after a short-term benching and Chris Young off the DL, most weeks Parra is going to operate as a fourth outfielder fighting for AB. This week, however, is a different story. The Diamondbacks will be playing against the Rangers and Angels, facing off against five right-handed pitchers.
That means Parra is going to see regular AB, making him a great play. He’s been hot of late, hitting .346 with 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R and 0 SB in 26 AB in June. With an intriguing power/speed combination, get him in the lineup in all formats.
Milwaukee Brewers
Biggest Benefactor – Taylor Green
As it is, Aramis Ramirez is currently hampered by a quadriceps injury, so the Brewers will likely take advantage of utilizing him as the DH and save his legs from the rigors of playing defense. That means an open spot at 3B where Green will be the one filling. Even if Ramirez does play the field, with Green’s ability to play all over the diamond, the Brewers could give Rickie Weeks or Corey Hart a day off from the field. Regardless of who is DH’ing Green should be in the lineup most nights this week.
He recently homered in back-to-back games and is hitting .300 with 2 HR and 6 RBI in just 10 June AB. He’s not a major source of power (22 HR in 431 AB in the PCL last season and just 1 HR in 101 AB there this season), nor does he offer speed. For those desperate to fill a hole in the infield you may catch lightning in a bottle, but there are probably better options available.
Philadelphia Phillies
Biggest Benefactor – Jim Thome
The Phillies are not about to run Thome out as their first baseman every day, but with a DH spot available to them he is definitely going to play. There is no questioning the fact that he still has some pop in his bat and he just hit his first home run of the season yesterday in Baltimore (he’s 5-9 with 1 HR, 3 RBI and 3 R in two games).
The Phillies do face two left-handed pitchers in Scott Diamond bad Ricky Romero, so he may only play in four of the team’s six games. That said if you are in need of some power he is well worth grabbing for one week.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Biggest Benefactor – Casey McGehee/Garrett Jones
Jones has been seeing the bulk of the playing time at 1B of late, but we all know that could change at any given moment. However, with the DH spot available in games at Baltimore and Cleveland, both players should find their way into the lineup for the majority of the week.
Jones is hitting .292 with 2 HR and 6 RBI in June and is the better player to roll the dice on. However, with a .243 average and more strikeouts (36) than hits (33), you have to consider him a low-end option.
San Diego Padres
Biggest Benefactor – Jesus Guzman
With Carlos Quentin back from the DL, it’s hard for the Padres to find AB for Guzman. He’s started just three games in June and has gone 3-15 with 1 HR, 3 RBI and 1 R for the month. He showed us what was possible in 2011 (he hit .312, though with just 5 HR and 9 SB in 247 AB), however, but should be left for the desperate.
What are your thoughts of these players? Who do you think is the best option for the week? Who would you roll the dice on?
