Fantasy baseball cold and hot trucks into the sixth week of the baseball season. Make sure to prepare not only for the week ahead, but the playoffs as well. The calendar flipping to September is almost here. In this shortened out of control world of baseball, there’s no time to rest.

Get ready to feel like this is the Indianapolis 500 as we race to the finish line. These are the cold players that need to be moved and the hot players that need a home. Don’t forget to check the league settings to know when the trade deadline is in your league. And remember, don’t be afraid to make a move to improve the team.

Drop these cold players overboard

Hector Neris, Relief Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies

This season couldn’t get much more brutal for Hector Neris. He began the season as the Phillies’ closer, but has been removed from that role. His stratospheric ERA of 9.95 surely had something to do with that. He has given up 12 hits, five walks, and seven earned runs in just 6.1 innings. Neris was moved to a setup role and that hasn’t gone any better.

In his first try, he gave up three runs on two hits and a walk and got just one out against Atlanta. His next time against Washington, Neris gave up two hits while retiring two batters. All of this drama and he is owned in 64.4% of leagues. Someone help me understand this. He needs to be dumped like spoiled milk. Just get it done.

Jon Lester, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

In his last start,Jon Lester pitched pretty well, giving up one run on eight hits in five innings. However, that performance was against Detroit, one of the worst hitting outfits around. The eight hits is a lot in just five innings of work. A clutch hit knocks Lester out of the game.

Even worse, he gave up 13 runs on 19 hits in just 9.2 innings over his previous two starts. For the season, Lester is 2-1 with a 4.55 ERA. This is the third time in the last four seasons his ERA is above four. Lester is no longer an elite pitcher, or even a good one. Banish him to the outer limits of the waiver wire without a second thought.

Jon Gray, Starting Pitcher, Colorado Rockies

Admittingly after his last start, it doesn’t look like Jon Gray should be on this list. He pitched six innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five. All true, but that start was against Arizona, one of the worst hitting teams in the majors. It was also on the road.

Of course, we all know pitching in Colorado is a different beast altogether. And that is where Gray will start next on Tuesday versus the Giants. There has to be a better option than a pitcher who is 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA. Seek and ye shall be rewarded.

Eduardo Escobar, 2B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Last season, Eduardo Escobar really hit his stride for the first time since becoming a full-time player in 2014. He led the league in triples with 10, which was by far his most ever. Even more impressive, Escobar hit 35 homers, drove in 118 runs, and hit .269. The fact he qualifies at two different positions only made him more attractive to fantasy owners.

Fast forward to this season and the wheels have fallen off for Escobar. As of this writing, he is in the basement hitting .189-3-15. Even worse, he only has two doubles and a single triple. No fantasy roster can sustain such negative stats. Escobar is owned in 79.6% of leagues. There is no justifying that. He is the definition of cold in this week’s baseball cold and hot list.

Josh Bell, First Base, Pittsburgh Pirates

What a difference a year can bring. It certainly has for Josh Bell, and not in a good way. All was well for Bell in 2019. He was an All-Star for Pittsburgh, hit the ball like the Pirates of old, and was the toast of the town. Bell hit .277-37-116. Those were the days. The sun was shining and the birds were singing.

Too bad 2020 came in like a plague of locusts. Bell probably wishes he could disappear beneath a cloud of them right now. He has fallen from the map to the tune of .190-2-10 with a horrendous .245 OBP. Additionally , Bell has just 1 hit in his last 12 at-bats. It has been a nightmare for him and fantasy owners. Bell is owned in 80.9% of leagues so another manager may want him. If so, make the deal, now, and don’t worry about what’s behind door number two.

Provide these hot players a happy home

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, C/3B/SS, Texas Rangers

Remember in the previous episode the discussion regarding the collapse of the Texas Rangers and there was no hope? Not so fast, because rescue has been found now that Isiah Kiner-Falefa has stepped out of the shadows and into the light of day. The first question that comes to mind is how many players qualify at catcher, third base, AND shortstop? There is no reason to look that up because the answer has to be zero.

Of course, versatility doesn’t mean anything if a player doesn’t get on base. No troubles here as Kiner-Falefa has hits in four of his last five games. Also, he has five stolen bases. Here is a guy that can be plugged into the catcher spot every day so that the focus can be on other roster spots. Check the waiver wire now and make the move if available.

Stephen Piscotty, Outfielder, Oakland A’s

Unquestionably, there is everything to like about Stephen Piscotty. He is on a contending team with a strong lineup around him. He is hitting the ball well lately with two hits in three of his last four games. His production has been strong with six RBIs and three runs scored in that span. Piscotty is hitting .267-5-26 on the season.

Best of all, he is owned in only 33% of leagues, but that number has come up 16.5% in the last week. In other words, jump now or forever hold your peace. Piscotty is definitely the hot in this week’s baseball cold and hot list.

Jonathan Schoop, Second Base, Detroit Tigers

There is nothing cold about the play of Jonathan Schoop, as he has been on fire of late. How does .300-7-17 sound for a second baseman? Not impressed yet? Even further, how about hits in seven of his last nine games? Included in that were a three-hit game against the White Sox, a four-hit game against Cleveland, and a three-hit game against the Cubs.

Lastly, Schoop could get moved to a team in the playoff hunt. If that happens, his RBI and run-scoring chances will improve significantly. His 38.1% ownership is certain to rise. Now is the time to make that move and smile on your good fortune. Schoop is the hot in this week’s baseball cold and hot list.

Kevin Gausman, Starter/Reliever, San Francisco Giants

Absolutely, pay attention to the trading deadline updates for any news regarding Kevin Gausman. The Giants are said to be shopping the veteran righthander and if he goes to a contender, that would be gold for fantasy rosters. Nothing about his 1-2 record and 4.54 ERA scream that he is hot.

However, those numbers are an illusion. Gausman has faced the Dodgers twice, Oakland, and pitched in Colorado in four of his last five starts. No other pitcher has had to face such a daunting task. That means that his future starts have to get much less difficult, even if he doesn’t get traded. Gausman is owned in only 31.3% of leagues. The iron is hot so strike now.

That’s it for this edition of baseball cold and hot list. Have a great week six and please share if there are any recommendations on players to add to or remove from the list. I will see you next time!

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