Fully Torked

 

Spencer Torkelson (DET): 2-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB.

Arizona State is proud tonight. And not just because it’s June and a Thursday, which means the party’s on because why not, but also because Spencer Torkelson has looked a lot better as of late.

A first-round pick in 2020, Torkelson has had maybe the most hype of a prospect in recent memory. Out of college, he was an extremely polished bat that looked like he wasn’t long for the minor leagues. He did indeed move fast, making his debut last year in Detroit, but the early returns have been lacking luster.

He was known as a high OBP, high slug player and both of those things only showed up in short spurts. Well, tonight was an example of who Tork can be. Not only did he hit 2 home runs, but he also added 2 walks; there’s the high OBP and slug.

I was a believer in Tork this year. Early returns on the 2023 season felt an awful lot like 2022. But, as of late, Torkelson has looked worthy of the hype, or at least has looked like he may be worthy of the hype. He isn’t the complete player yet, or even close, but if everything clicks for Torkelson it feels like he could become a special player. A fun ceiling comp ’cause why not—I’ve always seen Josh Hamilton without the obvious Josh Hamilton-y things. His ceiling is that high still, just believe. The Tigers need something, anything. I still like Tork and Riley Greene long-term, sue me.

Let’s see how the other hitters did Thursday

 

J.D. Martinez (LAD): 4-6, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI.

Martinez could’ve taken home the crown jewel tonight, but I wanted to give it to Torkelson in hopes of pushing him in the right direction.

The Dodgers were in a very hail-filled Coors Field tonight which means their offense showed up and the Rockies offense did not. Martinez is having quite the comeback season and Thursday night was the same old story. A home run and 3 singles to go along with 2 runs, and 4 RBIs has to feel good since many counted him out to start the year. He’s an all-star this year. Hey now.

Max Muncy (LAD): 2-6, 2B, R, 3 RBI.

This right here could be Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman; the Dodgers put on a clinic in Denver tonight. I decided to showcase Muncy because he is coming off of injury, and if you’re anything like me, you didn’t put him in your starting lineup to start the week. Muncy is back, and whatever was impacting him seems to be behind him because he looks comfortable at the plate. Muncy is such an important part of the Dodgers in 2023, if he stays healthy, their offense has a completely different shape. Get ready for another sub .200 average but fantastic stats otherwise season from Muncy.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA): 1-4, HR, R, RBI.

Another player coming off an injury that I forgot to add to my starting roster for the week, Jazz is back and hitting tanks. The Marlins went into Fenway this week and honestly kind of embarrassed the Red Sox. Jazz was a main contributor in this series sweep, and his late home run to give the Marlins the lead is worth noting here. He’s back, and while he’s healthy, he’s elite.

Alex Bregman (HOU): 3-5, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB.

Bregman and the Astros made the Cardinals look even more like the 2023 Cardinals on Thursday, crushing them 14-0. Not scoring any runs in a game like that is actually kind of hard; the Cardinals are really something. Bregman doesn’t have quite the power he used to, but he can still hit grand slams when he needs to. Bregman’s slug has slowly declined since his insane 2018 and 2019, but he’s still a fantastic player.

Kyle Tucker (HOU): 2-3, HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, BB.

Here’s a guy that needs to pick it up a bit but when taking a closer look hasn’t been terrible. Kyle Tucker was a first-round fantasy player so the expectations were high going into the year. So far, he’s been solid but not what many hoped for. The Astros completely destroying the Cardinals may be what Tucker needs to get things moving in the right direction. That’s kind of what the Cardinals are this year; that team that helps better teams remember how to hit.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (NYY): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI.

I just had to showcase Kiner-Falefa, but I also want to what’s up Harrison Bader’s stellar game going 3-5 with a double, a walk, 2 runs, and 1 RBI. I’m mentioning Kiner-Falefa because I will jump at any opportunity to mention a guy that usually won’t make the list. The Yankees were against the A’s, so offense is going to happen. Kiner-Falefa has been asked to do a lot in pinstripes, and so far, he’s left Bronx fans wanting more. He’s not a difference maker but he can at least pull out games like this from time to time.

Victor Caratini (MIL): 2-3, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB.

Caratini is a name I haven’t heard in a while. During his Cubs days, he showed up on the recap from time to time, but lately, his name has not come up. The Brewers squeaked out a win Thursday against the Mets, winning the series 3-2. The Mets are in the middle of what may possibly be the most Mets season in history. I’m sure a Mets fan can fill me in on a worse one. Caratini was a major part of the win Thursday, hitting a two-run home run against Scherzer that would tie the game in the 6th. They would go on to win the game cause the Mets performed their magic. The Brewers don’t get talked about enough either. The NL Central is wide open. They can take it and run.

Ezequiel Duran (TEX): 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI.

Where did this come from? Last year Duran showed glimpses but he’s been a full-on all-star in 2023. Thursday he added to his head-turning season with a solo home run and a single. This is becoming a legitimate breakout, and it’s high time we recognize Bruce Bochy for the hall-of-fame manager he is. He had some talent fall into his lap when he became the Rangers manager, but so many players look fantastic. This has to do with Bochy and his coaching staff. Top 5 manager ever, get at me.

Henry Davis (PIT): 3-4, R, 2 RBI.

The young Pirates catcher continued his torrid pace since being called up with 3 hits on Thursday. The Pirates would go on to defeat the scuffling Padres on Thursday. So far, Davis has been an impressive hitter at the major league level. It sounds like they are going to keep him in the outfield so he is able to continue getting at-bats. He’s a prospect not enough are talking about. Grab him in any league, especially since that OF eligibility is right around the corner.

Ha-Seong Kim (SD): 2-3, 2B, HR, R, 2 RBI.

I could talk about Ohtani here but we know he’s the best player on the earth. So let’s talk about one of the best utility guys in the league, Ha-Seong Kim. Thursday Kim helped keep the Padres close with the Pirates hitting a double and a home run, but the Pirates would go on to win the game. Kim isn’t going to wow, but he is such a solid player that if you really needed it, he could be a decent fantasy option. I started him for a full year in fantasy once. It went fine, but I didn’t win.