Coby Mayo (BAL): 3-4, HR, R, 2 RBI.

Mayo Knife Chip and Shatter

The Orioles jumped all over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, but no hitter played a bigger role in the victory than Coby Mayo from the ninth spot in the lineup. Mayo had arguably the best game of his young career, posting a line of 3-4, HR, R, 2 RBI. Though he’s had limited playing time thus far in his career, Mayo has heated up at the plate in the last week, recording hits in seven of his 14 ABs and hitting two long balls.

Playing time has certainly been the biggest drawback to Mayo’s potential this year, but there’s a chance for increased opportunity with the trade deadline looming in just a few days. The likely departure of veterans such as Ramón Laureano, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan O’Hearn could open up a path for Mayo to see more consistent playing time in his first season of big league action. Mayo has been a highly touted prospect for some time now, and although the results haven’t been encouraging yet, Mayo is still just 23 years old. There’s plenty of time for him to hit his stride and become the Lisan Al-Gaib Orioles fans have been hoping he would be. I wouldn’t consider him a screaming buy or add in any format just yet, but keep an eye on his playing time and production, especially after some of those veterans mentioned above depart Baltimore for playoff contenders.

 

Let’s see how the other hitters did Monday:

 

Austin Riley (ATL): 2-6, 2B, HR, R, 4 RBI.

Austin Riley finally notched his first hits since returning from the IL a few weeks ago, and they were big ones. After going hitless his first couple of trips to the plate, he launched a 422-foot solo shot and then added a bases-clearing double his next time up. Riley was heating up before his IL stint, so hopefully this is a sign that the third baseman can continue his slugging ways in the warmer weather.

 

Mark Vientos (NYM): 2-4, HR, R, 4 RBI.

Mark Vientos delivered the Mets’ loudest hit of the night by launching a grand slam off of Dylan Cease to give the Mets a 5-1 lead that they unfortunately would not be able to hold on to. Vientos’ name has been mentioned in trade talks as of late, so he’s officially on “Hug Watch” in the Mets’ dugout. It’s hard to imagine many scenarios in which Vientos’ situation around him would improve with a trade, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

 

Adley Rutschman (BAL): 3-5, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI.

Welcome back, Adley Rutschman! Adley was finally turning things around offensively before landing on the IL for over a month, and he picked up right where he left off by tallying three hits, including two doubles, in his first game back. Rutschman may not play every day as he’s eased back into action, but we’ve seen the kind of talent he brings to this organization, and he could absolutely finish the season strong.

 

Warming Bernabel (COL): 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI.

Who?! That’s Warming Bernabel’s music, the Rockies’ replacement at 3B following the trade of Ryan McMahon to the Yankees. After posting an .806 OPS in 75 Triple-A games this year, Bernabel now has two home runs in his first three games at the major league level. He’s not a must-add yet, but if he continues to impress, he could become an intriguing streamer, especially when the Rockies are playing at home.

 

Andy Ibáñez (DET): 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI.

With Parker Meadows heading to the IL, the Tigers opted to call up lefty-masher Andy Ibáñez to replace him in their lineup. Well, mash lefties he did, as he took Eduardo Rodriguez deep in the fourth inning. Ibáñez’s role figures to be limited to starting or pinch-hitting against southpaws, so he likely isn’t worth a roster spot aside from being a desperation stream or deep league add.

 

Maikel Garcia (KCR): 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB.

Maikel Garcia continues to be one of the most underappreciated players in baseball. Garcia tallied his third multi-hit effort in his last four games on Monday night, scoring at least one run in his fifth consecutive game. Garcia has rock-solid ratios to pair with solid speed and power numbers, and if the Royals continue to act as a soft buyer, there’s a chance for increased production with an improved lineup around him.

 

Josh Naylor (SEA): 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, SB.

Josh Naylor hit his first home run as a Mariner en route to a combo meal on Monday night. If there was any concern that a change of scenery might impact Naylor’s strong season, those worries can be put to rest. He’s hitting in the heart of yet another productive lineup and should continue to deliver strong fantasy production in all five categories the rest of the way.

 

Colson Montgomery (CHW): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI.

It’s another lost season for the Southsiders, but Colson Montgomery is giving White Sox fans reasons to be optimistic in his first stint in the big leagues. The rookie hit his fourth home run of the season on Monday night and boasts a .273/.333/.515 slash line through his first 73 plate appearances. If you need help in the middle infield, you could certainly do worse than a rookie on a hot streak.

 

Sal Frelick (MIL): 2-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB.

Much like Rutschman, Sal Frelick is also making an immediate impact for his team after coming off the IL. Frelick hit his eighth homer on Monday to help the Brewers to an 8-4 victory over the division rival Cubs. Frelick may not see everyday playing time as he eases back into the lineup, but hitting at the top of the order for a winning ball club is always a recipe for fantasy success.