Maikel Garcia DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia (thumb) was scratched from Sunday's contest due to right thumb soreness. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Garcia has enjoyed an impressive start to the season. Through 58 games, the 25-year-old has held a stellar .316/.378/.474 slash line with 14 doubles, two triples, five home runs, and 10 stolen bases. He has shown a strong eye at the plate with a 15.3% whiff rate and a 15.4% strikeout rate, both of which are well above the average marks. This afternoon, Jonathan India will enter the starting nine as he was initially set to have the day off. However, Nick Loftin will shift to the hot corner to cover for Garcia. The Royals will face Detroit right-hander Keider Montero, who carries a 4.54 ERA.

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia went 1-for-2 with two walks, an RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases to help the Royals run past the White Sox, 3-0. Garcia is up to nine stolen bases in 14 attempts this season while hitting .322 with nine doubles, four home runs, and a .388 wOBA. Garcia has a 52.9% hard-hit rate that supports his early-season power and production, and he has been one of the few consistent contributors in Kansas City's lineup. His speed is a huge fantasy asset and if he keeps hitting the ball so well, he'll continue to be a strong mixed-league option at the hot corner. The 25-year-old is a great waiver wire pickup if available as he continues his very productive start to the season.

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia isn't known for his power, but showed some over the fence pop during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Garcia took right-hander Kyle Gibson deep in the second inning. He would later homer again, but this time off reliever Bryan Baker in the sixth inning. Garcia would finish his day 3-for-5 with two solo homers and two RBI in the win. After this game, Garcia is slashing .319/.379/.496 with four long balls, 14 RBI, and seven steals. Garcia is quickly picking up steam in fantasy leagues and is someone worth monitoring in most 12-team formats.