Keston Hiura’s 2020 Start Marred By Strikeout Totals
Keston Hiura was lauded as a Top 50 fantasy asset coming into the 2020 year after a 104-game debut last season that saw him deliver a .938 OPS as a 22-year-old. But while the power numbers were exciting, the fact that he struck out in 30.7% of his plate appearances was cause for concern. Now, through 12 games this year, he has only struck out more -- 37% of the time. That, along with a massive 47% Whiff rate, has translated to a .213 average with a .658 OPS, far below what owners anticipated when spending an early-round choice. Owners looking for optimistic indicators can highlight that his next four games come at home, where he produced a 1.062 OPS last season.
Source: MLB
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Source: MLB
Keston Hiura Continues To Dominate Triple-A
Keston Hiura has continued to play very well at Triple-A and could be nearing a return to the major leagues. Since August 1, the former first-round selection holds a strong .275/.383/.575 with four home runs and a 6:17 BB:K ratio. Across his past five games, he has gone deep twice with a .632 SLG. Overall, Hiura has held a .347 AVG through 32 games at Triple-A Salt Lake. His play has yet to translate to the major leagues as he holds a career .235/.313/.445 line in the big leagues. However, if Hiura continues to showcase his raw power, he could be worth a flier in AL-only formats down the stretch run if he earns a promotion.
Source: MiLB.com
Los Angeles Angels infielder Source: MiLB.com
Keston Hiura Starting Again, Brandon Drury On The Bench
Keston Hiura is making the start at second base and will bat second for the Halos on Saturday versus the Chicago Cubs and veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks at Wrigley Field, while infielder Brandon Drury heads to the bench. Hiura will be making his second straight start for the Angels after being called up on Friday to replace the injured Luis Rengifo (wrist). In his first big-league action on Friday since 2022 with the Brewers, Hiura went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in the 5-1 loss. The 27-year-old could play regularly in Anaheim with Drury struggling and Rengifo hurt, and he did hit .270/.346/.536 with 18 home runs in two Tripe-A stints this year. Hiura has hit .211 with a .513 OPS and an RBI in 19 career at-bats against Hendricks. Fantasy managers in AL-only leagues may want to take a flier on Hiura for his power.
Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Angels infielder Source: MLB.com
Keston Hiura In Starting Lineup For Angels
Keston Hiura got the start as the designated hitter and was batting eighth for the start of Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Justin Steele. Hiura, who was the bees knees at Triple-A Salt Lake, returns to the big leagues to take the roster spot of infielder Luis Rengifo (wrist), who was put on the 10-day injured list on Friday. The 27-year-old former Brewers prospect hasn't played in the big leagues since 2022 but could get some run in Anaheim, at least against left-handed pitchers. Kiura has always been known for his power mostly, so fantasy managers in need of it in AL-only leagues may want to take a look. The former ninth overall pick by Milwaukee in 2017 out of the University of California at Irvine hit .270/.346/.536 with 18 home runs and 45 RBI in 68 games at two different Triple-A levels before his call-up.
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels infielder Source: Los Angeles Angels
Keston Hiura Raking For New Team At Triple-A
Keston Hiura to a minor league contract over a week ago, and in the 10 games he's played with Triple-A Salt Lake, the 27-year-old is 15-for-40 (.375) with a double and five home runs. He's still striking out at a high rate (32.6%), but it's good to see the former first-round draft pick hitting for average and power after a few forgettable campaigns with Milwaukee and after getting released by Detroit this season without making a regular season appearance with the Tigers. He hasn't played in a major league game since 2022, but hit .303 with 19 home runs in just 84 games once upon a time in 2019, so maybe he can find the magic again with the Angels.
Source: MiLB.com
The Los Angeles Angels signed infielder Source: MiLB.com
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