Player Spotlight – Joey Gathright
By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
When Joey Gathright was recalled Wednesday, he was worth stashing away if you had an open roster spot on your bench. After his first two games back, he’s now a viable option for those even in shallow leagues. Gathright has proven time and again that he’s a capable player in the minors, but that has yet to translate into the big leagues after various stops in Tampa Bay and Kansas City. After hitting .328/.450/.392 with 21 steals in 186 at-bats for Triple-A Omaha, Gathright was finally given another chance with the Royals. He was initially thought to be used a fourth outfielder, but after a 5-for-7 start, including two stolen bases, his role may be expanded immediately. Save for maybe his family, not too many people are going to lose sleep if Emil Brown rides the pine.
Gathright obviously doesn’t have much power, but he can get on base at a decent enough clip, sporting a terrific 21/34 K/BB ratio in the minors this season. A hot start is the best case scenario, as it would not only lead to more at-bats, but hopefully a move atop the order as well. With stolen bases at a premium, Gathright is a worthy fantasy outfielder as long as he remains in KC’s lineup. He has the ability to steal 30 bases from here on out. He could lose playing time with his first slump, so he doesn’t come without risk, but Gathright’s upside is worthy of using a top waiver priority right now. After all, he is the man.