Freddy

Fermin

It was an encouraging sign to see Gurriel back in Kansas City’s lineup on Friday evening following a two-game absence due to a mild hamstring strain. It’ll be Salvador Perez taking a turn at first base with Freddy Fermin handling the catching duties. The 40-year-old figures to continue playing everyday at first base for the Royals down the home stretch. There’s minimal appeal here for fantasy managers outside of extremely deep mixed leagues.

Pasquantino’s arm got run into by Yainer Díaz on a play at first base, and he appeared to be in considerable pain afterwards. Salvador Perez took over for him at first base tonight. If Pasquantino goes on the IL, the Royals will likely recall either CJ Alexander or Nick Loftin, and they could mix and match with Perez and maybe Paul DeJong or Adam Frazier at first. Freddy Fermin would often catch in that scenario. Nick Pratto might also be an option for a callup, but he’s been pretty bad in Triple-A.

Salvador Perez will slide to designated hitter, but the Royals continue to find ways to get Fermin’s bat in the lineup after hitting .307 in 27 games since the All-Star break with two home runs, nine runs scored, and 14 RBI. He’s a fringe option in one-catcher formats with his expanded playing time.

The 29-year-old started at designated hitter on Friday and continues to play regularly at DH and behind the dish. He’s also swinging the bat really well in the second half, going 23-for-68 (.338) in 17 games since the All-Star break with two home runs and 10 RBI. That production and regular playing time make him a sneaky option at catcher in most fantasy leagues.

It’s the first time Fermin has led off this season as the Royals have gone ahead and stacked their lineup with right-handed bats against Tigers lefty opener Tyler Holton. It might be a one-off deal here, but it’s worth noting that Maikel Garcia hasn’t exactly been setting the league on fire of late, while Fermin is batting .417 (15-for-36) with two homers in 11 games since the All-Star break.

The Royals were held mostly in check by Javier Assad and the Cubs’ bullpen in this one as Fermin’s third inning home run was the last run Kansas City would put on the board. Oddly enough, it was the fourth lightest hit home run so far this season with an 89.7 MPH exit velocity. Fermin has worked his way into a regular enough role with enough reps at catcher and DH to be viable in some two-catcher leagues.

Fermin has been seeing regular action at designated hitter when he hasn’t been behind the plate, so it’s strange to see the 29-year-old getting a day off. Adam Frazier will function as the team’s designated hitter on Saturday against Jonathan Cannon and the White Sox, which will allow Drew Waters to get a start in left field.

Fermin capped off Kansas City’s five-run explosion in the eighth inning with a two-run single off Marlins reliever JT Chargois. The 29-year-old backstop has really turned it on lately, batting .341 (30-for-88) with three homers and 16 RBI over his last 30 games.

Fermin’s two home runs were the difference in the Royals’ 3-2 win on Thursday. He’s now hitting .303 with a .799 OPS in 132 at-bats on the season. Fermin is still just the backup catcher in Kansas City and not a priority in fantasy.

It was a tough night for the Royals, who were held to just five hits on the night. If not for a pinch-hit homer by Fermin in the eighth, the Royals would have been held without a run for the first time since April. Fermin now has two homers and 13 RBI in 38 games this season and can be left on the waiver wire at this time.