Matt Davidson, Travis Jankowski Make Wild-Card Series Roster
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/designated hitter Matt Davidson and outfielder Travis Jankowski have been selected for the clubs wild-card series roster against Atlanta prior to Game 1 on Wednesday. Both have a very specific role, with Davidson likely to be utilized as a reserve bat against left-handed pitching, with three of his four regular-season hits versus southpaws going for extra bases. Jankowski stole two bases during 2020 and frequently served as a late-game defensive replacement. Neither figures to have much fantasy intrigue due to their roles off the bench.
The Cincinnati Reds have placed starting pitcher Wade Miley (groin) on the 10-day IL and have activated infielder Matt Davidson (COVID-19). Miley struggled in his season debut versus the Cubs and will have his spot taken in the rotation by Tyler Mahle, who could end up keeping it for the season. Davidson provides some added depth in the infield to the Reds, but isn't worth considering for fantasy purposes.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/designated hitter Matt Davidson has tested positive for COVID-19, which will land him on the injured list specific for those who will need to test negative twice before returning to action. Davidson served as the designated hitter for Cincinnati on Opening Day due to facing a left-handed starter before ultimately being lifted for a pinch-hitter. The Reds will swap out one powerful right-handed bat for another, as Aristides Aquino will be recalled to take Davidsons spot on the roster. While Aquino was the talk of baseball for a stretch in 2019, he will be primarily a DFS play as the Reds boast a gluttony of outfielders they will need to mix and match.
Texas Rangers infielder Matt Davidson has been doing pitcher fielding work early in camp, but he is expected to mainly work with position players now that full-squad workouts have started. He has not yet started any serious work toward pitching despite the fact he made it known he'd like to explore that area during the 2018 season with the Chicago White Sox. He made three relief appearances and allowed no runs and a hit with the Pale Hose last season, and he added pitching into his training regimen in the offseason, trying to increase his versatility and value. If he does get a chance, he'll be more Brooks Kieschnick than Shohei Ohtani, so don't get carried away in fantasy.
The Texas Rangers agreed on a minor league deal with free-agent third baseman Matt Davidson on Friday, according to league sources. He will be used as an infielder and could also pitch. With Asdrubal Cabrera likely to man the hot corner most days, Davidson will also be an option at first base and designated hitter for the rebuilding Rangers. He slugged 20 homers and drove in 62 runs in 123 games for the White Sox last year. Davidson, 28 in March, has big-time power but swings and misses way too much. Texas is a good landing spot for him, but he should only be drafted for his power stroke in AL-only leagues. He'll also kill your team batting average in the process.
The Chicago White Sox will non-tender third baseman Matt Davidson, making him a free agent, according to a source. Davidson had a career-high 23 home runs in 123 games with the White Sox in 2018, but he also hit just .228/.319/.419 and is a career .226 hitter in his four big league seasons. There's just too much swing and miss to his game, but he can provide power in deeper leagues if he sees enough playing time with his new club.
Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson will focus on becoming a two-way player this offseason. The White Sox support the decision and plan on assessing him throughout the offseason. Davidson tossed three scoreless innings in three blowout games in 2018, giving up one hit and a walk while striking out two. He has a 92 mph fastball with what the coaching staff thinks is decent movement. Before pitching this year, Davidson had last stepped on a mound in high school. He'd like to be able to help keep the bullpen fresh, and he's not expecting to be used in high-leverage situations. It's a fun story, but it's unlikely to stick or produce good results over the long term. Davidson is a power option in deeper leagues, but he swings and misses too often to be a strong option in mixed leagues. He hit .228 with 20 homers, 62 RBI and a .738 OPS in 123 games this year.
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Matt Davidson (calf) is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Davidson sat out the last four games while dealing with a minor calf issue. He'll bat seventh and serve as the DH against righty Yefry Ramirez on Saturday. He could be a decent DFS option while hitting in Baltimore.
Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson (calf), who missed the entire series against the Royals with a sore calf, is available off the bench on Friday, according to manager Rick Renteria. Daniel Palka is serving as the designated hitter on Friday, while Nick Delmonico is also starting against Orioles starter Luis Ortiz. Davidson should return to the starting lineup sometime this weekend and is really only useful in fantasy for his occasional power outbursts.
Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson (calf) is nursing a sore left calf but should be able to return to the starting lineup on Friday after the off day on Thursday, according to manager Rick Renteria. Davidson is available off the bench on Wednesday. The slugging third baseman doesn't help fantasy owners in the average or on-base departments, but he certainly has power (20 homers, 58 RBI). He's a boom-or-bust DFS play each time he's in the lineup.