The Miami Marlins have not had many bright spots so far in the 2013 season, yet outfielder Marcell Ozuna, has played extremely well. He got called up from Double-A Jacksonville when Giancarlo Stanton went on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
With Stanton out of the lineup the expectation that Christian Yelich, the fifteenth rated prospect by Baseball America would get his chance to play. Instead it want to Ozuna who at the time was batting .333 with five home runs and 15 rbi in just 42 at-bats. Their decision turned out to be a great one, as the right-handed batter is currently hitting .310 in the majors with one home run, six doubles, a triple and nine rbi in 71 at-bats.
Fantasy wise Ozuna is owned in five percent of ESPN leagues and ten percent of Yahoo leagues, yet with his solid bat that number will change quickly. In a standard 5×5 league, he’d make a great addition as the outfielder provides a high average and some power. With many players struggling to start the season make sure to pick him up quickly.
Currently there are no announcements on when Stanton will return to the lineup for the Marlins, so until then,Ozuna will have consistent playing time. If his stellar play continues he’ll play everyday especially with Justin Ruggiano, Juan Pierre, and Chris Coghlan all batting under .235.
As the season progresses anything can happen and he may find himself back in the Minor Leagues, yet at the moment he is a solid pickup.