LaPorta resurfaces

Matt LaPorta will return to the majors as a full-time player now that the Indians have traded Russell Branyan to Seattle. LaPorta struggled to find consistency at the plate in his first stint with the big league club this season. Since getting demoted in early June, however, he's hit .353 with a .632 SLG in Triple-A.

Fantasy Impact: LaPorta's career minor league numbers (.296 AVG, .388 OBP, .563 SLG) point to an ability to impact the game at a high level. Through 87 MLB games the production hasn't been there. What to do with LaPorta? It's a more clear-cut situation now in Cleveland with Branyan out of the way at first base. LaPorta owns a singular starting position at first base, and he'll be given every opportunity to play regularly for a poor Indians team. That can mean significant payoff in fantasy ball. LaPorta is an intelligent addition for teams looking for an impact bat in the second half. He may run through streaks of both good and bad, but his minor league numbers represent a positive background for a relatively green major leaguer. Add LaPorta, stash him on your bench and hope the breakthrough is coming shortly.

Indians Recall LaPorta

Hot prospect Matt LaPorta got his much anticipated recall to Cleveland. He takes the roster spot of an injured Trever Crowe and is expected to play regularly, but because of his shortcomings defensively at first in the minors, LaPorta's regular position remains an unknown.

"Anybody that goes over there goes through that," Wedge said. "It's a very underrated position. A lot goes on out there, and you need to know where you need to be."

Fantasy Impact: LaPorta ripped 17 home runs in 338 minor league at bats, so the Indians will find a spot for him. He hit a homer every 16 at bats while in the minors, and his .938 OPS in Triple-A is spectacular. He's poised to be a major contributor down the stretch. He's worth an add and maybe even a start immediately.

Welcome, Matt LaPorta

Recently called up Matt LaPorta, acquired in the CC Sabathia deal from Milwaukee, started immediately for Cleveland on Sunday. He struggled against Tigers starter Justin Verlander, striking out twice in three at bats while leaving four runners on base. He made the final out of the game, going 0-4.

Verlander did strike out 11 batters in seven innings, so it wasn't just LaPorta who struggled to see the ball.

Fantasy Impact: It's not an ideal debut for the 24-year-old LaPorta. He was hitting .333 with five home runs in Triple-A. He's potentially here to stay, but LaPorta is a part time player to start with.