RAYS ADD OUTFIELDER FRANCISCO
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired outfielder Ben Francisco from the Houston Astros for pitcher Theron Geith.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
A right-handed bat off the bench, and possible platoon right-fielder. Francisco has been well-traveled lately but he could help the Rays down the stretch. He is good against left-handed pitching, so expect him to get starts in right field, where the Rays have lefty bats {P Matt Joyce} and {P Sam Fuld}. He may also DH a little in place of lefty {P Luke Scott}.
What does it give the Houston Astros
A chance to see what younger players can do. The Astros will probably continue to use {P Fernando Martinez} in left and give former infielder {P Jimmy Paredes} a longer look in right down the stretch. They also have {P Brian Bogusevic}, {P Brandon Barnes} and {P Justin Maxwell} in the outfield, plus injured center-fielder {P Jordan Schafer}.
Fantasy impact
This move should cut into Francisco's playing time, and ultimately his fantasy value. It should also hurt Joyce and Fuld. Meanwhile, Paredes and Martinez should get a bit of a late-season boost in playing time with Francisco now in Tampa Bay.
