When DJ LeMahieu inherited the starting job at second base for the Rockies just over a month ago, I doubted he could hold down a regular role. With Josh Rutledge back with the club and filling in at shortstop while Troy Tulowitzki (rib) is on the disabled list, it may still seem like only a matter of time before LeMahieu gets squeezed out of the lineup, particularly when Tulowitzki returns.
Not only is Rutledge struggling, but LeMahieu is making a strong case to hold down the keystone position. Just as he's done in the minors, LeMahieu is hitting for average, batting .291, and he's made good on all nine of his stolen base attempts. There's actually room for LeMahieu to improve his batting average, as he is striking out at a much higher rate than he had in the minors. Meanwhile, he rarely pops out and uses his speed to maintain a high batting average on balls in play. LeMahieu could actually maintain his .351 BABIP and inch his batting average above .300.
Over the last 28 days, LeMahieu ranks 11th among second basemen in standard Rotisserie and Head-to-Head value. Though he doesn't walk or homer much, LeMahieu can continue to help enough with average and steals to be worth starting in far more than 18 percent of the Fantasy leagues on CBSSports.com.