(Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)
Among all the hoopla about Fulmer, Castillo, Snell, etc., I think I don’t shout my love for Andrew Heaney enough as he responded to a poor 5 ER outing with a 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks line against the Royals. Hot. Damn. 17 whiffs in 116 pitches is good, but overall the Royals simply couldn’t square him up as Heaney did a great job of spotting his curveball down-and-away to left-handers while keeping changeups away from righties. This isn’t going to be a long rant, just that I have him Top 40 and I wonder if I’ll have him outside it again. I’d slot him above Tanaka and Fulmer if redoing The List tomorrow, FWIW. Get on board if there’s any way you can without costing a pretty penny.
Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:
Reynaldo Lopez – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks. It’s not easy being a ReyLo owner. He can do this one day and the next blow up for 7 ER. I don’t want to call him a full-on Cherry Bomb since the highs like this don’t come with the blissful strikeout production – just 4 Ks here – but y’all know what I see in Lopez to make me think one day he’ll turn from this turbulent mess to a consistent producer.
Sean Newcomb – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks. It’s far from exciting as Newcomb collected just nine whiffs and 26 CSW in 95 pitches, but it’s lovely seeing a 1.00 WHIP and 0 ER on the board. Yes, I’m still selling high as this was the Padres.
Ross Stripling – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks. Stripling is making his case for Top 40 at this point and it’s kinda nuts. The Pirates have been a solid offense this year as well, though there is a tinge of Dodgeritis here as he was pulled at 89 pitches and just four baserunners. Slightly capped upside, but I don’t care when he’s still spitting 7 Ks like he’s shining up a gym (This won’t be the only MJ reference today, don’t ask idea why). No reason to stop tossing Stripling out there, though I’m still a little skeptical that it’ll last through the year.
Steven Wright – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks. I’ve waited weeks – WEEKS – to whip this one out for the first time this year. Wright told me he had never heard of Jalen Beeks right before texting “Yeah, you like that?!” to his phone. Don’t Trust A Knuckleballer. Oh, Drew Pomeranz is heading to the DL if you’re a bit confused. Beeks is worth a speculative add for those in deeper 12-teamers, but I prefer Luiz Gohara over Beeks, which should give you an idea of where he’d be on The List if he gets the call. Not my favorite chase as I question Beeks’ strikeout ability to carry over effectively.
Alex Cobb – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks. You saw this line and I know what you’re thinking. The answer is no, not really. 3 for 21 whiffs on his Splitter – that is technically decent at 14%, but you know that’s not what we’re chasing. This is a Blame it on the Mets and don’t treat it more than that.
Corey Kluber – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Enjoy that #2 spot Kluber, you’ve earned it.
Patrick Corbin – 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks. Corbin keeps finding a way and it’s marvelous. He did an excellent job spotting his slider in this one, he kinda always does, though his velocity is still hovering 90mph. I know it’s been over a month now, but I just can’t get behind Corbin being this good without that 92-93 consistent velocity. Because you’re even questioning if he’s someone to sell is a good thing, you know. It means it’s easier for you to cash out and let’s be happy about that.
Zach Eflin – 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks. Eflin worked out here despite accruing just two strikeouts. That’s kinda what Eflin does as he lacks that money breaking pitch and I’m a little surprised this worked out, especially against the Cubs. That’s baseball, Suzyn.
Marco Estrada – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks. I called July 1st Estrada’s Judgement Day, as I think that’s enough time for him to get it together and become a solid Toby. Totally didn’t expect him to perform like this so soon, let alone against the Yanks. 32 CSW with 15 whiffs as his changeup did plenty of work. Didn’t love how high a good amount of his changeups were, but overall, solid. Not ready to buy into, of course.
Brad Keller – 4.1 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. It’s not the Keller you were hoping for and we’re stuck with Brad. Good ole 5.76 K/9 Brad that may pass for his ERA in about a month from now.
James Paxton – 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Just don’t allow so many hits, eh?
Madison Bumgarner – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks. You could call it a DLH, but Bumgarner is one of the exceptions to the rule and while I wanted a little more in terms of whiffs, I’m satisfied. If you sat him, that’s cool too. This is cool. I don’t think he returns to the Top 10 that soon – I need to see the strikeout ability return like a lazy-written resurrection – but here’s to hoping a sturdy Top 20 arm the rest of the way.
Lucas Giolito – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks. This is one of the best starts of the year from Giolito and that is saying so much. Just one strikeout? HAISTFMFWT? Wait, THREE PITCHERS HAD JUST ONE K TODAY?! This type of hunger is unparalleled. Sorry for yelling.
Artie Lewicki – 3.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks. Artie Schmartie, that’s what I always say. Yep guys, it’s that kind of night.
Sean Manaea – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks. Four walks with two coming at the very start of the game…Manaea, buddy. Please fix this. I know we’re fine with a 3.38 ERA, but let’s get real here and…I’m sorry, is that three whiffs? THREE? Sort it out.
Carlos Martinez – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 5 BBs, 5 Ks. DLH here as CarMart openly said he threw softer to make sure he wouldn’t hurt himself in his first start back. Well great CarMart, that’s wonderful, can you please at least throw strikes too then? No? Then what’s the point you being back? Expect better next time out.
Fernando Romero – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks. This is why you shouldn’t have dropped Romero after his previous outing was a complete disaster akin to a Carl Pavano signing. 0 walks is a bit of a shocker, but it’s what made this a productive day and you should be happy. Still not super pumped, but a Spice Girl, nonetheless.
CC Sabathia – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks. Great rebound from CC as he tore through the Jays lineup. It’s weird, I guess I consider Sabathia a Toby, though he’s still kinda just a glorified streamer…which I guess is a Toby but you know what I mean.
Max Scherzer – 8.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 13 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Enjoy yet another Gallows Pole with 24 whiffs. I wonder if he’ll ever fall from #1 this year.
Jason Vargas – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks. That’s three of his last four starts tallying 2 ER (albeit, a 5 ER in the middle and 19 ER in his three other games, bleeeeegh), and you may be thinking there’s something here. Ron Howard: There wasn’t.
Kyle Freeland – 6.2 IP, 3 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks. While Anderson and Bettis haven’t followed The Rocky Mountain Way, you can stay with Freeland, who has only faced one tough opponent since the middle of April (in Wrigley). Today was hosting the Giants and while that WHIP is meh, I’ll take this. You’ll take this. The IRS would take it as well because IT WAS MONEY. At least the 7 Ks are. Just keep following the RMW and you’ll be solid.
Junior Guerra – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks. It’s a PQS from Guerra and I’m okay with that. I don’t see Top 50 potential here, but a Toby with a tinge of strikeout upside? Sure, I’ll take that.
Matt Moore – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks. It’s a VVPQS for Moore as he continues to make me think I could have actually made the bigs.
Joe Musgrove – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks. Why do I get the feeling that this a line we should get used to, like waiting to ride Space Mountain or the high life of a Tony Montana. This was supposed to be the easy before he faces the Cubs again and while you’re probably not going to bench Musgrove in your H2H league, I kinda feel like you should.
Anthony DeSclafani – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks. Welcome back Tony Disco! Glad we got your DLH out of the way, now we can consider a start against St. Louis. I think I’m game if I’m desperate for a Sunday start.
Nathan Eovaldi – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks. I may be dipping into Eovaldi as a streamer at some point, but this was the Nationals and a clear sit.
Jose Urena – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 10 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. If you roster Jose, Urena boatload of trouble.
Kyle Hendricks – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks. Hendricks loves his fives here like he’s citing a Subway ad, but unfortunately that’s bad news for owners. Because Subway is a terrible place? No. Well yes, but no, it’s because that’s a 9.00 ERA and 1.60 WHIP. Just 86mph on his sinker today and maybe, just maybe, he’s falling down a bit. He’s been teetering that fine line well this year, it’s possible he’s cracking. Monitor this.
Zack Littell – 3.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 1 Ks. Zack had his MLB debut as was properly met with jitters that clearly held him back. Consider him a Cup of Schmo for now as you want…Littell to do with him. I’m so sorry.
Dallas Keuchel – 6.2 IP, 7 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. Keuchel took a bit of a hit this week on The List and I’m wondering if I was a bit too gentle. That’s at least 4 ER in 3 of his last four starts, though I should mention those teams were the Indians, Yankees, and tonight’s Mariners. He’s now boasting a horrid 4.13 ERA despite entering this game with a 3.65 mark, while his 7.03 K/9 is really, really unnerving. Yep, I’m thinking the 40s for next week until Dallas spins off at least two straight outings that resemble his 2017 self.
Jordan Lyles – 4.1 IP, 8 ER, 11 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks. I know it can be tough to imagine this kind of floor after Lyles’ 10 K game, but it’s starts like these that make us question jumping on board to a fantastic debut. Keep it in mind, not just for Lyles but many starters that have moments of brilliance. For Mr. Jordan here, I believe he can fly to the waivers and stay there.
Today’s Streamer
Clay Buchholz vs. San Francisco Giants – I don’t love this one – if you did that would be a little weird – but there aren’t many options here.
Tomorrow’s Streamer
Frankie Montas vs. Kansas City Royals – Not a big fan of this, but I can imagine Montas getting through this one without much damage.
Day After Tomorrow’s Streamer
Brandon McCarthy vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – Turner may be out again and McCarthy is looking better.
Game of the Day
Dylan Bundy vs. Zack Wheeler – I’m excited for Bundy to walk over the Mets + Wheeler has been throwing gazzzzous lately and I want to see if it continues.
