Rick Porcello (SP-DET): Rick Porcello showed the upside that has teased us all for years, tossing a complete-game shutout against the Rangers. He allowed only 3 hits and 3 walks and added 6 strikeouts in the 115-pitch effort to pick up his 10th win of the season. Porcello continues to post an elite walk rate below 6%, but his K-rate of 15.5% is below league average. His swinging-strike and chase rates have decreased while his linedrive rate has skyrocketed. I think he is a solid back-end fantasy starter in most formats, and do think he has the ingredients for more. But all indicators suggest he isn't quite there.
Jose Reyes (SS-TOR): The Blue Jays jumped all over Scott Carroll and Jose Reyes was the catalyst. The veteran speedster logged a 4-for-5, 2-run, 1-RBI night and now has 9 hits in his past 3 games. Look for the hits to keep on coming, as his .284 BABIP looks quite low when considering his 21% linedrive rate and plus speed; plus his plate coverage looks outstanding. Reyes has quietly stolen 16 bags in 17 attempts, and should continue to add to that the more he gets on base. While the health risk is ever present with Reyes, he makes for one of the best buy candidates for the second half.
Jon Singleton (1B-HOU): While George Springer stole the show for the Astros by hitting his 15th homer, Jon Singleton logged a solid 2-for-4, 1-RBI night. Singleton hit lefties very well in the minors and you have to love the confidence manger Brad Mills displayed by hitting Singleton in the 3-hole against Mike Minor. Singleton is going to have to improve upon the 33% K-rate, but I like the fact that he is hitting flyballs and is only chasing pitches out of the zone at a league average rate. Look for him to settle in, much like George Springer did, in the second half. If you have the room, hold, as a hot streak is just around the corner.
Jarred Cosart (SP-HOU): Jarred Cosart picked up his 8th win of the season after tossing 7 strong innings against the Braves. He allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits and 2 walks while adding 2 strikeouts. Cosart hasn't allowed more than 3 earned runs since April 18th and has provided nice value to owners who stuck with him through the early season struggles. While Cosart is worth using as a back-end option in deep leagues and a spot starter in most formats, he isn't trustworthy in standard, 12-team mixed leagues just yet. I like the 56% groundball rate, but the slightly below average K-rate of 16% coupled with his appallingly low swinging-strike rate of 6% leaves plenty to be desired.
Mookie Betts (2B/OF-BOS): With the Red Sox idle on Thursday, Mookie Betts continued to impress at AAA, walking twice, scoring 2 runs, and stealing another base. He now has a .330/.422/.455 line at Pawtucket with 2 homers, 7 steals, and a 14:13 BB:K ratio in 22 games after dominating AA. With the continued struggles of Jackie Bradley and Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino's chronic health issues, the drumbeat to call up Betts is growing stronger by the day. Look for the Red Sox brass to summon Betts by the All-Star break. If you have the room, he's an advisable pick up.
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