Adrian Beltre (3B-TEX): The Rangers erupted for 11 runs against the Astros, and Adrian Beltre played a pivotal part in the process, going 3 for 5 with 2 runs. While the surface numbers aren't pretty--.236/.282/.382--and have many screaming age decline, the story beneath the surface tells a different plot. Through 27 games, Beltre has posted an amazing 6:10 BB:K ratio and a solid 7% swinging strike rate. While his LD rate is below league average, his AVG is well underrepresented with a .245 BABIP--thanks, in large part to a .081 AVG on flyballs. He makes for one of the more attractive buy-low candidates out there.
Manny Machado (3B-BAL): Manny Machado continues to quietly put things together, as the youngster went 2 for 4 with 2 SB's. He is walking more frequently (up to 11%) while cutting down on his strike out rate (down to 17%). He isn't chasing out of the zone (17%) and his swinging strike rate sits at an impressive 5%. With a 105 MPH speed off bat average on his 5 homers, the 20% HR/FB rate looks to be for real. Hop on board before Manny's price soars.
Eddie Rosario (OF-MIN): Rosario homered in his first MLB AB to lead the Twins own onslaught of 13 runs against the A's. The past two seasons have been quite tumultuous for Rosario, as the highly touted prospect has battled a drug suspension and the injury bug. He fell flat last season, posting a .674 OPS, and had struggled out of the gates at AAA, posting a .659 OPS before the promotion. While Rosario has 15/15 potential with a respectable batting average, it will take him some time to adjust to MLB pitching. The problem lies with his defense, as scouts question his ability to prove anywhere near average up the middle. While keeper leaguers should pony up, those in yearly leagues are advised to exercise FAAB restraint.
Logan Forsythe (2B-TB): Batting 2nd in the Rays lineup, Logan Forsythe went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI. The man deserves your attention. With Nick Franklin continuing to struggle with his health, Forsythe has remained a fixture in the lineup for the first time in his MLB career. His EYE is nearly at 1, as he has posted an incredible 11:12 BB:K ratio. With a 5% swinging strike rate and a miniscule 18% chase rate, Forsythe is locked in at the plate. While his BABIP is a bit inflated, his 20% LD rate suggests that any regression will be minor. With Nick Martinez on the mound for Thursday's matchup--a man truly due for significant regression--Forsythe makes for a great value play.
DraftKings Price: $3000
Edinson Volquez (SP-KC): He's facing the reigning AL Cy Young winner in Corey Kluber, but Edinson Volquez makes for an intriguing value/contrarian play pitching in the friendly confines of Kaufmann Stadium. He is due for some regression with a 2.10 ERA/3.62 xFIP, but he continues to induce ground balls at an above average rate while carrying a 27:8 K:BB ratio through 34 innings. I like the 30% chase rate and the 10.6% swinging-strike rate, not to mention the 67% first-pitch strike rate. The gains he made in Pittsburgh are translating. While the W might be tough to come by, the Indians offense--middle of the pack on road offense and against righties--should prove navigable for Volquez.
DraftKings Price: $6700
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