Yordano Ventura-Royals-SP
Yordano Ventura went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 4 H, 1 BB, and 6 K in the loss to the Cubs. Ventura was someone that fantasy owners were looking to take the next step forward this year. Yes, he has the plus fastball and good curve, but he is still more of a thrower than a pitcher at this point in his young career. Ventura is sporting a 4.26 ERA over 61.1 IP. Ventura did see a large increase in innings pitched in 2014 and his fastball velocity is down 1.1 mph. He is also leaning more on his curve this year than previously. He is a better pitcher than his 4.64 ERA, but I don't think this is going to be the year he takes the step forward into being an ace. I expect more of a 3.70 ERA with 110 or so strikeouts the rest of the way.
Hanley Ramirez-Red Sox-SS/OF
Hanley Ramirez was 2-5 with a RBI in the loss to the Rangers. Ramirez is slashing .257/12/26. Ramirez was 6-17 (.353) with 2 HR and 4 RBI in the series against the Rangers. Ramirez is sporting a career low .243 BABIP. So he should see more luck in the future with his batting average, especially with the increase in opposite field percentage. However, when the batting average climbs, he should see a decrease in power due to his abnormally high 25% HR/FB ratio and his increase in oppo%, which is bad for power. Overall, Hanley is a very talented hitter that will put up excellent numbers from the SS/OF position provided that he stays healthy.
Drew Hutchison-Blue Jays-SP
Drew Hutchison went 5.1 IP and gave up 4 ER on 7 H, 0 BB, and 3 K in the loss to the Twins. Drew Hutchison has been maddening to own due to his excellent starts and blow-ups. It doesn't seem like he has a middle ground. However, there are encouraging signs for Hutchison. He has seen an increase in velocity in May, which has led to better success for him (3.77 ERA, 33-5 K/BB in May). Hutchison throws his fastball almost 70% of the time, therefore the added velocity is a big deal. He is throwing his slider less and that's because it has not been as sharp or effective as last year. He is registering 14% SwStrk, which is down from 16.2% a year ago. If Hutchison can maintain his velocity gain and get that slider back to normal, he could be a very solid buy low candidate.
Jesse Chavez-Athletics-SP
Jesse Chavez went 8 IP and gave up 0 ER on 7 H, 0 BB, and 6 K in the win against the Yankees. Jesse Chavez has been good when given the chance to start. He is sporting a 2.44 ERA over his first seven starts. Chavez has good control (2.61 BB/9) and usable strikeout numbers (7.84 K/9). Chavez will have a hard time keeping his ERA south of three for the entire season, but will continue to be a useful back of the rotation starter for fantasy purposes. He only threw 146 IP last year and is on target to eclipse that this year, along with his poor second half performance, makes Chavez a sell high candidate.
DFS Value Play
Clay Buchholz-Red Sox-SP
Clay Buchholz surface stats might scare some people away on Monday, but if you dig deeper, there is a lot to like. Buchholz is striking out 9.25 K/9, while lowering his walk rate to 2.39. Buchholz has been pitching well lately and his 3.21 SIERA backs that up. He gets to face off against the Twins who have struggled against right-handed pitching. They have a .294 wOBA and 86 wRC+ against right-handers, which puts them towards the bottom of the league. Buchholz makes for an excellent play on Monday as a SP#2 on DraftKings. DraftKings Value: $7,000
**This is just a small sample our our daily analysis, join our member area for more premium content: http://www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
Also, follow us on twitter @fantistics and @philip_double
