Curtis Granderson (OF-NYM): Curtis Granderson continued to drink from the fountain of youth, as the veteran went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI in game 2 of the doubleheader. What a resurgence 2015 has been for the Grandyman! The underlying numbers back it up too, as Granderson has lowered his swinging strike rate from 10% to 7% and increased his hardhit percentage from 33% to 39%; and amazingly, he has decreased his chase rate from 26% to 19%! His .169 wOBA against lefties leaves something to be desired, and his HR/FB rate is slightly inflated; but I still see a healthy and revitalized Granderson remaining a must-own OF in all formats for the second half.
Stephen Strasburg (SP-WAS): SS posted another solid start, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9 across 7 innings in earning the W against the Phillies. He's baaaaaack! The Nationals spoke glowingly about Strasburg's mechanics after his rehab start, and boy did he look crisp on Sunday, delivering late-breaking secondary offerings with fastballs in the 95-97 MPH range. He wasn't too far from it during his struggles, as he maintained excellent control while experiencing severe misfortune (and is still at a 5.49 ERA/3.39 xFIP). With the ankle injury behind him and the facial hair removed, look for the Strasburg we expected in the spring to deliver in the second half.
Matt Duffy (3B-SF): Matt Duffy hit his 8th homer of the season as part of a 3-for-4, 1-run, 3-RBI effort to back Madison Bumgarner over the Rockies. I like Duffy, and see him continuing to both garner AB's in the middle of the Giants lineup and delivering from them value worth grabbing in 12+ team mixed leagues. There will likely be some negative regression, as his 100 MPH exist speed on his homers is some 3 MPH lower than league average, and his .345 BABIP appears to be slightly inflated. However, he rarely makes weak contact and is posting chase and swinging strike rates near league average, so the AVG shouldn't fall significantly. Moral of the story: hold if you own him, but don't overpay if you missed out.
Jace Peterson (2B-ATL): Jace Peterson hit his 5th homer of the season to continue his solid rookie campaign. I love the .60 EYE, 21% LD rate, 9% swinging strike rate, and his respectable .279 wOBA against lefties. He will have to elevate his game on the basepaths, as he is only 8 for 16 in SB attempts, but he has the speed and work ethic to do it. Most importantly for any young player, his organization is giving him the playing time; he is hitting consistently at the top of the lineup, and the Braves moved prized-prospect Jose Peraza to the outfield, further signaling their believe in Peterson.
Jimmy Nelson (SP-MIL): With a tasty matchup against the Phillies and reasonable price tag of $6600 at DraftKings, Jimmy Nelson makes for an excellent DFS play today. He has a solid 19% K-rate (backed by a 10% swinging strike rate) and 49% GB rate, marks that have enabled him to navigate out of trouble. He has posted a .319 wOBA away, and the Phillies, meanwhile, are last in the league in offense vs. righties. Citizens Bank isn't ideal, but I see great value here with plenty of upside.
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