Stephen Piscotty (OF-STL): Stephen Piscotty went 2-for-3, scored 1 run, drove in 2, and added 1 walk to lead the Cardinals. The super sophomore now carries a .374 wOBA and a 135 wRC+ and is establishing himself as one of the more reliable OF options in fantasy. While his swing isn't geared for the power game, Piscotty is due for a bump in his 12% HR/FB rate, as his 34% hard-hit rate and 407/104 average HR distance/batted ball speed numbers suggest. In addition to the yearly game, he typically makes for a steal in DFS play, especially against your average lefty.
Adam Wainwright (SP-SLT): Adam Wainwright tossed a complete-game-shutout against the Marlins, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. Waino has improved each month since his horrible April; the improvement has coincided with a progressive bump in his groundball rate, which sits at 55% in July, a number more in line with the mark he posted the previous two seasons. Add to that a first-pitch strike rate that now sits over 62%, and you have a veteran who is putting it together. As long as you don't expect elite K-totals, Waino should deliver solid SP3 value in the second half.
Carlos Estevez (RP-COL): Carlos Estevez picked up his 5th save after tossing a perfect 9th against the Braves. Since finding himself in higher-leverage situations in early June, Estevez has posted a 21:6 K:BB ratio in 17 innings, improving his control and command while also minimizing hard contact. His 9:8 K:BB ratio against lefties is worrisome, but the Rockies continue to hand him the ball in the 9th and trust him to work out those issues. While picking up Adam Ottavino would be wise, it would take a monumental collapse from Estevez for him to lose save opportunities.
Jose Reyes (INF-NYM): Jose Reyes went 1-for-2 with 1 RBI, 1 BB, and 1 SB, but the Mets came up short against the Phillies. Reyes has put together solid AB's out of the leadoff spot, walking 3 times and striking out 4 in 38 plate appearances. His .160 BABIP is incredibly low given that he's posting the highest hard-hit rate of his career, although his flyball rate is elevated. Look for him to use his speed more, find more batted ball luck, and put up solid numbers in the second half. The ride may start today against Zach Eflin, who has struck out 4 lefties in 69 AB's. At $3100 on FanDuel, Reyes screams value play.
Howie Kendrick (2B/OF-LAD): Howie Kendrick, priced at $3000 for his matchup against Robbie Ray in Arizona, makes for a solid tournament play among a Dodgers stack. Kendrick, who continues to see extra time in the middle of the lineup while playing in the OF, has posted a .337 wOBA against lefties with a 6:11 BB:K ratio. Ray has posted a .366 wOBA vs righties (.377 at home) and has walked 34 in 70 innings. Chase Field is 3rd in Park Factors for homers, making this the perfect venue for Kendrick to deliver solid ROI.
