Rafael Devers-Red Sox-3B
Rafael Devers was 4-5 with an HR (27), 2 R, and 4 RBI against the Orioles. Devers has been red hot over the past week hitting .519 with 2 HR, 6 R, 7 RBI, and 0 SB. On the year, Devers has been a fantasy monster with a .332 AVG, 27 HR, 103 R, 101 RBI, and 8 SB. The skills behind the breakout are legit with 16% K, 7% BB, and 37% Hard. The uptick in power comes from more hard contact and a greater pull percentage. The fact that he has 8 SB is really nice but he is 8 for 16 on the year which doesn't bode well going into the future. Enjoy the breakout season the 22-year-old.
Mike Clevinger-Indians-SP
Mike Clevinger went 5 IP and gave up 0 ER on 3 H, 2 BB, and 10 K's against the Yankees. Clevinger has made a case for being one of the top fantasy starters in the game. He has a 3.11 ERA and 1.12 WHIP through 72.1 IP. The skills behind his above-average traditional numbers are elite. He is striking out 36% of batters which is backed by an elite 16% swinging-strike rate. Clevinger has also been able to control the strike zone (8% BB) and limit home runs (0.75 HR/9) which has quickly become one of the most important skills in today's environment. Besides missing a big chunk of the season with an injury there isn't anything to be disappointed with for Clevinger.
Jonathan Villar-Orioles-2B
Jonathan Villar was 2-3 with 2 R, 2 BB, and 2 SB against the Red Sox. Villar was hitting .360 with 0 HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, and 2 SB over the past seven days. He might not be the most valuable real-life player but Villar has a ton of fantasy value. On the season, he is hitting .274 with 15 HR, 82 R, 54 RBI, and 28 SB. Villar has some swing and miss to his game (25% K) but his eye at the plate (9% BB) allows him to have a .345 OBP. This is important because it allows him to steal bases which is his primary fantasy value. It is an added bonus that he has double-digit power and a respectable average.
Oscar Mercado-Indians-OF
Oscar Mercado was 3-4 with an HR (10), 1 R, 1 BB, 3 RBI, and 2 SB against the Yankees. Mercado is hitting .285 with 10 HR, 52 R, 35 RBI, and 11 SB in 335 PA. Over the course of a full season, Mercado would be pacing towards a 20 HR/20 SB season with a good average. He has the ability to put the bat on the ball (17%) and when he does it is usually hard contact (39% Hard). This helps him maintain a respectable batting average despite an aggressive approach (5% BB). Mercado also has more speed than what he has shown in the majors. He has the potential for 30+ SB at the major league level which in combination with his double-digit power makes him a very valuable fantasy asset. The arrow is definitely pointing up for the 24-year-old.
Griffin Canning-Angels-SP
Griffin Canning went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 5 H, 1 BB, and 8 K's against the White Sox. Canning has been up and down in his time at the major league level. He has a 4.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP through his first 17 starts. The underlying skills point to a better pitcher than his traditional numbers say. He is striking out 25% of batters with 8% BB. His 14% swinging strike rate suggests that even more strikeouts could be coming. He is a fly ball pitcher (47% FB) so home runs are to be expected (1.39 HR/9). He may not realize is full potential this year with about six weeks left but he has the skills to be an above-average fantasy starter but unfortunately, that may not happen until next year.
DraftKings Value Plays: 3B David Fletcher (LAA) $3,9000 and 1B Jesus Aguilar (MIL) $3,200
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