Dontrelle Willis- CIN- Rise Value- In some senses yesterday's start was better than his 2011 debut. He only lasted 4.2 IP, but there was a rain delay in there that threw things off. He allowed 5 hits, but only walked 1 and struck out 5. His GB/FB ratio was 7/1. There is a possibility that he has recovered from the overuse that derailed his career, but two starts is too early to pronounce him back. If you have a roster spot that isn't doing anything for you, Willis would be a low risk flyer.
Chase D'Arnaud- PIT- Rookie- D'Arnaud seems to be having problems controlling the plate as he makes his way through the majors for the first time. He has only walked once in his last 15 games while striking out 15 times. D'Arnaud's Batting EYE of .17 is far below the .48 he had at AAA before being called up. His speed will be an even better asset (his 6 steals in 20 games isn't shabby) if he can reach base more often.
Emilio Bonifacio- FLA- Hot- Bonifacio ran his current hitting streak to 17 games by going 1-for-4 in the makeup game against the Mets. His .290 average is supported by a .366 BABIP, so expect some dips in that department when regression to the mean takes hold. Bonifacios's speed will still make him a valuable fantasy asset, though, even when he isn't giving as much in the average column. With 18 steals he is only 3 away from his career high set in 2009 and he has played in 41 fewer games than he did that year.
Ryan Vogelsong- SF- Hot- The most notable thing about Vogelsong's performance last night was that he only walked 1 batter in his 6.2 shutout innings. He had walked 13 in his previous 3 starts, covering 18.2 IP. That was a very bad trend. Still, this may be more of an opportunity to sell high than a reason to keep Vogelsong. His xFIP is 3.72, far above his 2.02 ERA. With a BABIP of .261 and a LOB% of 85.1%, when luck turns around, Vogelsong will not be putting up the numbers he did in the first half.
Roy Halladay- PHI- Stats- In 2010 Halladay threw 110 or more pitches 10 times in his 19 starts before the All Star Break. He gave up 3 or more runs 5 times in that span. After the Break, Halladay gave up 3 or more runs 8 times in 14 starts. In 2009, he was only pushed to 110 or more pitches 7 times in 17 first half starts. He gave up 3 or more runs 8 times. In the second half he gave up that many runs 7 times in 13 starts. Yesterday's outing was definitely affected by the heat but Halladay may start showing some signs of fatigue as well. So far this season he has thrown 110 or more pitches 15 times already, including 3 starts of over 120 pitches.
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