Andre Rienzo - Andre Rienzo made his second major league start on Sunday against the Tigers, allowing 2 ER on four hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked three. Rienzo pitched well in his debut against the Indians last week, going seven innings and yielding just five hits and 0 ER with six strikeouts. In 113 innings at AAA he's averaging a strikeout per inning to go along with a 4.06 ERA and 3.33 FIP. He does run into control issues at times (3.66 BB/9), but has done an excellent job limiting HRs (0.56 HR/9). Rienzo is worth monitoring over the final two months as he has strikeout upside and has pitched well at AAA and through his first two major league starts.
Danny Farquhar - Danny Farquhar recorded his second straight save as the new closer in Seattle, tossing a 1-2-3 9th against Baltimore. Farquhar has an impressive 53 strikeouts in just 35 innings this season against just 14 walks. While his ERA is 5.09, his xFIP is a much more impressive 2.13. He's dealt with an abnormally low 53% strand rate and abnormally high .359 BABIP. Once that luck evens out, Farquhar has the peripherals to be a very effective closer. He can be added for those in need of saves. It also seems much less likely that Tom Wilhelmsen gets his former job back anytime soon.
Danny Salazar - For those looking ahead to this week in fantasy, Terry Francona announced on Sunday that rookie Danny Salazar will replace Ubaldo Jimenez on Wednesday against Detroit. Salazar made his major league debut on July 11 against Toronto, tossing six innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits and 1 ER. Salazar can throw his fastball up to 99 mph and looked dominant in his debut. He makes an intriguing start even against a great Detroit lineup. At AAA this season, Salazar has a 2.73 ERA in 59 innings with 78 strikeouts and just 14 walks. The biggest concern with Salazar is his health. If he can remain healthy, Salazar has some nice long-term fantasy value as a starter. Otherwise, the right hander could be an excellent arm out of the pen.
Fernando Rodney - Fernando Rodney picked up his 27th save with an easy 9th against the Giants. Rodney had a rough start to 2013, but he's settled down nicely and now owns a 3.74 ERA and 2.99 xFIP. Rodney's striking out more than 12 batters per nine innings and owns a 31% K%. He's definitely struggling with his control as his BB/9 has jumped from 1.81 in 2012 to 5.52 this season. However, this shouldn't be too surprising considering that Rodney owns a career 12% BB%, but somehow posted a 5% mark in 2012. He wasn't going to repeat that feat in 2013. With excellent strikeout numbers and a great GB% of 52%, Rodney should remain a very good closer option moving forward, especially playing for the high-flying Rays.
Felix Doubront - Felix Doubront gave up 0 ER on five hits with five strikeouts in seven innings against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. The lefty now sports a 3.56 ERA and 3.82 xFIP for the season. I'm bullish on Doubront because of his excellent strikeout ability (24% K% in 2012, 21% K% in 2013), improving GB% (5% increase to 48% this season) and HR/FB% (16% in 2012 vs. 7% in 2013). He also had solid peripherals stats last season when he posted a 3.81 xFIP and struck out more than a batter per inning. Doubront can be an asset in deeper leagues over the final two months and has nice upside thanks to all those strikeouts.
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