John Lackey (SP-BOS). Lackey had a strong outing in a no decision against the Rays on Friday nights, hurling 7 shutout innings and giving up only 5 hits and one walk, while striking out 3 and dropping his ERA to 3.58. Lackey is proving that his comeback performance in 2013 was no fluke, as his performance in 2014 has been equally, if not more, solid. Lackey has posted an elite 8.13 K/9, 1.93 BB/9 and his peripherals (3.29 FIP, 3.32 xFIP) indicate that there should still be some positive regression in his ERA. Lackey is a recommended add/acquisition target.
Danny Duffy (SP-KC). Duffy made his fourth start of the season against the Angels Friday night and went 6 innings, giving up 5 ER on 9 hits, with 2 Ks and 2 BBs. Duffy is not a recommended add, even in AL only leagues, unless and until he can show better command of the strike zone (10.0% BB rate so far in 2014).
Scott Baker (SP-TEX). With their starting pitchers dropping like flies, the Rangers turned to Baker for a start against the Tigers on Friday night, with predictable results. Baker did manage to last 6 innings, but he gave up 6 ER on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out only one. Given the injuries in the Texas rotation, Baker is likely to keep his rotation spot, despite the rocky outing, but he is not a recommended add, even in AL only leagues, given his minimal strikeout rate and the unlikelihood of his managing an ERA under 4.50.
Brad Peacock (SP-HOU). Peacock was scratched from his start on Friday night with forearm soreness, but he is not expected to go on the DL and is currently expected to make his next sart for the Astros. While his K rate is an encouraging 21.5%, his BB rate is an atrocious 14.6%, which has led to an ugly 6.00 BB:9 rate. Unless and until he can get better control of the strike zone (which he has not yet shown the ability to do at the major league level), Peacock should be avoided in all formats, because the potential for disaster starts far outweighs the potential benefit in Ks.
Scott Kazmir (SP-OAK). Kazmir was a hard luck loser on Friday night as he was hung with a loss despite hurling 7 innings of 5 hit, 3 run ball against Toronto. Even though Kazmir managed only 2 strikeouts, he is still posting a solid 20.4% K rate and all indications are that he should be able to meet if not exceed the numbers he posted in his surprising 2013 comeback. His FB velocity is slightly up over 2013 and his 3.06 FIP indicates that his current ERA should be sustainable. Kazmir should continue to provide solid value for his owners, especially relative to his average draft position/auction value.
