Josh Beckett (SP-LAN). The Josh Beckett comeback tour continued on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia, as Beckett spun the first no-hitter of the 2014 season against the Phillies, striking out 6 and allowing only 3 walks. Beckett now has a 2.43 ERA for the season. However, it is unlikely that he will be able to maintain this success. Beckett is benefiting from a .211 BABIP and an 85.4% strand rate, which means his below-3 ERA is simply not sustainable. Beckett's 4.00 FIP indicates that regression will not be kind when it hits, making Beckett a good sell high candidate for those who own him.
Randy Wolf (SP-MIA). The Marlins handed the ball to the venerable Randy Wolf on Sunday against the Brewers and the results were predictable for a pitcher in his late 30s who hadn't made a start in the majors for over two years. Wolf lasted only 5 innings, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits and one walk, with 3 Ks. Given his age and the long layoff after injury, Wolf is unlikely to have any fantasy value in 2014, even in the deepest of leagues, especially since he's likely only keeping a rotation spot warm for Andrew Heaney.
A.J. Burnett (SP-PHI). Burnett was Beckett's mound opponent on Sunday and he was unable to match his counterpart's success as he gave up 4 ER (6 overall) on 11 hits over 7 innings while walking 1 and striking out 3. Burnett has been unable to duplicate last year's success, as he now sports a 3.51 ERA, although he hasn't really pitched as well as that number would indicate. Burnett's FIP is 4.30 and he is walking 4.19 per 9 even after today's 1 walk performance. Burnett is attempting to pitch through a hernia, which appears to be affecting his control, as he is walking more than 1 more batter per nine than he did last year. With the Phillies going nowhere, it would not be a shock if Burnett ultimately decided to shut it down and get his hernia repaired. Sell if you can.
Yusmeiro Petit (SP-SF). With Matt Cain missing the start because of a hamstring issue, Petit will get the ball on Monday against the Cubs. This provides NL only and daily leaguers with a pretty good streaming option, because while Petit's overall numbers (4.76 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) are not that attractive, his peripherals indicate that he has pitched better than those numbers would indicate and pitching at home against the woeful Cubs offense should lead to a good outing for Petit.
Maikel Franco (3B-PHI). With Cody Asche going on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, the Phils are giving "serious though" to calling up Franco to fill their 3B hole. The probability of such a move seems high, because it is unlikely that the Phillies want to go too long with a Cesar Hernandez/Reid Brignac combo at the hot corner. Franco's overall AAA numbers (.235/.312/.365 with 4 HR) are less than inspiring, but Franco got off to a horrible start and has been hitting much better recently. Keep in mind that he did hit 31 HR combined between high A and AA last year. Owners in NL only leagues where he is still available should try to stash him, while mixed leaguers can probably take a wait and see attitude, unless their leagues have very deep benches.
