Justin Masterson-Cardinals-SP
Justin Masterson went 6 innings and gave up 5 ER on 7 hits, 3 BB, and 4 strikeouts in his debut against the Brewers. Masterson has had a disappointing 2014 season, but a move to the National League and a right-hand dominant division, should allow Masterson to have success. Masterson owns a 5.51 ERA over 98 innings. Masterson problem has been control (5.14 BB/9). The Cardinals have a track record of being able to work with pitchers and Masterson has a 4.04 xFIP, which suggests that he has been better than his ERA. It is not inconceivable to think that Masterson can be great down the stretch if he can control his pitches.
Jacob deGrom-Mets-SP
Jacob deGrom went 7.1 innings and gave up 2 ER on 4 hits, a walk, and 7 strikeouts in the win against the Giants. deGrom owns a 2.77 ERA over 94.1 innings. He has a solid 8.59 K/9, but his walks are little high at 3.21 BB/9. deGrom has a 3.44 xFIP, which suggest that he has been outperforming his counting stats. This is most likely due to his walk rate, low BABIP (.240), and 80% LOB rate. deGrom has the potential to be an above average pitcher, but he is in the SP#3 range for the rest of the year.
A.J. Burnett-Phillies-SP
A.J. Burnett went 1.2 innings and gave up 1 ER, but ejected in the second for arguing balls and strikes. Burnett has been hindered by a sports hernia that will more than likely require surgery after the season is over. Burnett's xFIP of 3.97 is close to his 4.15 ERA, which means that he has not been lucky or unlucky in 2014. The reason for his lack of success can be summed up in his increased BB rate (3.85, from 3.16 in 2013) and decreased K rate (7.40 from 9.85 in 2013). Burnett has been putting more people on base and has had trouble missing bats, which has led to the higher ERA and lack of success. Burnett (37yrs old) is not getting any younger and the chance of him turning it around this year, are not encouraging.
Nathan Eovaldi-Marlins-SP
Nathan Eovaldi went 7 innings and gave up 1 ER on just 2 hits, 2 BB, and 6 strikeouts in the win against the Reds. Eovaldi has a 4.37 ERA over 136 innings and a 6.15 K/9. Eovaldi's xFIP of 3.98 and SIERA of 4.03 indicates that Eovaldi has pitched slightly better than his traditional stats indicate. Eovaldi has a great fastball (95.6 mph), but lacks the secondary pitches to dominate hitters. The good news for fantasy owners is that Eovaldi doesn't hurt himself with walks (1.85 BB/9). However, until Eovaldi develops a put away pitch, he will remain a league average pitcher.
Homer Bailey-Reds-SP
Homer Bailey went 7 innings and gave up 1 ER on 3 hits, 3 BB and 5 strikeouts in the loss to the Marlins. Bailey owns a 3.89 ERA over 138.2 innings with 116 strikeouts and 44 walks. Bailey has a xFIP of 3.59 and SIERA of 3.64, which means that he has pitched much better than his traditional stats indicate. Bailey enjoyed a very fine July, where he posted a 2.67 ERA over 27 innings and batters hit .192 against him. Bailey seems to be finally hitting his stride and getting back to the above average starter we saw in 2013.
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