Dan Haren-Marlins-SP
Dan Haren picked up his first win Wednesday by giving up 2 ER over 7 IP on 3 H, 2 BB, and 5 K. Haren is in a good spot in Miami, pitching half his games in a pitcher friendly park. However, he is no spring chicken (34 yr. old), but he does know how to pitch. He only averages 86 mph on his fastball, but does a nice job of mixing and matching with his cutter, splitter, and curve. Haren has seen a dip in his strikeouts and that has been followed by a significant drop in his SwStr% to 7%, which is below average. In his first start of 2015, he saw only a 2.5% SwStr rate, which is not good. It is a small sample size, but Haren's stuff is diminishing and he is not striking hitters out, which makes him irrelevant in fantasy except for NL only leagues.
Gio Gonzalez-Nationals-SP
Gio Gonzalez was able to pick up his first victory of the year in the 10-5 win over the Red Sox. Gonzalez was not at his best on Wednesday and gave up 4 ER over 6 IP. Gonzalez has a 5.11 ERA through his first two starts. Gonzalez really picked up his SwStr% last season to 10.7, which should lead to a small increase in strikeouts and more importantly help him lower his ERA. Don't panic as he is only two starts into his season and should be fine heading forward.
Ian Desmond-Nationals-SS
Ian Desmond was 1-4 with a homerun and a walk in the win against the Red Sox. Desmond has been struggling in the field and at the plate to start 2015. He is in a contract year, so the pressure might be getting to him. Desmond has three straight 20/20 seasons from the SS position, which is elite. Desmond also boasts an elite BBS of 106.5. With just a little bit of lift, it is not out of the question for Desmond to reach 30/20 status. Desmond can be a streaky player, so don't panic and make any rash decisions in the early going.
Matt Carpenter-Cardinals-3B
Matt Carpenter was 2-4 with a RBI and a run scored in the win against the Cardinals. Carpenter has started off the 2015 season strong, by hitting .345 with 1 HR and 6 RBI. Many fantasy owners were disappointed with Carpenter in 2014 after his breakout 2013 season. Carpenter is not going to provide the usual power production from third base. He is going to provide value in terms of XBH, average, and runs scored. He makes great contact (90%) and should be an on base machine for the Cardinals and have the ability to score a ton of runs.
Chase Anderson-Diamondbacks-SP
Chase Anderson threw 6 IP and gave up 2 ER on 8 H, 1 BB, and 5 K. Anderson throws a three-pitch mix that consists of a fastball, curve, and change-up. Anderson has an average fastball and curve, but boasts an elite change-up that got a 13% SwStr rate in 2014. Anderson has the stuff to succeed at the big level, but has yet to see the results. He posted a 5.40 ERA, but a 3.67 xFIP, which I think is closer to his real talent. He has decent strikeout numbers (8.27 K/9), an elite change-up, and good command. So a breakout could be coming for young right-hander.
DFS Play of the Day
Lucas Duda-Mets-1B
Lucas Duda is swinging a hot bat to start 2015. He is slashing .353/1/7 with a .405 OBP. Duda absolutely crushes RHP (.394 wOBA and .270 ISO). He gets the matchup with righty Jared Cosart. There aren't many options on Thursday, but Duda has a good matchup and is decently priced at $3,900.
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