Odubel Herrera (OF-PHI): Odubel Herrera, the Rule 5 pick from the Rangers, continued to impress with the Phillies, going 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 BB from the leadoff spot, although it wasn't enough to tame the red-hot Red Sox. At a $3500 Labor Day price, he makes for an excellent play on the all-day slate on DraftKings. While his BABIP is .383, his 22% linedrive rate and plus speed suggest the mark isn't heavily inflated (likely 10-15 points). He'll have to improve his EYE, and continue to make strides against lefties, but his improvements across the board in the second half suggest he'll do just that. More valuable in ROTO than in points leagues, Herrera is a name to remember when filling our the back end of your OF in 2016.
Joe Ross (SP-WAS): The Nats' bats bailed out Joe Ross, who lasted only 4 and 1/3 innings after allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks while failing to strikeout one Brave. This makes 4 sub-par outings in his last 6, as Ross, who has struggled with his control, appears to be showing signs of fatigue. While this is unfortunate for the Nats, this may be a blessing in disguise for prospective fantasy owners, as Ross has a bright future ahead. Even with the recent stretch, he has induced a 35% chase rate and 12% swinging-strike rate, not to mention a near 50% groundball rate. Mark him down for a potential mid-round steal in 2016, but be careful with his usage down the stretch.
Joey Votto (1B-CIN): While a real-world MVP is unlikely for Joey Votto (thanks to an overall brutal supporting cast), he continues to make his case for fantasy MVP, as the veteran went 1 for 2 with 2 runs and 3 BB's to push his season line to a stellar .318/.462/.565 and lead the Reds over the Brewers. Votto has a .437 wOBA and a 1.13 EYE, and he's on pace to hit the most homers he has in a season since his MVP campaign. However, his 22% HR/FB rate isn't sustainable with the 102 MPH speed off bat and 398 feet as average distance on his homers. He's great once again, but I sense he'll be over-drafted--especially in ROTO leagues--in 2016.
Rubby De La Rosa (SP-ARI): Rubby De La Rosa allowed 3 earned runs in 5 innings, taking the loss against the Cubs. Rubby has posted a volatile 2015, with bouts of greatness sprinkled in with shows of wildness and flat, hittable stuff. Overall, however, I see Rubby developing into a fantasy asset, one that will return #4 SP value in 2016. His 17% HR/FB should regress, and I see him improving upon his 18% K-rate, as the swing-and-miss stuff is there. His GB rate is already near 50%, while his BB-rate is a respectable 7%. The next frontier for Rubby will be developing a more effective change, as hitters (according to Brooks) are slugging .591 on 489 offerings.
Gregory Polanco (OF-PIT): For those looking to save some money for other elite bats or one of those elite starters, Gregory Polanco ($3300) may be the value play of the day at DraftKings. Anthony DeSclafani has allowed a .391 wOBA vs. lefties at home, while Polanco, who has made quality adjustments in the second half, has done the majority of his damage against righties.
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