Byron Buxton (OF-MIN): While the Twins bats squeaked out the win, Bryon Buxton continued to struggle, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. The former top-prospect now carries a 9:70 BB:K ratio in 182 plate appearances with one homer and seven steals. Quite simply, he isn't making enough contact (68% contact rate, 15% swinging-strike rate), and when he does, he isn't making the solid variety (27% hard-hit rate). The problem for keeper leaguers is that his value has dropped so far that it now makes sense to hold. I wouldn't give him away and still believe in the talent. Some guys take the long route.
Evan Gattis (C/DH-HOU): Evan Gattis went hitless in two at-bats before exiting in the game in the fifth inning after being hit with a pitch on the right hand. X-rays came back negative and Gattis is now listed as day-to-day. Gattis has posted a 297 wOBA and 82 wRC+, and while he has been unfortunate with a .240 BABIP, his hard-hit rate is on the decline and doesn't support more than a 10-15 point bump in the second-half. With Guerriel and Bregman looming, Gattis may find himself struggling to find AB's as we move towards August.
Mike Zunino (C-SEA): Mike Zunino hit a 2-run homer, helping to take an ineffective Felix Hernandez off the hook. Zunino posted a .286/.376/.521 line with 17 homers in 79 games in the PCL. The former first-round pick has struggled with wrinkles, but the M's sound serious about giving him a significant share of the AB's behind the plate, as they want to see what they have for 2017. While not an advisable points league play, Zunino should be scooped up in all ROTO leagues where power is needed.
Michael Pineda (P-NYY): The good Michael Pineda showed up yesterday in the Bronx, tossing six scoreless innings and striking out eight in earning the W. Pineda has posted a 127:29 K:BB ratio in 106 innings with a 5.25 ERA/3.25 xFIP. Owners have been waiting for the positive regression to kick in, and his .342 BABIP and 18% HR/FB rate suggest more could be on the horizon. Pineda has been one of baseball's biggest enigmas this season, but the stuff, as indicated by the underlying numbers, is better than ever. If you are in the middle of the pitching pack and need to take a risk, give Pineda a whirl.
Eduardo Nunez (INF-MIN): Set for a matchup against Cy-Young contender Steven Wright in Boston today, Eduardo Nunez ($3200) makes for an intriguing contrarian play, especially in tournaments. Nunez has posted a solid .333 wOBA against righties with a 13% K-rate and 17 stolen bases. Wright, who has been fantastic in 2016, is due for some regression as indicated by his 2.78 ERA/4.43 xFIP. He has allowed a wOBA 39-points higher to righties and one 58-points higher at home.
