Carlos Rodon (P-CHW): Carlos Rodon won after allowing two hits and three walks with 11 strikeouts over eight scoreless innings vs. the Indians. Rodon threw 73 of his 108 pitches for strikes and induced eight groundball outs in an important bounceback start. While he has looked inconsistent from start-to-start, overall, the left-hander has made some important improvements in his control while incorporating more changeups into his arsenal. His 14 percent homer-to-flyball rate should normalize, and if he continues along the development path, Rodon can deliver huge value. The surface stats will likely make the price right in 2017.
Jharel Cotton (P-OAK): Jharel Cotton won after allowing one run on three hits and no walks with five strikeouts over seven innings vs. the Rangers. Although he got lost in the prospect shuffle behind Julio Urias and Jose De Leon, Cotton brings a plus arsenal and mound presence that should make him a must-own option in all standard formats. Cotton's 4.69 xFIP and 16 percent strikeout rate through his first four starts may keep his value down, but he showed plenty of swing-and-miss ability in challenging environments in the high minors. Buy.
Eduardo Rodriguez (P-BOS): Eduardo Rodriguez took the no-decision after allowing one run on three hits and two walks with 13 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings vs. the Rays. The left-hander has allowed three runs and has posted a 20:3 K:BB ratio over his last 11 2/3 innings. Thanks to several adjustments, including mound positioning, EROD has pushed his swinging strike rate past 10 percent, his chase rate past 33 percent, and his first pitch strike rate past 60 while maintaining a below average hard hit rate. He's still developing, but I love the upside and will be watching how he progresses in the postseason. He's a must-own in all formats and should be started unless ratio protection is more important than counting stat chasing.
Joe Musgrove (SP-HOU): Joe Musgrove won after allowing one run on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts over seven innings vs. the Angels. The man loves the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park, as he has now allowed seven earned run over 36 innings with a 37:9 K:BB ratio. He only walked three percent of the batters he faced in the upper minors and is gaining confidence with attacking MLB hitters with his stuff. He doesn't have an overpower fastball, but given the deep arsenal and plus control, he could post number-four-type numbers as soon as 2017. His final start is scheduled for next weekend at the Angels, so view him as a high-risk, high-reward option down the stretch.
Nomar Mazara (OF-TEX): Matt Garza has allowed a .369 wOBA to lefties and a .395 mark on the road. Mazara has hit 19 of 20 homers against right-handers while posting a .346 wOBA (.340 at home), and after experiencing a power outage in the middle of the season the youngster has rediscovered his power stroke in September. Global Life Park is 6th in overall Park Factors, and with the weather expected to cooperate, look for ideal conditions for Mazara to mash.
