Jake Lamb (3B-ARI): Jake Lamb went 2-for-5, hitting his 27th homer to lead the D-backs. While Lamb's average and home run rate have fallen off in the second half, his peripherals suggest that he's been the victim of bad luck, as he has posted a .234 BABIP despite a 39 percent hard hit rate. Look for a strong finish from the youngster and keep an eye on his progression vs. lefties to determine his 2017 value.
Jake Arrieta (P-CHC): Jake Arrieta took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) over six innings vs. Madison Bumgarner and the Giants. Arrieta's 3.71 xFIP suggests that more regression looms. While his numbers are still solid across the board, they are trending in the wrong direction (especially in the walk, strikeout, and hard hit departments). With the Cubs on the verge of clinching, look for Arrieta to receive plenty of rest down the stretch.
Billy Hamilton (OF-CIN): Billy Hamilton went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored to spark the Reds over the Cardinals. That he's leading the Bigs in steals is no surprise. What is a surprise, however, is how he's making adjustments across the board, especially in the batted ball profile department, where he has elevated his ground ball rate by five percent. The gains are subtle but real and make Hamilton an elite ROTO option.
Andrew McCutchen (P-PIT): Chase Anderson has allowed a .370 wOBA away and a .402 mark to righties. Cutch has his 14 of his 19 homers against righties while posting a .329 wOBA (a mark 34 points higher than the one he has posted against lefties). Perez has posted a .339 wOBA vs. lefties, and with the prospect of a depleted Bucs pen on tap, it could be a big day for Perez. At $3300 the price is right.
Jose de Leon (P-LAD): FanDuel tournament players looking to work in an all-day or late lineup can look to Jose de Leon at $7500, who is making his MLB debut at home vs. the Padres. De Leon has been flying under the radar among potential call ups and I'm not sure why. He posted a 111:20 K:BB ratio with a 2.61 ERA n 16 Triple-A starts in the PCL and has dominated at every MiLB level. While the reigns may be tightened early on, the upside is tremendous against a struggling Padres lineup.
