George Springer-Astros-OF
George Springer was 1-4 with a double and a RBI against the Braves. Springer is hitting .256 with 7 HR and 18 RBI out of the leadoff spot for the Astros. He has lowered his strikeout rate to 20% but along with that has come a decline in his walk rate as well. This has lowered his OBP, which was always a strong suit of his despite a poor batting average. He is hitting the ball fairly hard at 31% but the real concern with Springer is the increase in ground balls (54%). He isn't running so he needs the power to be above average to maintain value and he is going to have a hard time hitting 30+ HR with a 30% FB. He is seeing a large increase in sliders this year, which is a concern because he does not have the greatest bat speed. He still hits in a loaded lineup and has the skills to hit for power, so the concern level is still low at this point.
Ben Gamel-Mariners-OF
Ben Gamel was 2-4 with 2 R and 2 BB against the Phillies. Gamel has found an everyday job with Mitch Haniger on the DL. Gamel hitting at the top of the order against right-handed pitchers. He is hitting .373 with 2 HR and 11 RBI over 14 games. Gamel is likely just running hot as he has a 32% K rate, which will not bode well for his average going forward. The positives are a 42% Hard hit rate and 16% BB. He could find playing time even when Haniger comes back with the way Jarrod Dyson has played to start the year. He is worth the pick up at this point.
Wade Miley-Orioles-SP
Wade Miley went 5 IP and gave up 2 ER on 5 H, 4 BB, and 5 K's against the Nationals. Miley has a 2.45 ERA (3.73 FIP) over his first seven starts. Miley's skills are all over the place. He is posting a career high strikeout rate (29%) on an average SwStr (9.4%). He is walking 14% of batters while giving up a ton of hard contact (35%), but still, has an ERA under 2.50. His skills scream regression in a bad way and I wouldn't want to be part of watching it happen. He is pitching in the American League East in a home park with some of the most hitter friendly weather during the summer time if you need any more reasons to be skeptical.
Francisco Liriano-Blue Jays-SP
Francisco Liriano went 2 IP and gave up 7 ER on 5 H, 3 BB, and 0 K's against the Indians. Liriano has been his typical self to start the year, very inconsistent. He has a 6.35 ERA (4.72 FIP) while striking out 24% of batters. The bad is that his control has been horrendous this year with 16% BB. He is getting a first pitch strike just over half the time (53%), which is critical for him to set up the rest of his pitches. Hitters are also not chasing his pitches out of the zone like they have in the past, which has put him a lot of bad situations. His home park and league are not forgiving of pitchers with control problems. Liriano belongs on your bench or the waiver wire until he can improve his control.
DFS Value Play
Robbie Grossman-Twins-OF
Robbie Grossman has multiple things working in his favor besides his price. He will likely be hitting leading versus LHP Derek Holland. Grossman is a switch hitter that has shown the ability to hit LHP hard. He has a career .343 wOBA against LHP including 25% LD. Derek Holland is giving up 42% Hard contact to RHB, which is absurd. Fanduel: $3,000
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