NL Player Analysis - April 13, 2018

Preston Tucker (OF-ATL) Tucker went 2-4 with his third home run, a 3-run shot in the Braves 4-0 victory over Cubs. Tucker, thought of as a placeholder until Ronald Acuna got the call has more than held his own slashing a solid .308/.349/.590 and leading Atlanta with 12 RBIs. The power should come as no surprise as Tucker his 24 and 25 home runs in back to back season in Houston's Farm system, but struggled in his last major league stint in 2016 (.164/.222/.328 in 48 games). If Tucker continues his strong play it will most likely allow the Braves to let Acuna stay in the minors a little longer and reward fantasy owners who took a chance on the 27 year old.

Luke Weaver (SP-STL) Weaver (2-0) picked up the win striking out 7 in 6 innings vs the Reds Friday night. Weaver cruised through the first 6 innings before allowing a 2-run homer run to Devin Mesoraco in the 7th, but the Cardinal bullpen was able to hold the lead for him. Weaver has allowed 2 runs or less in all 3 starts to open the season while sporting a 2.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, striking out 17 all while holding opponents to a .156 batting average against. Weaver's next start will come Wednesday vs the Cubs and Yu Darvish.

Carlos Gonzalez (OF-COL) Gonzalez Provided all the offense the Rockies needed Friday night in the Rockies 2-1 victory over the Nationals. Gonzalez Slugged a solo home run, his 3rd of the season in the 4th inning and added the go ahead sacrifice fly in the 6th. Gonzalez's 3 early home runs are a welcome sign to fantasy owners, as he hit his lowest total (14) when playing in 100+ game in his career in 2017. With Charlie Blackmon currently banged up, Gonzalez should see regular at bats going forward but will need to improve on his current .255/.278/.510 slash line and his uninspiring 2:15 BB:K ratio to help keep the Rockies competitive until their All-Star center fielder returns.

Vince Velasquez (SP-PHI) Velasquez held Tampa Bay in Check Friday night, scattering 4 hits over 6 and 2/3 innings allowing 1 earned run, walking 1 and striking out 7 but was left with a no decision in Philadelphia's 2-1 win. The outing was eerily similar his previous outing (6 ip, 4 hits, 1 er, 6k) where he picked up his first victory of the season. Currently sporting a 3.52 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 17 strikeouts in 15 innings, it is a good sign that Velasquez has been able pitch deeper into games as his pitch count has always been an issue. Despite the past two quality starts, owners should hold their expectations in check since the games were against the Marlins and Rays. His next start will be vs Atlanta next Wednesday which knocked in out of the ballgame in the third inning in his first start of the season.

Jeurys Familia (RP-NYM)
Familia pitched a perfect 9th inning, striking out 1 in the Mets 6-5 win over the Brewers Friday night. Familia needed just 13 pitches to retire the side and picked up his Major League Leading 7th save. He has been lights out during the Mets 11-1 start, having not allowed an earned run in 8 appearances and allowing just 4 hits and 3 walks. Familia has been effective mixing and matching his fastball (73.5%), Slider (23.5%) and the occasional split-fingered fastball (93.4%).

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