Max Fried lost a perfect game bid in the 6th inning before getting through the sixth just allowing a single. This was Fried's first start of the season. He shows some promise; he had limited time in the majors last year, both as reliever and starter, but his 3.77 SIERA and 12.8% SwStr% are intriguing as a potential flier. He's just 25 and a former first overall pick (#7). He's worth a shot.
Iron man Nick Markakis had his biggest night of the year, starting the game 4-for-4 with his third hit being a 3-RBI double. Markakis had a much improved 2018, though it's unclear whether that will translate for 2019. Markakis best skill is his health and durability - he has AVERAGED 670 PA the last 13 years. He'll likely have above average RBI, but the rest of his numbers will be near league average.
Yu Darvish was chased after 4 innings, allowing 3 ER with an alarming 4 walks. Granted, the weather was horrendous in Atlanta with a constant rain, but Darvish hasn't been effective since 2017, so there are already reasons to be worried. Darvish will take some time to get back to 100%, and perhaps warmer weather will help, but until then, don't expect ace results.
Since going 2-for-4 with a HR in the season opener, Bobby Cano has gone just 4-for-28 with 1 XBH. He was 0-for-3 yesterday. Cano, 36, has five years left on his contract and a lot of question marks around his skill level. He's yet to find a groove (or granted, an opportunity to) following last year's suspension. It's very very early, but color me skeptical. Cano has no walks and a 24% K rate so far.
Early returns on Wilson Ramos have been significant as he's the hottest catcher in the game right now. Ramos is batting a robust .474 following his two-hit effort against Stephen Strasburg yesterday. Ramos is arguably the best catcher option in the game when healthy - which is a big caveat. He has just one strikeout in twenty plate appearances so far.
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