Braxton Garrett-Marlins-SP
Braxton Garrett went 6 IP and gave up 0 ER on 5 H, 3 BB, and 2 K's against the Braves. On the year, Garrett has a 3.67 ERA and 1.21 WHIP through 12 GS. The skills underneath the hood look great. He is missing bats (26% K and 13% SwStr), limiting free passes (5% BB), and getting ground balls (45% GB). This is all without mentioning the benefit of pitching in Miami which is a pitcher-friendly environment. He's got a true four-pitch mix (FB, SL, CB, & CH). Garrett has seen an increase in velocity on all of his pitches this year which has helped out tremendously. This looks like a true breakout for the 25-year-old left-hander.
Shane Bieber-Guardians-SP
Shane Bieber went 7 IP and gave up 2 ER on 8 H, 0 BB, and 6 K's against the Blue Jays. On the year, Bieber has a 3.18 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through 138.2 IP. His strikeout rate has come down (25% K) with his velocity. He continues to have success based on his arsenal and ability to command the strike zone (6% BB). His 3.32 SIERA backs up what he has done and while his velocity is not the same he is still an above-average starter. The only difference is that he doesn't have the elite ceiling he once had when he was throwing 94 mph instead of 91 mph. He gets the White Sox at home next time out which is a good matchup.
Brady Singer-Royals-SP
Brady Singer went 6 IP and gave up 0 ER on 1 H, 3 BB, and 7 K's against the Dodgers. Singer has turned himself into one of the better young arms in the game which is a pleasant surprise considering the state of the Royals pitching development. He has a 3.29 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through 104 IP. Singer has good control (6% BB), gets ground balls (46% GB), and misses enough bats (25% K) to be an above-average starter. His 3.34 SIERA backs that up. One of the changes he has made this year is throwing fewer fastballs and more changeups which allows him to have three pitches he can throw at any time. The changeup can also be used against left-handed batters which is important when trying to get through the lineup multiple times. His next start will come on the road against the Rays which is a good matchup.
Josh Naylor-Guardians-OF
Josh Naylor was 2-5 with 1 RBI against the Blue Jays. Naylor is having a strong season for the Guardians. He is hitting .274 with 15 HR, 33 R, 57 RBI, and 3 SB. Naylor is combining good plate skills (7% BB and 17% K) with improved quality of contact (36% FB, 10% Barrels, and 43% Hardhit). It isn't an elite profile but getting Naylor late in drafts or on waivers has been a huge value for fantasy managers this year. There is nothing in his profile to suggest that this breakout isn't real. The only concern is if someone expected a higher batting average given his strikeout rate because he does chase out of the zone (38% O-swing) a fair amount. Other than that, Naylor has a very solid profile across the board.
Aaron Ashby-Brewers-SP
Aaron Ashby went 6 IP and gave up 2 ER on 3 H, 2 BB, and 5 K's against the Cardinals. Ashby has now made 16 starts at the major league level this year and has a 4.24 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. The strikeouts have been there (27% K and 13% SwStr) but his control has been suspect (11% BB). He has also been on the other side of luck this year as well (71% LOB and .312 BABIP). His 3.61 SIERA is a better indicator of his skills and potential even with a higher walk rate. Ashby has a good matchup coming up this week against the Cubs.
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