Graham Ashcraft-Reds-SP
Graham Ashcraft went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 4 H, 1 BB, and 6 K's against the Pirates. Ashcraft had a strong spring (2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and 25-2 K:BB). He had the velocity a year ago (97.2 mph) but lacked a breaking ball to get swing and misses. This spring he changed the grip on his slider and has seemed to find a true strikeout pitch. Ashcraft displayed two-thirds of an elite skillset a year ago in 55% GB and 7% BB. The only thing missing was the strikeouts, so if he can continue to miss bats he could be a breakout pitcher for 2023.
Jeffrey Springs-Rays-SP
Jeffrey Springs went 6 IP and gave up 0 ER on 0 H, 1 BB, and 12 K's against the Tigers. Springs pitched very well in 2022 for the Rays (2.46 ERA and 107 WHIP in 135.1 IP). The most impressive part was that he had been a reliever for the past four seasons so it was his first go around as a starter. He displayed very strong skills as a starter (26% K, 6% BB, and 3.32 SIERA). This is why his draft price continued to rise as we got closer to the start of the season. The Rays put their pitchers in a position to succeed and he should be able to clear the 150 IP mark if he stays healthy which will help boost his overall value. He's got a great matchup next time out at home against the Athletics.
Joe Ryan-Twins-SP
Joe Ryan went 6 IP and gave up 1 ER on 3 H, 2 BB, and 6 K's against the Royals. Ryan had a very strong 2022 season (3.55 ERA and 1.10 WHIP) across 147 IP. He displayed good core skills (25% K, 8% BB, and 3.98 SIERA). Ryan is an extreme flyball pitcher (54% FB) which leads to a lower BABIP but also leads to a higher home run rate (1.22 HR/9). The good news coming into 2023 is that he has added two new pitches this spring. He went to Driveline to better his offspeed pitches. Ryan is now throwing a sweeper slider and split-finger changeup. The upside of more strikeouts makes Ryan a nice breakout candidate. Unfortunately, he gets a tough matchup against the Astros next time out.
Nolan Gorman-Cardinals-2B
Nolan Gorman was 2-4 with 2 HR in the Cardinals win. Gorman has started each of the Cardinals first three games as the DH. They have faced three right-handers so it will be interesting to see if he is still in there when they face a left-hander. Gorman is coming off his up-and-down rookie debut. He hit .226 with 14 HR, 44 R, 35 RBI, and 1 SB. He displayed the ability to hit for power (14 HR, 14% Barrels, 48% FB, and 43% Hardhit) but struggled to make contact (33% K). The bad news is that he struck out 36% of the time in Spring Training so there isn't much to point toward for a breakout season for Gorman despite the two home runs today. The strikeout rate is going to limit his production and playing time.
Jonathan India-Reds-2B
Jonathan India was 2-4 with a run against the Pirates. He has been hitting leadoff for the Reds to start the year which is a great spot for his fantasy value. He is coming off a disappointing 2022 (.249 AVG with 10 HR, 48 R, 41 RBI, and 3 SB in 103 GP). The good news is that he is healthy and looks prime for a bounce-back season. India already has 1 HR/1 SB which is great to see because his fantasy appeal is the power and speed with a good batting average. It doesn't hurt that he will play half his games in Great American Ballpark which is one of the best hitter's parks in the league.
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