Roansy Contreras-Pirates-SP
Roansy Contreras went 5 IP and gave up 5 ER on 9 H, 3 BB, and 4 K's against the Blue Jays. Contreras has a 4.74 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through seven starts. His strikeout rate has fallen even more (19% K) and his walk rate has ballooned (11% BB). Both are very concerning. Throw in a decline in velocity (94.1 mph, -1.5 mph) and we should be very concerned. His 5.20 SIERA reflects that concern. At this point, it would be wise to move on from Contreras unless he shows drastic improvement in his next couple of starts. He starts on the road against the Orioles next week.
Taijuan Walker-Phillies-SP
Taijuan Walker went 6 IP and gave up 1 ER on 3 H, 0 BB, and 6 K's against the Red Sox. Walker has been a disaster for the Phillies this year. He has a 5.97 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through seven starts. The main culprit in his struggles has been a career-high walk rate (13% BB). It is nearly double his walk rate from a year ago (7% BB). He is also giving up a ton of barrels (11%) which has resulted in a career-high 29% HR/FB. His velocity is also down on all of his pitches which could be one reason they are less effective. Walker is a full-on avoid at this point despite today's strong start. He gets a Coors Field start next week which makes it even easier to avoid Walker.
Eddie Rosario-Braves-OF
Eddie Rosario was 1-4 with 2 K's against the Orioles. Rosario has been playing regularly which means against all RHP and the occasional LHP. He is hitting fifth in the lineup against RHP which is a great spot to be with Acuna, Olson, Riley, and Murphy in front of him. Rosario is hitting .250 with 3 HR, 11 R, 10 RBI, and 1 SB in 30 GP. He has fixed his vision issues and has seen the hard contact come back (10% Barrels, 41% Hardhit, and a career-high 110.4 mph maxEV). Add in good plate skills (25% K and 6% BB) and Rosario becomes viable in deeper mixed leagues. He's hitting well and in a great lineup so take a shot on Rosario if you need help in the outfield.
Masataka Yoshida-Red Sox-OF
Masataka Yoshida was 2-4 against the Phillies. Yoshida is hitting .321 with 6 HR, 22 R, 24 RBI, and 2 SB. He has been as good as advertised in the early going. Yoshida has shown above-average plate skills (10% BB and 9% K) to go along with high-quality contact (10% Barrels and 49% Hardhit). He looks like a .290-.300 hitter with 25 HR potential hitting in the middle of the Red Sox lineup. Yoshida had a lot of hype coming both positive and negative coming into draft season and he has shown that he can play in the MLB.
Kris Bryant-Rockies-OF
Kris Bryant was 2-5 with an HR (5), 1 R, and 3 RBI against the Mets. Bryant is hitting .300 with 5 HR, 14 R, 13 RBI, and 0 SB. The good is that he has been healthy and has hit for average (.2300 AVG) with good plate skills (18% K and 11% BB). The bad news is that he does not hit the ball hard (6% Barrel and 31% Hardhit) and his counting stats are not great due to the Rockies lineup. Bryant is no longer the player that we once knew so making the mental adjustment is key. He projects as a .280-.290 hitter with 20 HR and average counting stats. Bryant is no longer a fantasy superstar.
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